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train_12100 | #Person1#: So, what's new in the kitchen? That refrigerator is new, isn't it?
#Person2#: Yes. I needed a large one. Before, I had a separate refrigerator and freezer, but this has both combined into one.
#Person1#: That's usual nowadays. You'Ve added a few shelves too.
#Person2#: Yes. You know I'Ve been cooking more kind of food recently and I needed some extra space for spices and ingredients.
#Person1#: Did you buy new cupboards too?
#Person2#: No, I didn't. I gave them a really good clean, so they just look new. The worktop was in poor condition, so I had a new one added.
#Person1#: I see that you have bought several new pots and pans and utensils.
#Person2#: Yes, I have. I need them to help me with these new dished I'm trying to make. I need a little more practice before I invite guests over.
#Person1#: Looking at the spice rack, I'd say you'Ve been learning how to make asian food.
#Person2#: Yes. I'Ve always likes Indian and thai food, so I'Ve been trying to make dishes from those countries. I'm pretty good at making curries now, but I still need practice at making thai food.
#Person1#: Both kinds of food are becoming popular. Nowadays, it's very easy to pick up the ingredients at the supermarket.
#Person2#: I hope you can stay for dinner. I need a guinea pig! | #Person2# gets a new refrigerator, some shelves, new pots, pans, and utensils for the kitchen. #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# is learning to make Asian food recently. | kitchen |
train_12101 | #Person1#: I'm sorry. Is that bicycle yours?
#Person2#: Yes, it is. What about it?
#Person1#: I backed into it while I was trying to get into the parking lot.
#Person2#: I see.
#Person1#: I'm really sorry. I'll face the music.
#Person2#: Where did you hit it?
#Person1#: Right here. See the scratch?
#Person2#: Oh, Yes, I see it now. | #Person1# hits #Person2#'s bicycle accidentally and apologizes. | accident |
train_12102 | #Person1#: Please file all the reports for me.
#Person2#: OK. Would you like to file them according to dates?
#Person1#: Yes. Will you also make copies and file them using both methods?
#Person2#: Yes, I will.
#Person1#: Good. Can you please also list all the documents in those old files?
#Person2#: When do you expect it to be finished?
#Person1#: Before next Friday.
#Person2#: All right. | #Person1# asks #Person2# to file all the reports and list all the documents in those old files. | assignment |
train_12103 | #Person1#: There was a new quiz show on television last night, but we were just sitting down to dinner when it came on.
#Person2#: I watched it and it was great! The first four contestants won only small prizes, but the fifth left with a new luxury car. | #Person1# and #Person2# talk about a new quiz show. | a quiz show |
train_12104 | #Person1#: I want to open a savings account. What's the proper procedure?
#Person2#: First, you fill out the application form and then we will issue you a passbook.
#Person1#: Is there any minimum for the first deposit?
#Person2#: No, even a dollar is all right. Sir, here's your passbook. Just sign your name on it.
#Person1#: What is the annual interest rate?
#Person2#: It varies from time to time. At present it is 6%.
#Person1#: By the way, can I open a checking account too?
#Person2#: Sure. But you have to deposit enough money before you write out your checks.
#Person1#: Oh, I see. Thank you very much.
#Person2#: My pleasure. | #Person1# wants to open a savings account. #Person2# tells #Person1# the procedure and the annual interest rate. | bank service |
train_12105 | #Person1#: Hi, Mary. Haven't seen you for ages!
#Person2#: Hi, Mr. Jones. Yes, it has been such a long time since we met.
#Person1#: Have you made up your mind to take up business as a career?
#Person2#: Yes. Actually, I've already started. I began my studies at the beginning of this term.
#Person1#: Very glad to hear that. Then what are you going to do when you finish?
#Person2#: Oh, I shall go to Hong Kong to practice there,
#Person1#: That's a good idea. It must be easy to find a job in Hong Kong.
#Person2#: Oh, I think so. You know there are a large number of opportunities for business there.
#Person1#: And English is very useful in your job.
#Person2#: I think it will be very useful in many ways because there is a lot about business written in English. Besides, Hong Kong is an international trade center. English is useful in almost all walks of life.
#Person1#: Then you'll be a very promising businesswoman there.
#Person2#: That's my wish. But I have to suffer now.
#Person1#: No problem. You can do it well, I'm sure.
#Person2#: I hope so. | Mary tells Mr. Jones that she's already taken up business as a career and she will go to Hong Kong to find a job. Mr. Jones believes she will be a promising businesswoman in the future. | be a businesswoman |
train_12106 | #Person1#: What is the difference between a lesson and a lecture?
#Person2#: Well, they are both ways of imparting knowledge, but the main difference is that you participate in a lesson whereas you just listen to a lecture. A lecture is generally given to a much larger group. | #Person2# tells #Person1# the difference between a lesson and a lecture. | lesson and lecture |
train_12107 | #Person1#: Hey, Hey. Why don't we do something fun next week? We have time off. We never do anything fun.
#Person2#: Well ... I don't know. What do you have in mind?
#Person1#: Well, I was thinking like .... Okay. Like the library? The library is ... What? The library is boring. We could do that anytime. Listen. How about on Monday we go down to the lake and go swimming at the lake?
#Person2#: Ah, I don't know. I think it's going to hot that day, and I might get a sunburn. [ Come on! ] You know how tender ... tender my skin is.
#Person1#: wimp! We can do ... Okay. So Monday, we'll go down to the lake. Tuesday, we're going to go mountain biking. Um, it's supposed to be cloudy so your tender skin shouldn't get burned.
#Person2#: Oh, that's sounds great ... but I'd probably crash like I did last time and break my arm or something.
#Person1#: You didn't break your arm last time. You won't break it this time. Come on. We'll go ... So Monday, we'll go to the lake; Tuesday, we're going to go mountain biking. [ Okay. ] Um, Wendesay I was thinking we could go fishing. Remember the last time we went? I caught like 10 huge fish ...
#Person2#: Yeah. I remember. And the only thing I caught was an old boot. And you won't ever, EVER let me forget that one. So, if we do anything, I'd like to enjoy it.
#Person1#: Well, okay then. Um, do you suggest?
#Person2#: Well, alright. Well, we could stay home and uh, you know ... pop some popcorn and play like Scrabble or another board game. Yeah, something like that .... What?
#Person1#: You know, I like board games, but we can do that anytime. Why don't we go ... listen ... Friday or Saturday. We'll do all those things we talked about and then Friday or Saturday, we'll go on a picnic to the mountains. You won't break your arm, you won't get a sunburn. It'll be really pleasant. Let's do that, okay?
#Person2#: Well .....
#Person1#: Come on. Let's do it. It'll be fun.
#Person2#: Okay. We'll give it a try.
#Person1#: Good. | #Person1# and #Person2# are planning to do something fun next week. Ultimately, they decide to go to the lake on Monday, go mountain biking on Tuesday, go fishing on Wednesday, and go on a picnic on Friday or Saturday. | next week's plan |
train_12108 | #Person1#: Hello, this is Dell China. What can I do for you?
#Person2#: I want to order a laptop computer for my wife.
#Person1#: Certainly. What type would you like to buy for her?
#Person2#: AM520.
#Person1#: What color does she want, a black one or a white one?
#Person2#: She prefers a black one.
#Person1#: All right. Have you decided what size to buy? There are different sizes to choose from, from 13-inch ones to 17-inch ones.
#Person2#: Well, I want to buy a 15-inch one. How much does it cost?
#Person1#: 5000 yuan, including the postage. | #Person1# calls #Person2# to order a laptop. With #Person2#'s assistance, #Person1# buys a 15-inch black one. | shopping |
train_12109 | #Person1#: Now Mr. Hardy, has the situation changed since last night?
#Person2#: No, Mrs. Hamilton is still refusing to talk to us. We'd like her to come out peacefully. The police don't want to charge her, but...
#Person1#: Well, it's her home.
#Person2#: But nobody else refused to move. You see, we're going to build over 300 flats in this area in place of the shabby houses. Families are expecting to move into them next year! It's all being delayed because of one person!
#Person1#: But Mrs. Hamilton was born in that house.
#Person2#: Of course. But we have promised to give her a modern flat immediately, a very nice flat for an elderly person living alone.
#Person1#: So, what happens next?
#Person2#: I don't know, but we can't wait forever. The police will have to do something soon. | Mr. Hardy tells #Person2# Mrs. Hamiltion solely refuses to move though she can be offered a nice modern flat immediately. Mr. Hardy will turn to the police for help. | housebreaking and resettlement |
train_12110 | #Person1#: Bob, do you know who I saw the other day? Old Jake, looking terribly depressed. Did he get pensioned off at last?
#Person2#: Yes. They made him retire after 50 years at sea. He is pretty upset about it, but what can you do? He really is pasted.
#Person1#: He is all alone, isn't he?
#Person2#: Yes, his wife has been dead for years. They had one daughter, Dories. But she went off to town as soon as she left school. And he hasn't heard from her since. I hear she is making good money as a model.
#Person1#: Maybe someone could get in touch with her. Get her to come back for a while to help?
#Person2#: I don't suppose she come. She never got on with her father. He is bit of a tough character and she is rather selfish. Oh, I expect old Jake will get by. He is healthy at least, comes into a clinic for a check regularly.
#Person1#: Are you his doctor?
#Person2#: No, my partner doctor Johnson is.
#Person1#: That bad-tempered old thing?
#Person2#: Oh, he isn't really bad-tempered. He just looks it. He is an excellent doctor, taught me a lot, and he has a very nice family. His wife invites me over there to supper every week. Very pleasant.
#Person1#: Yes. I teach their daughter Pen at school. She is a bit careless and lazy about her school work, but a bright little thing and very popular with her age group. | #Person1# tells Bob #Person1# saw Old Jake yesterday. He has retired and is very lonely. Bob hopes Old Jake will get by and tells #Person1# his partner doctor Johnson is Old Jake's doctor. | a poor man |
train_12111 | #Person1#: You see the list of books for this course?
