Diálogos Trayectos: English for Real Life

Indice A1 – A7

A1 · Job interview A1 A1 · Experience in sales A1 A2 · House burgled A2 A2 · He was arrested A2 A2 · Sentenced to death A2 A3 · Chunks of plaster removed A3 A4 · I'll put you through A4 A4 · Extension 135 A4 A4 · Direct dialing A4 A4 · Order for workstation desk A4 A4 · Under no circumstances A4 A5 · Break a ten-dollar bill A5 A5 · Type of bank account A5 A5 · Apply for a loan A5 A6 · What's your sign? A6 A7 · Brrr! It's a cold day A7

A1 · I heard you're having a job interview A1

MartinHey, Gary! I heard you've got a job interview tomorrow.

GaryYeah, it's tomorrow morning. I'm so nervous!

MartinDon't stress! You'll do great. Just remember, there are some questions that always come up in interviews.

GaryI know, and they can be really tough to answer.

MartinYou just need to be prepared. For example, they'll probably ask you to tell them about yourself. When that happens, remember it's not about your childhood or hobbies --- it's about what you can offer the company.

GaryWhat about when they ask why I left my last job?

MartinStay positive and talk about wanting growth opportunities. Never badmouth your old boss or company --- even if they were terrible!

GaryGood point. What if they ask if I have any questions?

MartinYou absolutely must ask at least one thoughtful question. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company.

GaryGot it. One more thing --- they asked for a resume, but I have a CV. What's the difference?

MartinResumes are shorter and don't include personal details like age, marital status, or nationality. CVs are longer and more detailed. A resume should never be more than one page.

GaryOne page? How do I fit everything?

MartinUse short phrases --- skip unnecessary words like "I" and "the."

GaryWhat about the headings?

MartinStart with an Objective --- a brief sentence about what you're looking for. Then list your Work Experience in reverse chronological order, followed by Education, and finally a Summary of Qualifications.

GaryThanks, Martin! This really helps.

MartinNo problem! Just remember --- be confident and show them how easy-going and personable you are!

GaryI will. Thanks again!

MartinBreak a leg, man!

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A1 · Have you had any experience in sales? A1

Mr. HawkinsGood morning, Mrs. Houghton. Please, have a seat.

Mrs. HoughtonGood morning. Thank you.

Mr. HawkinsSo, are you currently working?

Mrs. HoughtonYes, I'm working for a real estate company.

Mr. HawkinsWhat's your position there?

Mrs. HoughtonI'm the accountant.

Mr. HawkinsHow long have you been there?

Mrs. HoughtonFor the past three years.

Mr. HawkinsHave you had any experience in sales?

Mrs. HoughtonYes, in my previous job, I worked in the sales department --- I was responsible for all international clients.

Mr. HawkinsThat sounds good. This job requires a lot of travel. Is that a problem?

Mrs. HoughtonNot at all. My current job requires weekly travel too.

Mr. HawkinsWhy are you thinking of leaving your current company?

Mrs. HoughtonI'm looking for new growth opportunities.

Mr. HawkinsTell me about your qualifications.

Mrs. HoughtonI have experience in sales positions. I'm able to direct and lead others to produce desired results. I have the capacity to approach problems effectively and creatively, as well as the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks.

Mr. HawkinsAre you good at working well with people?

Mrs. HoughtonI easily establish rapport with managers and co-workers.

Mr. HawkinsVery interesting. Do you have any questions for me?

Mrs. HoughtonYes, what's the next step in the interview process?

Mr. HawkinsYou have the experience and qualifications we're looking for. We'll make a decision by tomorrow and let you know.

Mrs. HoughtonGreat! I'll be waiting. Thank you.

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A2 · My house has been burgled A2

OfficerPolice station. How can I help you?

FrankMy house has been burgled!

OfficerWhat's your name, sir?

FrankFrank Petrovich.

OfficerAnd your address?

Frank426 Spring Avenue.

OfficerWhen did you discover the burglary?

FrankWell, a neighbor called me at the office. She said she saw some guys in my house, but by the time I got here --- like, a few minutes ago --- they had already split.

OfficerOK. What have you noticed is missing?

FrankAll my wife's jewelry is gone. My 4K TV, my gaming console, my laptop, and my Bluetooth speaker. They cleaned me out!

OfficerHow did they get in?

FrankThey broke a window and forced the backdoor. I think they used a crowbar.

OfficerOK, don't touch anything. An officer will be round in about ten minutes.

FrankGot it. I'll be waiting. Thanks!

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A2 · He was arrested a couple of years ago A2

SallyHey, have you heard about Mr. Martinew?

JudithMartinew, the baker?

SallyThat's the one.

JudithWhat happened?

SallyHe's on trial, charged with sexual assaults and harassment on several women. It's pretty messed up.

JudithOh God! That's awful.