#Person2#: Yes, Dr. Downs said he expects us to have the first five on the list. He is going to discuss them in detail.
#Person1#: Are you going to buy them?
#Person2#: I don't know. These books are expensive. And I don't have a lot of money on me.
#Person1#: How about sharing them with me?
#Person2#: Sounds good.
#Person1#: Let's do this. I will buy three and you buy two of them.
#Person2#: I would rather do it this way: we pay fifty-fifty for the books now. And at the end of the course you can take the books you find more interesting and I will take the ones I like.
#Person1#: What if we both like the same books?
#Person2#: Come on, we are not going to argue over that, are we?
#Person1#: I was just joking. It's definitely a better idea.
#Person2#: Then let's get the books as soon as possible. | #Person1# and #Person2# decide to pay the books fifty-fifty required for a course, and they take away the books they like at the end of the course. | buy books |
train_12112 | #Person1#: Jane, Professor Keller asked about you today and how you were coming along with the project on pollution. By the way, I handed mine in the day before yesterday.
#Person2#: Whoops. I was supposed to give it to her yesterday. | #Person1# tells Jane that Professor Keller asked about her project today. | development of project |
train_12113 | #Person1#: John, my dad's new MP3 player seems to be missing. Did you move it?
#Person2#: No, I didn't. Isn't it right next to the computer?
#Person1#: No, and I don't see it anywhere. I have the feeling one of our party guests took it.
#Person2#: Really? What are you going to do now?
#Person1#: I'll just tell my parents what happened, I guess.
#Person2#: Then they'll know you had people over without permission. Won't they be angry about that?
#Person1#: Probably. I wish I'd done that from the start, instead of keeping my plans secret. They'd have said no to a party, and the MP3 player would still be here. | #Person1# tells John #Person1# suspects that a party guest had taken away #Person1#'s dad's MP3 player. #Person1# regrets not telling #Person1#'s parents about holding the party. | the missing MP3 |
train_12114 | #Person1#: What can I do for you?
#Person2#: Well, has anyone turned in a brown leather wallet? Mine seems to be lost and it has my driver's license in it.
#Person1#: Anything else in the wallet?
#Person2#: Yes, some family pictures.
#Person1#: I think one like that was brought in this morning. Wait here just a minute please. | #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# lost a wallet with some family pictures in it. #Person1# thinks one like that was brought this morning. | lose a wallet |
train_12115 | #Person1#: We have a variety of trousers. Which one do you like best?
#Person2#: I want to buy one to match my shirt. Can you give me some advice?
#Person1#: What about this one?
#Person2#: Yes,they seem to be my size and go with my shirt quite well. I will take it. | #Person2# buys a pair of trousers with #Person1#'s assistance. | shopping |
train_12116 | #Person1#: Hello, Bobby , It seems that I can't arrive at your home by 12 o'clock.
#Person2#: What happened? We're all expecting you , Hans , Dick , Archie. . .
#Person1#: I'm so sorry, I've been held up by the damn traffic jam for half an hour. I'd have arrived but for that.
#Person2#: I see. Where are you now, Li?
#Person1#: Thirty meters ahead is the Waterloo Bridge.
#Person2#: It is not far away from home. It is... Let me see, about 20 minutes' walk. Can you walk here?'
#Person1#: I've thought of that, but what can I do with my car? If only I had taken a taxi!
#Person2#: That's too bad, But don't worry. We'll put off dinner till one o'clock.
#Person1#: I'm so terribly sorry to keep you waiting.
#Person2#: It doesn't matter. Bye.
#Person1#: Bye. | Li calls Bobby to tell him Li can't arrive on time due to a traffic jam. Bobby will put off the dinner till one o'clock | late for dinner |
train_12117 | #Person1#: Who's that?
#Person2#: It'me. Susan Taylor
#Person1#: Oh, please come in. nice to see you.
#Person2#: On, what're you doing? You look as busy as a bee.
#Person1#: Yeah, I'm trying to decorate my house.
#Person2#: Really, that's cool. Let me see what you've done.
#Person1#: But actually it's not done yet. I'm going to get a special pendent lamp.
#Person2#: That's all right. Let me see, oh, that lace looks so unique, and it's so creative to make a picture display here. How did you get that idea?
#Person1#: It's just a simple decorating. I just want to add my personality to my living space. | Susan drops by at #Person1#'s. #Person1# is decorating the house. Susan compliments #Person1#'s idea of getting a special pendent lamp. | decorate the house |
train_12118 | #Person1#: Do you know next Wednesday is Halloween?
#Person2#: No, I don't. What do you do on Halloween? We don't have that holiday in Russia.
#Person1#: Well, it's a day when kids dress up in masks and costumes. They knock on people's doors and ask for candy by saying 'trick-or-treat'.
#Person2#: Sounds interesting.
#Person1#: But it's not just for kids. Lots of people have costume parties. Hey, my friend Peter is having a party. Would you like to go?
#Person2#: Sure, I'd love to. | #Person1# introduces Halloween to #Person2# and invites #Person2# to a costume party. #Person2# would love to go. | Halloween |
train_12119 | #Person1#: Hello, this is Mary speaking. Who's that?
#Person2#: It's me, Peter.
#Person1#: Oh, hello, Peter, whom do you want to speak to?
#Person2#: Can I speak to John?
#Person1#: No, you can't speak to him now.
#Person2#: Isn't he in right now?
#Person1#: Yes, he is in, but he is very busy.
#Person2#: What is he doing, may I know?
#Person1#: He is getting ready for school. Grandmother is combing his hair. Sister is looking for his coat. Mother is putting textbooks into his schoolbag. Goodbye, I've got to go now. I am holding the door open. The school bus is coming.
#Person2#: In that case, I'll ring him again this afternoon. Bye.
#Person1#: See you, I'll tell him that. | Peter calls for John but Mary tells him Peter is too busy too to answer. Peter will call later. | a phone call |
train_12120 | #Person1#: Good morning, doctor Vincent. May I come in?
#Person2#: Good morning, ma'am. Of course, how can I be of help?
#Person1#: Well it's about school, doctor Vincent. It's just that Alan and I wanted to have a few people over for a dinner party to celebrate finishing my paper and we would particularly like to invite you since you're the chairman, would you please come this weekend on Saturday?
#Person2#: I'd be glad to (?), Saturday, did you say?
#Person1#: If that's alright for you and Mrs. Vincents?
#Person2#: I have to check with Elizabeth but I'm pretty sure it'll be alright.
#Person1#: Good. If you could come around 6:30 or 7:00 o'clock that would give us time to chat for a while over a glass of wine before dinner?
#Person2#: That sounds fine. We'll be there around 7:00.
#Person1#: That would be great. Oh, I'm so pleased that you are Mrs. Vincent will be able to make it.
#Person2#: Well, it should be fun and you should celebrate it after all that hard work.
#Person1#: Oh, I can never thank you enough.
#Person2#: Thank yourself. | #Person1# comes to doctor Vincent's home to invite him and his wife to a dinner party which is held to celebrate finishing their paper. Doctor Vincent gladly accepts the invitation. | an invitation |
train_12121 | #Person1#: What are you reading, Mike?
#Person2#: I'm reading something about how people around the world celebrate the new year. Do you know what people in the southern part of the United States do for good luck in the new year?
#Person1#: I have a friend called Lisa from Austin, who once told me people in her city often eat black eyed peas and pork for that purpose, and people in other parts of the country eat sauerkraut with pork sausage on New Year's Day.
#Person2#: That's true. Do you know what the Spanish do?
#Person1#: Certainly. I've been learning Spanish and from one text I learned that in Spain, as the clock strikes midnight, people eat grapes?
#Person2#: Yes, these grapes represent the months of the year, and eating the mall in the first 12 seconds of the New Year guarantees that the year will be filled with good luck.
#Person1#: Does the article mentioned what the Chinese do?
#Person2#: No, but it says that in the Philippines, many People eat and displayed 12 round fruits to bring them a good year.
#Person1#: I really want to learn more. Can I read the article?
#Person2#: Certainly, take your time. | Mike is reading an article about how people around the world celebrate the new year, then #Person1# and Mike talk about different celebrations in the southern part of the US, Spain, and the Philippines. #Person1# also wants to read the article. | New Year celebration |
train_12122 | #Person1#: Ted, it's really you? I just cannot believe it! You've really put on some weight.
#Person2#: Yeah, that's true. Actually, I'm losing weight now. Now I go to the gym at least 3 times a week. So how have you been?
#Person1#: Not bad. I've changed my job. You know, now I'm not as busy as before, and I spend more time hanging out with friends and sleeping.
#Person2#: Do you also exercise?
#Person1#: Not really. But I'm on a diet, I don't want to put on any weight.
#Person2#: Well, I think working out works better. I've really fallen in love with exercising. You can give it a shot, too.
#Person1#: I'll consider that. | Ted tells #Person1# he's been exercising recently and has lost some weight. #Person1#'s on a diet and Ted suggests #Person1# work out. | exercise |
train_12123 | #Person1#: Good afternoon, Mrs.Vale.Please sit down.
#Person2#: Thank you.
#Person1#: Did you work as a salesperson before, Mrs.Vale?
#Person2#: Only as a clerk in a store.
#Person1#: I see. Well, consulting is a little different.
#Person2#: I'm a quick leamer, Mr.Jenkins.
#Person1#: Umm hmm.Do you have a diver's license?
#Person2#: Yes, and I'm a very good driver.
#Person1#: Fine.We provide a company car for our consultants.
#Person2#: Do I have to travel a lot?
#Person1#: Oh yes-five days a week.You have to visit customers all over the territory.
#Person2#: But how will I get to know the products?
#Person1#: You'll have to attend a three-week course. If you do well, the job is yours.
#Person2#: How much is the salary?
#Person1#: Starting salary is $ 150 a week-plus commissions, of course.
#Person2#: How much commission do your consultants get?
#Person1#: Five percent.
#Person2#: Well, I'm very interested in the job.
#Person1#: Fine.The next course starts a week from tomorrow.
#Person2#: Thank you.
#Person1#: Good luck to you. | Mr. Jenkins is interviewing Mrs. Vale who applies to be a consultant. Mr. Jenkins introduces the job in detail. Mrs. Vale's interested in the job and will attend the course to get the job. | job interview |
train_12124 | #Person1#: What date would you like to depart, sir?
#Person2#: Do you have any seats for September 16th?
#Person1#: Let's see... I'm afraid the 16th is fully booked. But I have seats for the 17th.
#Person2#: The 17th will be fine.
#Person1#: And what date will you be returning?
#Person2#: Hmm, I guess on the 28th.
#Person1#: Okay, you ' re booked on American Airlines flight 710, departing JFK at 6:40 p. m. on September 17th. Your return flight is flight 711, departing London ' s Heathrow Airport at 11:15 a. m. on September 28th.
#Person2#: Sounds good. Thanks a lot. | #Person1# is assisting #Person2# in booking round-trip flight tickets to London. | book airline tickets |
train_12125 | #Person1#: The skirt looks beautiful. Can I try it on?
#Person2#: Of course.
#Person1#: Well, I think this one is a little too small. Would you please bring me a bigger one?
#Person2#: I am sorry the larger ones are out of stock now. But you might be lucky at our Branch. | #Person2# is assisting #Person1# in buying a dress. | shopping |
train_12126 | #Person1#: I have learnt how to ride a bicycle. I plan to go to the Water Park by bike this weekend.
#Person2#: Well, you know, the traffic in Beijing is sometimes dangerous. Therefore, I have to remind you of something. First, you should obey the traffic rules, don't break in the red light. Second, don't play a joke with your friends when riding on the bike. Third, do not hurry up when riding, or would make an accident. Finally, remember come on the left and go on the right!
#Person1#: Oh, my dear sister, I am no longer a baby! | #Person1#'s sister is reminding #Person1# some precautions about riding a bike on the road in Beijing. | bike riding precautions |
train_12127 | #Person1#: I can't find my purse. Have you seen it?
#Person2#: No, I haven't.
#Person1#: I'Ve looked everywhere for it. I must have left it somewhere. I hope I haven't lost it.
#Person2#: Perhaps you left that at school.
#Person1#: No, I had it when I left school this afternoon.
#Person2#: Well. Didn't you go around to the Smith after school? You might have left it there.
#Person1#: Yes, I'd better give her a call now.
#Person2#: But she can't be home now. She might have gone to the library.
#Person1#: Perhaps I should call her later. | #Person1# can't find #Person1#'s purse. #Person2# suggests #Person1# might have left it at the Smith. | finding a purse |
train_12128 | #Person1#: What are you going to eat with your sandwich?
#Person2#: I think I'm going to eat a piece of fruit.
#Person1#: What kind do you like?
#Person2#: I really like apples and grapes.
#Person1#: What kind of apples do you like?
#Person2#: I love green apples.
#Person1#: I don't like green apples.
#Person2#: Really? Why not?
#Person1#: Green apples are too sour for me.
#Person2#: So, you like red apples better?
#Person1#: Yeah, I love red apples.
#Person2#: I think green apples are a lot better. | #Person1# prefers red apples while #Person2# likes green apples. | apples |
train_12129 | #Person1#: Good morning, sir. Could I be of any service to you?
#Person2#: Have you got any Chinese paintings?
#Person1#: Yes, we have landscape paintings, figure paintings and flower-and-bird paintings.
#Person2#: I'd like a flower-and-bird painting.
#Person1#: Good. How about this picture of cranes with pine trees? It was painted by a famous Chinese painter in King Dynasty.
#Person2#: Oh, they look just like live cranes. I like this picture very much. How much is it?
#Person1#: One thousand dollars.
#Person2#: It's a lot of money. But the picture is excellent, I'll take it. | #Person2# buys a Chinese painting of cranes with pine trees with #Person1#'s assistance. | shopping |
train_12130 | #Person1#: Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the British Museum?
#Person2#: Sure. I suggest you take a bus there. It's a bit too long for you to walk there.
#Person1#: Which bus should I take?
#Person2#: Tour 2.
#Person1#: What time does the museum open?
#Person2#: It opens at 9:00 from April to October.
#Person1#: Thanks a billion. | #Person2# tells #Person1# the way to the British Museum. | ask for directions |
train_12131 | #Person1#: Hi, Jenny. Are still working?
#Person2#: Hi, Nancy. Come in please. I'm just putting away on my books.
#Person1#: So, you are leaving, aren't you?
#Person2#: Yes, I'm going to take a holiday tomorrow.
#Person1#: How nice! I can see you are busying packing. I'm sorry to interrupt you.
#Person2#: That's all right. I'm almost finished. Do you need my help?
#Person1#: Yes, could you please go over this for me? And see if there is any mistake in it?
#Person2#: Oh. All right I'll read it soon.
#Person1#: Excuse me for taking your time.
#Person2#: It's nothing Nancy. | Jenny's packing for a holiday. Nancy requests Jenny to check something for her. | daily casual talk |
train_12132 | #Person1#: so. . . what kind of things do you do in your free time?
#Person2#: I'm really into watching foreign films. what about you?
#Person1#: I like to do just about anything outdoors. Do you enjoy camping?
#Person2#: camping for an evening is ok, but I couldn't do it for much longer than one night!
#Person1#: have you ever been camping in the Boundary Waters?
#Person2#: no, but I've always wanted to do that. I've heard it's a beautiful place to go.
#Person1#: it's fantastic. My family and I are very fond of the place.
#Person2#: do you have any photos of any of your camping trips there?
#Person1#: sure, would you like to see them?
#Person2#: that'd be great. What kind of camera do you have?
#Person1#: I have a Canon SLR.
#Person2#: so, you must be pretty interested in photography then.
#Person1#: I'd call it one of my hobbies. Do you know much about photography?
#Person2#: actually, I do. I took quite a few photography classes at University.
#Person1#: have you heard about the photography exhibit that's going on at the art gallery this weekend?
#Person2#: yes, I was planning on going. Are you?
#Person1#: yes. In fact, maybe we could go together.
#Person2#: that'd be great. what time should I meet you there?
#Person1#: how about at 11:00?
#Person2#: sounds great. see you then. | #Person1# enjoys camping in free time and #Person2# likes to watch foreign films. They find both of them like photography and they decide to go to the photography exhibition together. | hobbies |
train_12133 | #Person1#: Hey, Tom. You look tired. Are you all right?
#Person2#: I didn't sleep much last night.
#Person1#: How come?
#Person2#: You know Miao Li-my roommate, he bought a computer last month. He has turned his computer into an electronic playground. He plays football, rides horses, drives racing cars, and does a whole bunch of other games. Every night he keeps me up.
#Person1#: Don't you like games
#Person2#: I usually get a lot of information on the computer and use E-mail to send messages to my friends.
#Person1#: Me too. Recently, I've made many friends on the net. Every day I talk to them and share many interesting things with them.
#Person2#: Don't you think it's a sheer waste of both time and money?
#Person1#: I'm afraid not. To me getting in touch with each other has more fun than the coolest computer games or the hottest information.
#Person2#: Yes. | Tom didn't get enough sleep last night because his roommate Miao Li plays computer games and keeps him up every night. Tom tells #Person1# he just uses the Internet for getting information and sending messages while #Person1# enjoys online chatting very much. | Internet |
train_12134 | #Person1#: Have you heard anything about Markweed Inc. ? They have called me back for interview, and I'm considering taking a job with them.
#Person2#: Well, to start with, Markweed Inc. has a reputation for being one of the best employers in the field.
#Person1#: The best. . . huh? With so many companies out there, how did they establish themselves in such a solid position on top?
#Person2#: First of all, they have an excellent benefits package for all employees, even the maintenance staff have health and dental coverage.
#Person1#: Really? What about the pay rate? Are the wages pretty high?
#Person2#: From what I hear, they are very reasonable. A lot of the prestige the company has built is because they have attacked some high profile employees with their incentives.
#Person1#: Well, what about the work environment? Not every one is motivated solely by money.
#Person2#: It's a great place to work. They give you fair pay and benefits, and a lot of room to grow. I think if they off you a job, you should definitely take it. | #Person1#'s considering taking a job with Markweed Inc. #Person2# tells #Person1# Markweed Inc. has a reputation for being one of the best employers in the field and explains the reason. | employer |
train_12135 | #Person1#: Lester, you are really fantastic at automobile repair.
#Person2#: Thanks, June. But I think I need to be certified as a mechanic 5 before I'm allowed to repair cars for a living.
#Person1#: That's not a big problem. There are many small schools for adults like you who can study to be certified.
#Person2#: I guess I never thought of that before.
#Person1#: And you can easily get a student loan from a vocational school, or from the government.
#Person2#: Wow, you'Ve inspired me to do something! | June admires Lester's automobile repair skills and inspires him to study this and get certified. | Mechanics certification |
train_12136 | #Person1#: Hi dude, you look upset, what's up?
#Person2#: haven't been sleeping well recently.
#Person1#: what's the problem?
#Person2#: every night my roommates watch the Korean soap operas till mid-night. I am not a big fan of Korean shows and I don't know how to tell them to stop without hurting their feelings.
#Person1#: well, you can simply tell them you want to sleep, or make an arrangement for a time when the room should quiet down.
#Person2#: yeah, I know, but I find these sorts of things hard to say. They won't like it if I tell them to turn off the TV. Now I just hope the show will end soon.
#Person1#: I understand. I used to live in a dorm with four people. I was great in some aspects. We always went out and and had fun together. But on the other hand, when I wanted some quiet time, and people kept
#Person2#: yeah, I crave my own space. i just so tired of having people around me all time. | #Person2# hasn't been sleeping very well since #Person2#'s roommates watch the Korean soap operas till mid-night and #Person2# finds it hard to tell them about this. | living with roommates |
train_12137 | #Person1#: How long can I keep these books?