SallyAlice, who is my neighbor, was dating him. One day, he wrapped a shoelace around her throat and threatened to choke her if she made a sound. Then he made her strip to the waist and kept her quiet for an hour while he kissed and fondled her breasts. Now he'll face his accusers in court. He's been charged with aggravated sexual assault on Alice.

JudithOh, Jesus! That's terrifying.

SallyHe was arrested a couple of years ago, actually.

JudithWhy was he arrested back then?

SallyAlice told me that an officer responded to a call about a woman screaming. When he arrived, he found a woman in her underpants. She identified Mr. Martinew as the man who had raped her. He had an alibi, but they arrested him anyway. Unfortunately, he made bail, and a few months later the woman disappeared, so the DA had to drop the charges.

JudithI feel so sorry for Alice.

SallyYeah, she had hoped she would never meet him. What a nightmare.

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A2 · He was sentenced to death A2

BarryDid you see the news last night?

LoisNo, I missed it. What happened?

BarryA rapist was executed by lethal injection. He was sentenced to death. He was convicted for murdering and raping 107 women and their children. Can you believe it?

LoisThat's insane! Did he confess?

BarryYeah, during the trial, he confessed to many murders across the country. Some of his victims, who identified him directly as the man who tried to kill them, were on the witness stand. They described the day they were bound, raped, and beaten. It was brutal.

LoisI know the death penalty is still legal here, but it's so violent, isn't it?

BarrySure, it is. Capital punishment is one of the most divisive debates in this country, but honestly, some criminals deserve that.

LoisOnly a few countries still use the death penalty. It's pretty old-school.

BarryBy the way, a part of the execution was shown on social media.

LoisYou don't say! I can't believe they showed that.

BarryIt was a violent scene. Something went wrong with the procedure. When the execution began, the guy started convulsing. It was gruesome.

LoisBreak it up! I've heard enough. That's too much for me.

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A3 · The chunks of plaster are removed A3

LarryHey, I heard a flood damaged your house. That's rough, man.

SergioYeah, it's a mess. I'm going to have to get my furniture repaired and the walls replastered. It's going to be a lot of work.

LarryDo you need a hand with anything?

SergioActually, my neighbor --- he's a carpenter --- said he'd fix my furniture. He's coming next weekend. But he needs some tools.

LarryTools? Doesn't he have his own?

SergioNo, his workshop got broken into. They stole most of his stuff --- drills, saws, you name it.

LarryThat's a bummer. Well, I've got a bunch of tools. What do you need?

SergioOh, I'd really appreciate that. He needs a drill, a saw, a brush, a router, a hammer, a screwdriver, and a file. He'll bring nails, sandpaper, and screws too.

LarryNo problem. I'll bring you my whole toolbox. I've got everything you need.

SergioHe said he'd have the furniture done in two weekends. I'm pretty relieved about that.

LarryWhat about the walls? Is he doing those too?

SergioNah, I figure I'll do it myself.

LarryWait... you?

SergioYep. How hard can it be?

LarryDo you even know how to repair plaster on walls?

SergioUh... I don't have the foggiest idea, to be honest.

LarryIt's not that hard, actually. First, you remove any loose chunks of plaster.

SergioOK, first the chunks of plaster are removed. Got it.

LarryRight. Then you mist the area with water. After that, you fill small holes with a setting-type joint compound --- mix it with water first, though. You apply the compound with a taping knife in two stages, scratching the surface so the next coat sticks better. Then you apply two or three more coats, letting each one dry completely. Finally, you sand it smooth with a pole sander and sandpaper.

SergioOK, let me make sure I got that right. First, the chunks of plaster are removed. Then the area is misted with water and the holes are filled with compound. Two or three additional coats are applied. Finally, the compound is smoothed with a pad sander.

LarryThat's it! You got it, man.

SergioAwesome. Thanks for the help, Larry. You're a lifesaver.

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A4 · I'll put you through A4

Mr. BurtellowHello. This is James Burtellow. May I speak to Mr. Campbell, please?

ReceptionistHold the line a moment. Let me see if he's in his office.

Mr. BurtellowOK. Thanks.

ReceptionistYes, Mr. Campbell is in. I'll put you through.

Mr. BurtellowThank you very much.

Mr. CampbellHello. Campbell speaking.

Mr. BurtellowHi, Jim. James Burtellow here. How's it going?

Mr. CampbellI'm fine... pretty busy at the moment, though.

Mr. BurtellowNo worries. I'll keep it short. Could you give me the phone number for Deforty Motors in Caracas?

Mr. CampbellSure thing. Let me check... here it is... from Mexico City, it's 00 58 212 45134.

Mr. BurtellowThanks a bunch. Let me just repeat that... 00 58 212 45134.

Mr. CampbellThat's right. You got it.

Mr. BurtellowThanks again, and sorry to bother you.

Mr. CampbellNot at all. Take care, James.

Mr. BurtellowYou too, Jim. Bye.