#Person2#: A month. Don't forget to return them by the due date.
#Person1#: What if I can't finish them by then?
#Person2#: Bring them back to the circulation desk and renew them.
#Person1#: Any terrible fines?
#Person2#: Sure. | #Person2# tells #Person1# the rules of borrowing books | borrow books |
train_12138 | #Person1#: Uncle, have a heart, please lend your new car to me. Only once.
#Person2#: Where are you going?
#Person1#: I have a big date tonight.
#Person2#: You have got a car, haven't you?
#Person1#: Oh, please. Only once lend your new car to me. | #Person1# is begging #Person1#'s uncle to lend #Person1# his car. | borrow a car |
train_12139 | #Person1#: Mary, how was your date with john?
#Person2#: it's ok. It seems we have a lot in common.
#Person1#: oh, really. That is great news. What does he look like?
#Person2#: he is tall and slim, fair-haired.
#Person1#: sounds like he is pretty cute. What do you think of him?
#Person2#: he is a nice guy and very considerate. I was impressed with how smart he was and he has a great sense of humor. | Mary tells #Person1# her date with John went well and she thinks highly of him. | date |
train_12140 | #Person1#: Look, the printer isn't functioning well. I'Ve pushed the start button. It is suppose to be working now but it remains like a log. What's going on?
#Person2#: Let me check. It has a paper jam.
#Person1#: I didn't pay attention to that. I will try to get the paper out.
#Person2#: Be careful, the cartridge can be very hot. | #Person1# and #Person2# are trying to fix a printer. | fix a printer |
train_12141 | #Person1#: Good morning, sir. Here is the hotel's sauna room. What can I do for you?
#Person2#: Yes. This is the first time I've come here. Could you please tell me something about it?
#Person1#: Sure Those who have heart disease or high blood pressure are not allowed to take sauna, for their sake.
#Person2#: Thank you for telling me about this. What should I do here?
#Person1#: First, change your shoes to slippers. Then walk up to the changing room to get prepared for a shower.
#Person2#: OK. How about after the shower?
#Person1#: After the shower, step into the washroom with birch switches, dip them in the warm water and briskly whisk them over your skin.
#Person2#: That sounds comfortable.
#Person1#: Yes, then enter the bathroom, There is a stove tired with wood in the room, and on the top of the stove, there is a pile of stones, which keep the heat. Throw some water on the stones, and dry steam is given off. | #Person1# tells #Person2# the kinds of people that cannot take a sauna and then introduces the procedures to enjoy the sauna. | take sauna |
train_12142 | #Person1#: Both Bob and carl will become somebody in the future. Don't you think so?
#Person2#: Yeah. But Bob's talent can't to be named on the same day with Carl's.
#Person1#: But Bob is more generous and ready to help.
#Person2#: We cannot judge a man totally by that. | #Person1# and #Person2# are talking about Bob and Carl. | talk about someone |
train_12143 | #Person1#: Excuse me, I am Dunlin. I am here about your advertisement for a tourist guide. Are there still any vacancies?
#Person2#: Yes. One more is needed.
#Person1#: Oh, I'm so lucky. I want to apply for it.
#Person2#: But do you have any experience like that?
#Person1#: Yes. I have been a guide for two years.
#Person2#: OK. Then I want to ask you some questions about the tourist guide. If there wasn accident, for example a tourist falls ill, what would you do?
#Person1#: I think I will call the office to send someone to meet us, and escort that person to the nearest hospital without interrupting our trip.
#Person2#: If one of them forgot a camera in a restaurant, would you let the tourist bus go back?
#Person1#: No. In fact, prior to their boarding the bus and their getting off the bus, I will make an announcement to remind them that they should check their belongings.
#Person2#: Well, it seems that you have all the practical experience to handle these cases. I am very glad to welcome you into our company.
#Person1#: Thank you. It's my honor. | Dunlin wants to apply for the position of tourist guide, then #Person2# asks Dunlin some questions about the tourist guide. #Person2#'s satisfied with Dunlin's answers and welcomes Dunlin into #Person2#'s company. | job interview |
train_12144 | #Person1#: Thanks. Sometimes talking with a friend is a great way to get over something. Do you mind if I vent a little bit?
#Person2#: Of course not. If you're feeling bad and want to let your emotions out, you can just say whatever you want to me.
#Person1#: Great, because I am really mad at William. I mean, what kind of an idiot wouldn't be able to appreciate a smart, beautiful woman like me? Anybody who would be friends with that guy has to be really dumb.
#Person2#: Uh, A. . . you know I'm friends with William.
#Person1#: Oh right. . . present company excluded, of course! | #Person1# is expressing #Person1#'s dissatisfaction with William and says everyone being friends with him is dumb, which embarrasses #Person1# since #Person1# is William's friend. | complaint |
train_12145 | #Person1#: I am starving.
#Person2#: Didn't you just eat?
#Person1#: I'm still hungry.
#Person2#: We ate everything from dinner.
#Person1#: I just need a snack.
#Person2#: What are you going to make?
#Person1#: I don't have the slightest clue.
#Person2#: Go make a sandwich.
#Person1#: I'm not sure what kind I want.
#Person2#: Why don't you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
#Person1#: I think I will do that.
#Person2#: Maybe you should. | #Person1# is still hungry after dinner. #Person2# suggests #Person1# make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a snack. | casual talk |
train_12146 | #Person1#: I want to get some cable.
#Person2#: Do you know what package you want to get?
#Person1#: What packages do you have?
#Person2#: We have movie channel packages.
#Person1#: What else have you got?
#Person2#: You can get the sports package.
#Person1#: Is there a package with basic and movie channels?
#Person2#: We have that package.
#Person1#: Let me get that package.
#Person2#: Is there anything else you would like?
#Person1#: That's everything, but can I add channels later?
#Person2#: You will be able to add or get rid of channels another day. | #Person1# gets some cable with basic and movie channels with #Person2#'s assistance. | get some cable |
train_12147 | #Person1#: Morning, Mum!
#Person2#: Morning, Meg. You look not well today? Are you ill?
#Person1#: No, I am not ill.
#Person2#: Then, What's the matter with you my child?
#Person1#: Nothing.
#Person2#: Oh, come on, baby. Tell me what happened.
#Person1#: I. . . I failed to pass the examination. How I wish I had studied hard.
#Person2#: Oh. Take it easy. You can set your aim from today.
#Person1#: Ok, Mum. I will not fail the examination next time. | Meg isn't in the mood because she failed the examination. Her mom encourages her to set her aim from today. | fail an exam |
train_12148 | #Person1#: Is this the registration office?
#Person2#: Yes, it is. Which department for?
#Person1#: I don't know exactly.
#Person2#: What's your problem then?
#Person1#: I've got a sore throat, a runny nose, and a headache.
#Person2#: OK, I will register you with medical department.
#Person1#: Medical department? Are you sure?
#Person2#: Yes. Just go there!
#Person1#: Where is it?
#Person2#: It's on the second floor. Have you got your records?
#Person1#: Yes. Here you are.
#Person2#: OK, here is your registration card. | #Person1# describes #Person1#'s symptoms and registers with the medical department with #Person2#'s assistance. | registration |
train_12149 | #Person1#: You are still a student?
#Person2#: Yes, but I will graduate from the Shanghai Finance and Trade school next month.
#Person1#: Are you sure you can be a successful cashier?
#Person2#: I'm sure. You know my major is statistics and I get excellent records in all of the courses I have taken.
#Person1#: That's only for your theory foundation. I am afraid if you have ever handled large amounts of cash before?
#Person2#: Yes, my father runs a business so I have opportunity to work in the finance department every holiday.
#Person1#: Good. I think you'll make a good cashier.
#Person2#: Thank you. | #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2#'s obtained excellent records as well as practical experience. #Person1# thinks #Person2# will be a successful cashier. | job interview |
train_12150 | #Person1#: It seems so strange to be here, burying you, but it's not you.
#Person2#: Ashes to ashes and dust to dust. . .
#Person1#: This has been the worst and best day of my life, Taylor. They kept you in the hospital, and. . .
#Person2#: I'll tell you all about it another day.
#Person1#: But you're OK? It was nothing serious, was it?
#Person2#: You ladies look very elegant in black. But I don't want you to wear black in my honor for a long time yet to come. So I just get out of there and change another guy's name. All we need to do now is to pretend it was my death. | #Person1#'s burying someone in the name of Taylor. The real Taylor asks #Person1# to keep pretending it was Taylor's death. | bury 'Taylor' |
train_12151 | #Person1#: How do you get along with your boss?
#Person2#: I had a terrific working relationship with my boss, even though we are very different people. Because I've had a number of bosses, I've come to realize that to make things work, you have to understand what's important to your boss. Then you have to do everything you can to support him ( or her ). It's natural to think about your own agenda first, but if you help your boss, Ifs likely to move your agenda ahead at the same time. My last boss was great in that regard, she appreciated my efforts and rewarded me when I helped her accomplish her goals.
#Person1#: What do you think is important in your work?
#Person2#: Many are important, intelligence, diligence, information and planning. But the most important, I think, is achieving results. | #Person2# tells #Person1# how #Person2# gets along with #Person2#'s bosses and what #Person2# thinks is important in work. | questions about work |
train_12152 | #Person1#: May I take your drink order while you are looking over your menu?
#Person2#: Yes, do you have a wine list?
#Person1#: The wine list is on the second page of your menu.
#Person2#: Do you have mixed drinks in this restaurant?
#Person1#: Yes, we have a full bar here.
#Person2#: I am not sure what I want. Do you have any house specials?
#Person1#: Actually, we are famous for our Cuervo Gold margaritas.
#Person2#: That sounds good! Please bring me one of those.
#Person1#: Would you like that drink blended or on the rocks?
#Person2#: I would like it blended.
#Person1#: Would you like it with salt or no salt?
#Person2#: I would like my margarita with no salt, thank you. | #Person2# orders the house special, a blended margarita with no salt with #Person1#'s assistance. | take drink order |
train_12153 | #Person1#: Do you want to sign for a Korea language class?
#Person2#: What for? Oh, I see, you mean next year our company will expand business to the South Korea market.
#Person1#: Right, we have located a business partner in Seoul. The first contact proves to be successful. The general manager of South Korean company has scheduled to pay a visit to us next month. I think it is quite possible to set up a joint venture company with them soon.
#Person2#: Well, sounds promising. But I think our company will provide us with the language training courses if it is necessary. We need not bother signing for the language by ourselves.
#Person1#: A slow sparrow should make an early start. You know, I am not quick at learning any language. | As the company will expand business to the South Korea market, #Person1# wants to sign for a Korean language course while #Person2# prefers taking the language training courses provided by the company. | language learning |
train_12154 | #Person1#: What's the matter with you?
#Person2#: I've been having headaches.
#Person1#: How long have they been bothering you?
#Person2#: Umm... They started about two months ago. Oh, no. It must be about three months ago. At first, I thought as if I had flu because I had a running nose and a bit of a temperature.
#Person1#: I see. And do the headaches come on at any particular time?
#Person2#: They are usually worse in the morning, especially during the past two weeks.
#Person1#: Now let me check if there is anything serious. | #Person2#'s been having headaches and tells #Person1# about the symptoms. #Person1#'ll check if there's anything serious. | see a doctor |
train_12155 | #Person1#: Dad, I'd like a pair of Adidas tennis shoes.
#Person2#: Adidas? They're expensive. They're for the Chicago Bulls.
#Person1#: No, all the guys as well as girls are wearing Adidas.
#Person2#: But none of us ever had Adidas and we used to play quite well. | #Person1# is asking #Person1#'s dad for a pair of Adidas tennis shoes. | ask for shoes |
train_12156 | #Person1#: Do you want to go to sleep, or do you want to stay up and watch a movie? I'm pretty tired, but I'm always up for a horror movie. It is Halloween, after all...
#Person2#: I'd love to, but not tonight. I ate too much candy, and I'm so exhausted from trick-or-treating all night with the boys from the neighborhood. I need to rest! | #Person1# would like to see a horror movie but #Person2# is too tired from trick-or-treating and needs a rest. | Halloween |
train_12157 | #Person1#: Do you like our new history teacher?
#Person2#: I'm tired of his endless talking. He never gives us a little time to discuss things.
#Person1#: You can't say that! He's a very knowledgeable person.
#Person2#: But I can't see it. | #Person1# thinks highly of their new history teacher while #Person2# doesn't. | New history teacher |
train_12158 | #Person1#: Hello. Jean Williamson speaking.
#Person2#: Oh, it's you, dear. Sorry I had to rush off this morning. How are the boys?
#Person1#: I'm taking them to the doctor at twelve o'clock, but I'm sure they're going to be all right.
#Person2#: That's good. What about you?
#Person1#: Oh, I'm better now, don't worry. I'm going to make a birthday cake for tomorrow. And... I've got a camera for Peter and some records for Paul.
#Person2#: You shouldn't have done that. They need to learn how to save money. I'm going to put away some money in the bank for them. | #Person1# phones to check the condition of the family members. Jean tells #Person1# she's taking the boys to the doctor and she's better now. | phone call |
train_12159 | #Person1#: You must be pretty excited about your trip to Europe, Dorothy. When are you leaving?
#Person2#: In just two weeks, and I am excited. I've been looking forward to this training program for a long time. But there are still a few things I need to do before I go.
#Person1#: Like what?
#Person2#: Like renewing my passport and figuring out what to do with my apartment while I'm gone.
#Person1#: You are not going to give it up, are you?
#Person2#: No way! I'll never find another apartment like it around here. But I don't like the idea of paying three months for an empty apartment, either. So, I'm looking for someone to take it while I'm away.
#Person1#: Um, let me think. Oh, I know just a person. An old colleague of mine, Jim Thomas. He is coming here to do some research this summer, from June to August.
#Person2#: Well, that's exactly when I'll be away!
#Person1#: Tell you what: I'll be calling Jim late this week anyway, so I'll mention it to him.
#Person2#: Well, thanks, Bill. | Dorothy's leaving for Europe for a training program and she's trying to rent out her apartment for three months while she's away. Bill can mention this to his old colleague Jim Thomas who's coming to stay from June to August. | rent an apartment |
train_12160 | #Person1#: Good morning, sir. Are you checking out now?
#Person2#: Yes. Steven Smith, room 609.
#Person1#: Fine. This is your bill, Mr. Smith. Four nights at 100 dollars each, and here are the meals that you had in our hotel. That makes a total of 660 dollars.
#Person2#: Can I pay by credit card?
#Person1#: Certainly. May I have your card, please?
#Person2#: Here you are.
#Person1#: Please sign your name here.
#Person2#: OK. Is it possible to leave my luggage here until I'm ready to leave this afternoon? I'd like to say goodbye to some of my friends.
#Person1#: Yes, we'll keep it for you. How many pieces of your luggage?
#Person2#: Just three. I'll be back at 3:00 p. m.
#Person1#: That's fine. Have a nice day!
#Person2#: Thank you. See you later. | #Person1# is helping Mr. Smith check out. Mr. Smith requests to leave his luggage at the hotel and he will be back at 3 p.m. | check out |
train_12161 | #Person1#: Hi, how are you doing?
#Person2#: I'm fine. How about yourself?
#Person1#: I'm pretty good. Thanks for asking.
#Person2#: No problem. So how have you been?
#Person1#: I've been great. What about you?
#Person2#: I've been good. I'm in school right now.
#Person1#: What school do you go to?
#Person2#: I go to PCC.
#Person1#: Do you like it there?
#Person2#: It's okay. It's a really big campus.
#Person1#: Good luck with school.
#Person2#: Thank you very much. | #Person1# and #Person2# greet each other and #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2# is in school now. | daily casual talk |
train_12162 | #Person1#: I'm hungry. Let's go to the snack bar.
#Person2#: ok, what unusual food do you want to try?
#Person1#: I am going to try Gado Gado.
#Person2#: what's that?
#Person1#: it's a kind of rice ball that is made in Malaysia. What about you?
#Person2#: I don't know. I don't know what most of this food is!
#Person1#: do you want noodles, vegetables, rice, meat, seafood, beans, or dessert?
#Person2#: I'd like to have some vegetables first.
#Person1#: have you ever tried tempura?
#Person2#: no, what is it?
#Person1#: it's deep fried vegetables, which is commonly eaten in Japan.
#Person2#: what do you use to eat it?
#Person1#: most people eat tempura with chopsticks, but you can use a fork if you don't know how to use chopsticks.
#Person2#: that sounds great. Do you know if there are any vegetable dishes that are spicy?
#Person1#: let me think. You could get an Indian or Thai vegetable curry, or you could get some Kimchi.
#Person2#: I'll try all of those. How do you know so much about International food?
#Person1#: I used to buy lunch every day from the International food stall at school. Every day was an adventure! | #Person1# and #Person2# are going to the snack bar. #Person1# tells #Person2# about different sorts of international food. | international food |
train_12163 | #Person1#: Good evening. Can I help you?
#Person2#: Yes, I'd like to check in, pliase. M y name is Peter Wang. I have a reservation for three nights.
#Person1#: Just a moment, please. Oh, yes. One twin and one single. Is that right?
#Person2#: Yes, I'm with my wife and child.
#Person1#: Will you fill out this form, please? | #Person1# is helping Peter's family check in. | check in |
train_12164 | #Person1#: Hello?
#Person2#: Hi Tina, It's Joe.
#Person1#: Hi Joe.
#Person2#: How's the weather there today?
#Person1#: It's really cold. It snowed all day and the schools closed early.
#Person2#: What's the temperature?
#Person1#: It's 30 degrees now. It was even colder this morning.
#Person2#: Have you heard what the weather is going to be like tomorrow?
#Person1#: I was watching the news a little earlier. They said it's probably going to snow tomorrow.
#Person2#: I really don't like the winter. I wish it were summer.
#Person1#: Me too. How's the weather where you are?
#Person2#: It's not too bad, but it's pretty cold here too. It was about 45 today and it rained this afternoon. I heard it's going to be a little warmer tomorrow. | Tina and Joe are talking through the phone about the weather in their place. Tina experiences snowy every day while Joe feels a little bit warmer. | weather |
train_12165 | #Person1#: Janet, it's Oscar. Did I wake you up?
#Person2#: No, but I'm going to get up then.
#Person1#: Sorry, listen. I'll arrive in Florida on the fifteenth Orlando Airport. Do you want to meet me then?
#Person2#: Sure, welcome to Florida, and how are you going to Disney World?
#Person1#: I will take a taxi at the airport, how about meeting there?
#Person2#: Why don't we meet at the Kennedy Space Center. It's not that far from my company.
#Person1#: Ok, and then I'm meeting John Hamilton. Do you remember him?
#Person2#: Yeah. I remember him. What else are you going to do with him?
#Person1#: We're going to dive, then will drive straight up to Panhandle. You know, we want to spend some time relaxing on the beach.
#Person2#: Right. Call me when you arrive in Florida. | Oscar and Janet decide to meet each other at the Kennedy Space Center. Oscar tells Janet he will then meet with John Hamilton and drive up to Panhandle. | appointment |
train_12166 | #Person1#: I'd like to congratulate you on your wonderful performance.
#Person2#: Thank you very much.
#Person1#: I read about you in the newspaper and decided to come and hear you play. I have traveled many miles and I'm very glad I made the effort. You played the piano beautifully. What are your next plans?
#Person2#: At present, I'm giving a lot of concerts. Fortunately, people want to come and hear me play. But I'm getting very tired of traveling.
#Person1#: Why are you working so hard?
#Person2#: I'm planning to start a school, so I'm trying to save as much money as possible.
#Person1#: What kind of school?
#Person2#: A music school for disabled children. I think they have the right to receive an education, just like any other children. At the moment, there are very few such schools in my country. Unfortunately, it will cost a lot of money to start one.
#Person1#: But I'm sure a lot of people will support you. I hope you will be able to realize your dream. | #Person1# admires #Person2#'s piano performance. #Person2# tells #Person1# that #Person2#'s giving lots of concerts to save money to start a music school for disabled children. | piano concert |
train_12167 | #Person1#: I am sorry, Jason. Susan could have come too, but something urgent delayed her in the office.
#Person2#: Well, perhaps it's better without her. We can talk, drink and do whatever we want to.
#Person1#: Hahaha! Sure, so it's a man's world!
#Person2#: Right Richard, and suppose I'm a Bachelor again.
#Person1#: That's funny.
#Person2#: Frankly, Richard I quite envy you for having someone so concerned for you.
#Person1#: Yes, Susan is a very considerate wife. It's just that I sometimes feel I am no longer as free as I used to be.
#Person2#: Like me, I am so free, then no one cares where I am, what I do and how I feel.
#Person1#: Well Jason, you are not serious, are you?
#Person2#: No, of course I am not. I enjoy my single life.
#Person1#: So again. As we always say, we are different people. I want life to be stable and quiet and...
#Person2#: And I want life to be changing and surprising.
#Person1#: Come on, let's drop it. I'm starved! Waiter! | Jason and Richard are having dinner together. Jason enjoys his bachelor life because he wants life to be changing and surprising while Richard prefers a stable and quiet life although he feels he is not free as he used to be after marriage. | man's gathering |
train_12168 | #Person1#: Mary, what's your plan for this Saturday?
#Person2#: I want to stay at home and watch TV. What's your plan?
#Person1#: I'll go to Bird Park. As a matter of fact, I think you should go there, too.
#Person2#: Why?
#Person1#: Haven't you read in the newspaper about the arts festival that will take place there this weekend?
#Person2#: No, I didn't read the newspaper today. My little brother took it away when I was about to read it. What can we do at the festival?
#Person1#: We can do lots of things. We can listen to music, look at paintings by local and international painters, enjoy a meal in the park or watch a play.
#Person2#: I'm not interested in music, but I do want to look at some paintings. So when is the art exhibition?
#Person1#: There are 2 actually. The local painters will show their works from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, and the international painters will show their works on Sunday.
#Person2#: From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, too?
#Person1#: Yes, so will you go with me?
#Person2#: Sure. How can I miss such art exhibitions? And I want to take some pictures of them.
#Person1#: You can use my camera then. | #Person1# is going to an arts festival this Saturday and invites Mary to go. Mary isn't interested in music but she wants to look at some paintings. #Person1# tells her about the art exhibition and they will go together. | Saturday plan |
train_12169 | #Person1#: Congratulations on your new job. I know you worked hard for it, cheers.
#Person2#: Cheers, it has been a pleasure working with you all these years. I'll make sure to come back and visit next month.
#Person1#: You'd better. Work won't be the same without you. So when do you start?
#Person2#: I went in today to fill out some paperwork but I won't start until the following Monday.
#Person1#: That's great, let me pay for your lunch. It's my turn anyway.
#Person2#: No, it's alright. I owe you for everything you have done for me.
#Person1#: Thanks, so I'll see you tomorrow then.
#Person2#: Of course, bye. | #Person1# and #Person2# are having lunch together. #Person1# congratulates #Person2# on #Person2#'s getting the new job and #Person2#'ll pay for the lunch. | congratulation |
train_12170 | #Person1#: Hi, what will you do with your broken cellphone?
#Person2#: I'll throw it away. I don't need it anymore.
#Person1#: Don't throw away electronic waste carelessly. It's dangerous to the environment.
#Person2#: You mean I should keep these useless things at home.
#Person1#: I'm not saying that. But do you know that every year a lot of useless computers and cellphones pollute the soil?
#Person2#: Oh, I see. So what do you think I should do then?
#Person1#: You can sell the phone and it can be recycled.
#Person2#: Alright. I think you're right. I'll do that.
#Person1#: Great. | #Person2# is going to throw away a broken cellphone and #Person1# suggests #Person1# sell the phone so that it can be recycled. | cellphone recycling |
train_12171 | #Person1#: That was a great party. Thanks for staying behind to help me clear up.
#Person2#: That's OK. It's a pity that a glass got broken.
#Person1#: It doesn't matter. Luckly, nobody got hurt. Last time someone even broke my TV set. I'll deal with it.
#Person2#: I'm going to put all the rubbish into this big plastic bag, then we can wash the dishes together. Everything will be finished within an hour.
#Person1#: Good.
#Person2#: Hey, your friend Keith was really funny. I liked his jokes.
#Person1#: Yes, he was very good. Wasn't he? Didn't you see Amanda? She told some funny stories, too.
#Person2#: Really? Since I came here. She's been very serious.
#Person1#: I think that she had a little too much of the apple pie.
#Person2#: What did you put in that pie? It tasted really great.
#Person1#: That's my little secret. Did you like the snacks that I prepared?
#Person2#: Very much. The French fries were the best that I had ever had. The birthday cake was delicious too, wasn't it? Emily told me that she had half of it
#Person1#: Aight. It disappeared within minutes, so I think everyone liked it a lot. | #Person2# is helping #Person1# clear up after the party. They talk about the people and the food at the party. | after the party |
train_12172 | #Person1#: Hello, this is Steven from Blue Sky Co. May I speak to Mr. James?
#Person2#: Speaking.
#Person1#: Excuse my troubling you. You purchased our products last year and now I am following up to find out about their workings. Are they still in good condition now?
#Person2#: Yeah, exactly! I bought them last year. En... at present, they are still in good state.
#Person1#: That's it! All of them have first-class quality and performance. Besides, we adopt advanced technology. Now we have developed new products. They are much better than what you have bought.
#Person2#: Your company is developing so fast. Maybe later on I will plan to buy more.
#Person1#: That's great! Thanks for your support. If any, please remember to call us. I am afraid I have to say goodbye now! Bye, Mr. James!
#Person2#: Bye! | Steven calls Mr. James to find out about the workings of the products he purchased. Mr. James tells him they are in a good state. | phone call |
train_12173 | #Person1#: Have you brought the receipt with you?
#Person2#: No, I don't. I left it home.
#Person1#: Sorry, but we can't do anything without the receipt. Come back with it.
#Person2#: I didn't know. I'll go to get it. How late will you be open?
#Person1#: Till 5:30. | #Person1# says the receipt is needed. #Person2#'ll go home and get it. | receipt |
train_12174 | #Person1#: I'm done. Can I watch TV?
#Person2#: Here's some water. Take these multi-vitamins and Tylenol.
#Person1#: Uh! I can't swallow them, Mom!
#Person2#: Your throat must be swollen.
#Person1#: Do I have to take them?
#Person2#: Here, I'll break them up, so they're smaller. And here's some cough syrup.
#Person1#: Yuck!
#Person2#: I know, it tastes horrible. But it'll make you feel better. Try holding your nose. It won't taste as bad. | #Person1#'s mother asks #Person1# to take the multi-vitamins, the Tylenol, and the cough syrup. | take medicine |
train_12175 | #Person1#: Hi, Nally, are you hungry?
#Person2#: I'm starving. Let's go grab a bite.
#Person1#: Where to?
#Person2#: How about Karlis?
#Person1#: Are you kidding? That place is too ritzy for lunch.
#Person2#: True. ok. Let's go to Grumose?
#Person1#: Same thing, meals there all coarsen arm and leg.
#Person2#: I guess it is a little pricy.
#Person1#: Let's stop it at Multicolor for a quick lunch..
#Person2#: That will be Ok. Come on, I can't wait to chow down.
#Person1#: That was a great lunch, the food was good, but the service was lousy.
#Person2#: Is that why you stiffed the waiter?
#Person1#: You got it. All right, Let's go back to school. | #Person1# and Nally discuss where to eat. They finally go to Multicolor where the food was good but the service was lousy. | grab a bite |
train_12176 | #Person1#: Steven, you are always looking in good shape. How do you keep it?
#Person2#: I pay much attention to my daily diet. You know good eating habits help to fortify the body against disease.
#Person1#: Yeah, you are right. Tell me your normal diet.
#Person2#: I eat more fruits and vegetables and limit amounts of fatty and fried foods.
#Person1#: And?
#Person2#: I drink milk every day. It's really good for building strong bones and teeth. I drink tea quite often, for it's protective against kidney cancer.
#Person1#: Oh, no wonder you are healthy.
#Person2#: You are what you eat, and a healthy diet creates a body resistant to disease.
#Person1#: Thanks for sharing your experience with me.
#Person2#: You're welcome! | Steven shares his experience of having a good diet to keep in good shape with #Person1#. | good eating habits |
train_12177 | #Person1#: So tell me, what's the difference between the Board of Directors, the CEO, and the stockholders? They all seems ot be the same group of people to me...
#Person2#: No, there's a definite difference. You know, the stockholders are the people who own the company... they're the financial control system. Then there's the CEO, the chief executive officer. He's the hot shot, the main guy who is the boss. If there is only one person with absolute power in the organization, everyone knows that the power will go to their head. It's too dangerous. That's the reason for a Board of Directors. The board is made up of people who are experts in the industry. They could be related to the organization, but more commonly, they are independent and non-biased.
#Person1#: How many people are on the board of directors?
#Person2#: Usually not more than 15, not less than 10. They meet monthly, quarterly, or biannually to oversee an organization or company. They provide long term planing and vision, and also act as moral watchdogs rto keep the company in line. | #Person2# explains the difference between the Board of Directors, the CEO, and the stockholders to #Person1#. #Person2# tells #Person1# there are usually not more than 15 and not less than 10 on the board of directors. | company |
train_12178 | #Person1#: I have to get to Chicago by tomorrow and you're telling me that there are no flights?
#Person2#: I'm very sorry, sir. I could put you on a waiting list, but you would be wise to check out other means of travel.
#Person1#: You mean like a bus? Have you ever traveled for ten hours on a bus before?
#Person2#: I have not sir. But I do have a number for a very comfortable bus that goes to Chicago every hour from here.
#Person1#: Alright, give me the number. But put me on that waiting list as well.
#Person2#: Here is the number, and your name is on the waiting list.
#Person1#: How many people are on the waiting list right now?
#Person2#: Right now I show that there are 176 people on the list. And you are number 176. | #Person2# tells #Person1# there're no flights to Chicago. #Person2# advises #Person1# to be put on the waiting list, or travel by bus. | flights to Chicago |
train_12179 | #Person1#: I give up! I simply can't learn French!
#Person2#: Why do you say that? I think you're making a lot of progress.
#Person1#: No, I'm not. I try and try and I still can't speak it very well.
#Person2#: Learning any language takes a lot of effort. But don't give up. Why don't we practise those dialogues together?
#Person1#: Good idea. That might help. | #Person1# wants to give up French. #Person2# encourages #Person1# and suggests practising the dialogues together. | practise French |
train_12180 | #Person1#: What price do you suggest for 300, 000 sets of Article No. 2323 with London as the destination port?
#Person2#: Let me see. It's $ 800 per set CIF London.
#Person1#: What commission terms can you offer?
#Person2#: Usually the commission is three percent of the net invoice amount after deduction of discounts.
#Person1#: Couldn't you raise the commission to five percent?
#Person2#: Considering our good relationship and our future business, we give you four percent. That's the best we can do. We can't go any further. What would you say to it?
#Person1#: Then I'll accept it with thanks. | #Person2# suggests $ 800 per set CIF London and the commission is three percent. #Person1# asks for a higher commission. #Person2# agrees to give four percent. | do business |
train_12181 | #Person1#: Doris, I'm glad you're home. I'm terrified. I don't know what to do!
#Person2#: What is it? What happened?
#Person1#: I think someone is stalking me.
#Person2#: No, it can't be. Really? Who?
#Person1#: I don't know. I saw him the first time Tuesday. He was at the cafe. I noticed he was looking at me a lot. Not just the usual looking, but staring. He just kept staring at me. He didn't stop.
#Person2#: What did you do?
#Person1#: I didn't do anything. Finally, he left. But then I saw him again today. Outside the shoe store. Near the cafe. I went into a CD store and pretended I was looking at CD's. But then he came in too.
#Person2#: Did he leave when you left?
#Person1#: Yes. Then I noticed he was on the sidewalk behind me. He was following me.
#Person2#: What did you do?
#Person1#: He followed me all the way home!
#Person2#: That's about five blocks. And around corners too. So he was definitely following you.
#Person1#: Yes, he was. I'm not imagining it. Finally, just when I got home, I turned around and looked at him. He was just standing there. He didn't smile. He just stood there. It was so obvious. What should I do? I'm so scared. Can I call the police?
#Person2#: Actually, I don't think you can call the police. Not yet at least. He hasn't done anything. And probably the police will just ignore it. But if anything happens again, then maybe you should call.
#Person1#: Why can't I call the police now? He was definitely following me!
#Person2#: Of course you can call the police if you want. That's not what I mean. I'm just saying that they probably won't do anything.
#Person1#: I suppose. What can they do? I don't even know who he is.
#Person2#: Listen, Carol. Don't let this bother you too much. Probably it's nothing. Just keep your eyes open when you go out. If you see him a third time, and if he follows you again, then I think we should go to the police. But for now, just try not to worry.
#Person1#: Alright. And I won't go to that cafe for awhile. | Carol is terrified because she finds someone stalking her. She describes her experiences of being followed by someone to Doris. Carol wants to call the police, but Doris thinks the police probably won't do anything. So Doris advises her not to worry but to keep her eyes open when she goes out. | stalker |
train_12182 | #Person1#: I know I'm going to bite the dust going down this hill. I almost got killed on the chair lift! This is going to be so embarrassing.
#Person2#: Don't worry. Everyone knows you're getting your feet wet. I'll show you how. I bet you'll be proficient at this in five minutes.
#Person1#: This is only your second time skiing. This is definitely a case of the blind leading the blind.
#Person2#: Relax. I can hold my own. Now, point your skis toward the bottom of the hill. Easy does it!
#Person1#: I don't think I can get up enough nerve to do this.
#Person2#: Here. I'll just give you a little push. . .
#Person1#: No!!!
#Person2#: There. Now, wasn't that fun? As soon as you get a second burst of energy, we'll. . .
#Person1#: Don't hold your breath! | #Person1# feels extremely nervous about skiing down the hill. #Person2# who is also a beginner teaches #Person1# how to do it. | skiing |
train_12183 | #Person1#: it seems the department still has some money left in the budget. Do you have any suggestions how to use it before the budget is renewed?
#Person2#: what about renting a restaurant and treating the employees to a nice dinner?
#Person1#: but we've done that many times. We want something fresh this time.
#Person2#: okay, let me think. What about a party-and-movie night? We can rearrange our reference room, invite a band to play some music, order in some food and watch a movie later.
#Person1#: sounds like a good idea, but a band sounds too expensive.
#Person2#: well, we can ask people to make small contributions.
#Person1#: I don't think so. I don't think people are going to like it if they have to pay to come. But we certainly can cut costs in other ways, such as make the party BYOB.
#Person2#: BYOB? What's that?
#Person1#: bring your own beverage. We can provide food, but people have to bring their own drinks.
#Person2#: so we're just going to have a party where they bring their own drinks and we just give them some snacks? I don't know how well that will go over.
#Person1#: maybe you have a point. How about having a party on a Friday afternoon? We'll stop early, order some pizza, and serve drinks. There'll be music but no band. Having the party in the office will make
#Person2#: oh, that sounds like fun! | #Person1# and #Person2# are discussing how to spend money left in the budget of the department. They finally decide to have a party on a Friday afternoon with pizza, drinks, and music but no band in the office. | have a party |
train_12184 | #Person1#: Watch out! You'll hit that car if you're not careful.
#Person2#: Oh no, I won't. But we will have an accident if you don't stop shouting.
#Person1#: You see. I told you you'd hit him if you weren't careful.
#Person2#: Oh, shut up, will you? It was all your fault. If you'd kept quite this would never have happened.
#Person1#: Oh, so it was my fault, was it? If I hadn't warned you in time it would have been much worse. | #Person1# and #Person2# are blaming each other for the car accident. | blame |
train_12185 | #Person1#: You know, smoking does do harm to your health.
#Person2#: Yes, you're right.
#Person1#: Why don't you try to give it up?
#Person2#: I've tried to give up smoking several times, but it's no good. Smoking relaxes me.
#Person1#: Have you ever thought of just cutting down? You could do it gradually.
#Person2#: Yes, maybe I should have another try. | #Person1# advises #Person2# to cut down smoking gradually. | cut down smoking |
train_12186 | #Person1#: You know, I really don't think Americans are very romantic.
#Person2#: Where did you get that idea?
#Person1#: That's the impression I get from the movies, and from looking around. Men and women seem very business-like in their relations with each other.
#Person2#: Well, I'm still not sure what you're asking me.
#Person1#: Is it true or isn't it?
#Person2#: Do you want to know something about the American character?
#Person1#: I just think you're trying to change the subject. But go ahead.
#Person2#: No, this will help answer your question. In American society boys and girls are raised together. They're not segregated in their activities! Boys and girls go out together from an early age.
#Person1#: OK, go on.
#Person2#: After being raised together, men and women can be business-like in each other's company. It really doesn't have anything to do with the way a man and woman behave toward each other when they are in love. Does that answer your question?
#Person1#: Not exactly, but I see your point.
#Person2#: I think Americans are pretty romantic when they are in a relationship and a lot of flirting goes on in every office. After you've been in America for a while, you will probably see what I mean. | #Person1# doesn't think Americans are very romantic. #Person2# explains that in American society, boys and girls are raised together so they can be business-like in each other's company, but Americans are pretty romantic when they are in a relationship. | American character |
train_12187 | #Person1#: Now I'm sure we'll never get all our things back. They're so clever these criminals. What's the point of collecting beautiful things for other people to steal?
#Person2#: I only wish it were this time yesterday.
#Person1#: Think how happy we were. Now this. Things always go wrong.
#Person2#: Perhaps we ought to get dressed and have breakfast. We'd feel better.
#Person1#: I don't feel like breakfast. I don't feel like anything. Why are we so unlucky? It's as if there were a jinx on us.
#Person2#: Perhaps I'd better ring the police. . .
#Person1#: Yes. Of course. But what good will it do? That man's miles away from here by now. In our car. | #Person1# and #Person2#'s things are stolen. #Person2# tries to cheer #Person1# up, but #Person1# keeps in a low mood. | burglary |
train_12188 | #Person1#: Hi, I'm testify chen, the tour guide for the Ged Agency. We have a reservation of twenty room for tonight.
#Person2#: Please to meet you Mrs. Chen. My name is Joy. Welcome to the hotel. Here is the keys, registration slips and breakfast description. Breakfast will be served from seven tomorrow morning. Is there any change of your schedule?
#Person1#: No. Our check out time is still be eight thirty tomorrow.
#Person2#: And we arrange a morning call at seven thirty. Is that be fine?
#Person1#: That's alright.
#Person2#: Please put your luggage outside your room by eight. The bail-boy will pick them up.
#Person1#: Thank you.
#Person2#: Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy your stay. | Mrs. Chen has a reservation of twenty rooms. Joy helps her to check in and confirms tomorrow's schedule with her. | check in |
train_12189 | #Person1#: That's unfair, Mom.
#Person2#: What's up? Honey!
#Person1#: Dad is bigger than you, but how come I'm smaller than May.
#Person2#: Honey, it doesn't matter. The key to play volleyball is to cooperate with each other.
#Person1#: What should I do?
#Person2#: You go figure it out yourself.
#Person1#: Got it, Mom.
#Person2#: OK, Ben and May, here we go. Be careful, Danny, the ball is coming. That is the green one.
#Person1#: Mom, don't worry about me, I can do it.
#Person2#: Danny, back to your position. Move!
#Person1#: OK. Bingo! We win. Give me five, Mom. | Danny thinks the grouping is unfair. His mother tells him the key to play volleyball is to cooperate. Danny gets encouraged and they win. | play volleyball |
train_12190 | #Person1#: The bartender just gave the last call. Let's order another round, okay?
#Person2#: Sure, but let's get a pitcher this time. We should be able to down it before they close.
#Person1#: That sounds good. You order the beer while I go to the bathroom. Where is the can in this place?
#Person2#: It's all the way to the back. See that yellow door?
#Person1#: Yeah. I think I can find it.
#Person2#: You're back already. That sure was quick.
#Person1#: That's because I just took one step inside and turned right around. That bathroom is too gross for me.
#Person2#: Well, the bartender wouldn't give me the pitcher of beer. Anyway. He said it was too close to closing time.
#Person1#: Let's leave then. I could take some fresh air, anyway.
#Person2#: Okay, let's go! | #Person1# and #Person2# decide that #Person2# order the beer while #Person1# goes to the bathroom, but neither of them makes it, so they leave the bar. | bar |
train_12191 | #Person1#: What's wrong with you?
#Person2#: My head hurts badly.
#Person1#: How long has it been like this?
#Person2#: Since last night.
#Person1#: Do you have a sleeping problem?
#Person2#: Yes, I even can't fall asleep these days.
#Person1#: I think you'd better have a further exam, and before the result comes out, try to relax yourself and take the medicine before you sleep. It will help you to kill the pain and make you sleep well.
#Person2#: Is it serious, Doctor?
#Person1#: When the result comes out, I will tell you about it. Remember, never be afraid or be too tired.
#Person2#: OK, thank you, Doctor. | #Person2#'s head hurts badly. #Person1# advises #Person2# to have a further exam and offers #Person2# some suggestions. | see a doctor |
train_12192 | #Person1#: Your daughter will be back soon. I'm going to start making dinner. You can just watch some TV in TV room if you like. We just bought a new TV with a LCD screen. The remote control is on the coffee table next to the armchair.
#Person2#: Would you mind if I helped out in the kitchen instead? I do enjoy cooking.
#Person1#: This is supposed to be your vacation ; we'd like you to just relax.
#Person2#: Cooking makes me feel relaxed. So, what are we cooking?
#Person1#: Ok, well, we're going to make a pan of lasagne, a salad, and some garlic bread. Here's the recipe. Do you want to get the ingredients we need out of the cupboard?
#Person2#: Sure. We should probably pre-heat the oven right away, too.
#Person1#: That's a good idea. Can you set the oven to 200 degrees Celsius?
#Person2#: That's a bit high for lasagne. I'll just set it at 180 degree and we can take it from there.
#Person1#: Fine. I'll just get out the casserole dish, the saucepan, the salad bowl, and the baking sheet.
#Person2#: You know, I could do this myself. Why don't you go get the screwdriver and the pliers and go fix the vacuum cleaner so it works better?
#Person1#: I don't think it's broken.
#Person2#: Well, if it's not broken, then you need to learn how to vacuum better, because it doesn't look like you've vacuumed for ages!
#Person1#: Fine. I'll go vacuum. Let me know if you need any other help. | #Person1# lets #Person2# relax because it's #Person2#'s vacation. #Person2# offers to help out in the kitchen because #Person2# enjoys cooking, which makes #Person2# feel relaxed. #Person2# wants to do all the cooking and asks #Person1# to go vacuum. | do the chores |
train_12193 | #Person1#: What did you buy at the market?
#Person2#: I bought some special local products.
#Person1#: You seem to have bought the whole market!
#Person2#: Yes. I really wanted to do so. I love those handicrafts, especially the paper-cut.
#Person1#: Paper-cuts are all hand-made. Let me see the paper-cuts you bought. They are all animals.
#Person2#: Aren't animals the main content of Chinese paper-cuts?
#Person1#: All right. Animals, especially Chinese zodiac, are the most common theme in paper-cuts. But there are other themes.
#Person2#: Then I will buy some tomorrow.
#Person1#: Why do you want to buy so much?
#Person2#: Because I want to send them to my friends.
#Person1#: I see. | #Person2# bought many animal paper-cuts at the market. #Person1# tells #Person2# there are other themes. #Person2# decides to buy more tomorrow. | paper-cut |
train_12194 | #Person1#: OK. . . well, then how much is one jin?
#Person2#: Ginseng comes in 6 different grades. It runs from 5, 000 to 30, 000 NT a jin.
#Person1#: 30, 000 NT for ginseng? ! Do I have to buy a whole jin?
#Person2#: You can get a liang if you want. A liang is one-sixteenth of a jin. That would be 330NT.
#Person1#: Whew! That sounds more like my price range. I'll take two liangs.
#Person2#: I'll have my brother cut some for you.
#Person1#: This little red fruit looks good. What's it good for?
#Person2#: That's a lucky fruit called hong zat! People say that if you eat them, you will have your first son very soon!
#Person1#: Uh. . . , I'm not even married yet. How about this brown dried fruit?
#Person2#: Gui yuan are lucky, too! If you eat them, you'll have a very sweet life!
#Person1#: And how about these little brown chips?
#Person2#: Oh, that's deer horn. That helps you. . . umm, how should I put it? | #Person1# buys two liangs of Ginseng with an acceptable price. #Person2# introduces other kinds of herb and their benefits to #Person1#, including hong zat, Gui yuan, and deer horn. | purchase of herb |
train_12195 | #Person1#: Do you need any help?
#Person2#: I need some help catching up. Are you good at typing or could you help me xerox?
#Person1#: I like xeroxing.
#Person2#: Thank you! There are papers on the table to start with.
#Person1#: OK, I will get right to that.
#Person2#: I really appreciate the help. How many years have you been with the company?
#Person1#: I just started working here.
#Person2#: I have a special assignment coming up. Would you be interested in helping me on it?
#Person1#: I'd like to, but I am very busy.
#Person2#: I'll make sure that management keeps you in mind for special projects in the future. Thanks for the help! | #Person1# helps #Person2# to xerox the papers. #Person2# asks #Person1#'s interest to help #Person2# on a special assignment, and #Person2# will be grateful. | help |
train_12196 | #Person1#: What do you want to do tonight?
#Person2#: I don't know. What do you want to do?
#Person1#: I have no idea. Do you think we're in a rut?
#Person2#: What do you mean?
#Person1#: Well, we do the same things every weekend. We go to the same restaurants. We see the same friends. You know what I mean?
#Person2#: Yeah, I guess you're right. It's easy to get bogged down in the day to day, and forget to change things up once in a while. Let's break out and do something completely different tonight.
#Person1#: Okay, I'll look in the events section of the paper to see what's going on tonight. Hmm, we could go to a concert. There is a good one tonight. I bet it's not sold out. But, we'll have to drive an hour to the venue.
#Person2#: An hour? That's a bit of a bummer. Let me take a peek and see what else there is. How about going dancing? We haven't done that in a while. There's a club in Silver Lake that's supposed to be hopping on Friday nights. Eddie from work told me that they have a really good DJ and a big dance floor, and the cover charge isn't bad.
#Person1#: I'm not really in the mood for dancing, actually. You know what? I just feel like staying home tonight and vegging, after all. How about you?
#Person2#: Yeah, I was hoping you'd say that. It's nice to have the option to go out but I'd rather stay in. Maybe we can go out tomorrow night.
#Person1#: Yeah, definitely, tomorrow night. | #Person1# and #Person2# think they are in a rut and decide to do something different tonight. They come up with a few options, but they finally agree on staying at home and going tomorrow night. | spend the night |
train_12197 | #Person1#: What is this big box at the front door?
#Person2#: Oh. I don't know what to do. I joined this club a long time ago and I didn't read the fine print.
#Person1#: What did you get yourself into?
#Person2#: I didn't realize that I have to buy something from them every six months.
#Person1#: So, what's in the box? A fridge?
#Person2#: It's a curio cabinet. The only thing is I don't even own those kinds of little keepsakes.
#Person1#: I guess you'll read the fine print next time, won't you!
#Person2#: Don't rub it in. Where am I going to put this huge thing? | #Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2# joined a club without reading the fine print, so #Person2# has to buy something from them every six months. | join a club |
train_12198 | #Person1#: Where is the boss? I need him to sign a few documents. I checked in his office, but he is not there. Is he out of the office now?
#Person2#: Yes. Today is Tuesday, so the boss went off to his MBA seminar class. He is out of the office every Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and he has classes all day Saturday and Sunday.
#Person1#: What's he studying?
#Person2#: He is finishing up a special continue education program for executives. He can continue working, taking a few of classes here and there, and in 2 years he will complete his MBA.
#Person1#: Sounds like a tiring schedule. He's probably got a lot of homework too, eh?
#Person2#: The classes have him out of the office, so that is stressful for him. But as far as homework goes, it is a breeze for him.
#Person1#: Why is that?
#Person2#: He just has his secretary do his homework for him. | #Person1# is looking for the boss to sign a few documents. #Person2# tells #Person1# the boss went off to his MBA seminar class and tells #Person1# his schedule. | MBA |
train_12199 | #Person1#: Hi, Bob. I heard that you had passed your driving test. Is it true?
#Person2#: Yes. A few days ago I have no right to get a driving licence. But now I get it.
#Person1#: Is the driving test difficult?
#Person2#: Yes, it can be quite tough. Many people fail to pass the test at the first time.
#Person1#: What does the driving test require?
#Person2#: You should enroll in driving school and then take a road test and a written test. After you pass both tests, you'll get your licence.
#Person1#: Oh, I see. I need more practice before I take the driving test.
#Person2#: Don't worry about your driving test. I think you will pass the test and get the driver's licence very soon.
#Person1#: Hopeful! Thank you. | Bob passed his driving test. He tells #Person1# the requirements of the test and encourages #Person1# that #Person1#'ll soon pass the test. | driving test |