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A4 · Could I have extension 135, please? A4

ReceptionistDefamro Corporation. Good morning.

Mr. RosalGood morning. Could I have extension 135, please?

ReceptionistExtension 135... I'm sorry, caller, there's no reply.

Mr. RosalI wanted to speak to Mrs. Johnson. When will she be in?

ReceptionistShe should be in the building right now. Would you hold on, please? I'll page her. (after a moment) She's in a meeting with the Managing Director. Could I take a message?

Mr. RosalYes, please. Could you ask her to give me a call as soon as possible? My name's Alberto Rosal, and my number is 576896.

ReceptionistOK. I'll make sure Mrs. Johnson gets your message.

Mr. RosalThank you. Bye.

ReceptionistBye.

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A4 · Generally direct dialing works A4

OperatorDefamro Corporation. Good morning.

Mr. FuentesHello. I've been trying to get hold...

OperatorCould you speak up a bit, please? I can't hear you very well.

Mr. FuentesOK... I've been trying to get hold of Mr. Spencer by dialing his extension direct, but I never get a reply. It's really urgent that I talk to him.

OperatorGenerally direct dialing works. There must be a problem with his line.

Mr. FuentesDo you think you could find him for me?

OperatorIf you hold on, I'll try to find him.

Mr. FuentesI'd really appreciate that.

OperatorMay I have your name?

Mr. FuentesMy name's Carlos Fuentes.

OperatorJust a moment, please, Mr. Fuentes.

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A4 · I'd like to place an order for a workstation desk A4

ClerkTech Office Supplies. How may I help you?

Mr. LocksmithHello. I'd like to place an order for a workstation desk I saw in your catalogue.

ClerkCould you give me the reference number, please?

Mr. LocksmithLet me see... Here it is... item number 236GRW.

ClerkOK. That's a classic design with ample storage and workspace. It has two shelves for media, supplies, or manuals. Laminate finish at US$ 280.50.

Mr. LocksmithExactly! That's the one I want.

ClerkI'll take your order down then. Could I have your name and address?

Mr. LocksmithYes. My name's Andrew Locksmith, and I live at 134 First Avenue.

ClerkSo that's Andrew Locksmith, 134 First Avenue. And how would you like to pay, sir? By check or credit card?

Mr. LocksmithI'll pay by check. When can I expect it?

ClerkThe expected delivery is 7 days.

Mr. LocksmithOK. That's fine.

ClerkWe'll enclose the bill with the desk.

Mr. LocksmithOK. Thank you.

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A4 · Under no circumstances will it happen again A4

OperatorTech Office Supplies. How may I help you?

Miss. BrownHello. Could you put me through to the Sales Manager, please?

OperatorYes. May I have your name?

Miss. BrownMy name's Jenny Brown.

OperatorOK, Miss. Brown. I'll put you through.

Miss. BrownThank you.

Sales ManagerGood morning, Miss. Brown. This is Paul Low, Sales Manager. How may I help you?

Miss. BrownIt's about your delivery. I ordered a 48w x 23-3/4d x 29-1/2h gray laminate finish desk, and you've sent me a 58w x 23-3/4d x 29-1/2h oak desk.

Sales ManagerOh, I'm sorry to hear that. Could you tell me what your order number was?

Miss. BrownLet me check... here it is... 246831.

Sales Manager246831... you're right. There's obviously been a mistake.

Miss. BrownLook, I really need that desk today.

Sales ManagerOK. I'll be able to get the right one off to you this afternoon.

Miss. BrownThat would be great.

Sales ManagerI'll ring you back in thirty minutes to confirm the delivery.

Miss. BrownOK. I'll be waiting for your call.

Sales ManagerI'm very sorry you've been inconvenienced.

Miss. BrownSo am I.

Sales ManagerI hope you believe this, Miss. Brown, but rarely do these things happen to us.

Miss. BrownI believe you.

Sales ManagerUnder no circumstances will it happen again.

Miss. BrownI hope so. Good-bye for now.

Sales ManagerGood-bye.

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A5 · Can you break a ten-dollar bill? A5

TaniaIf you don't leave now, you're going to be late for your class!

PaolaDon't worry! I'll be on time. Hey, can you break a ten-dollar bill?

TaniaSure. How do you want it?

PaolaCould I have a five and the rest in ones?

TaniaHere you go!

PaolaThanks! Well, I gotta run. See you later, alligator!

TaniaAfter a while, crocodile!

TaniaWhat happened? You're still here!

PaolaUh... Do you have change for a dollar? I need some coins for the bus.

TaniaHow do you want it?

PaolaWell, I need three quarters, two dimes, and a nickel.

TaniaHere you are.

PaolaThank you so much! I really have to go now.

TaniaYou're late. The class will have already started by the time you get to school.

PaolaI know, I know... bye!

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A5 · What type of bank account do you want to open? A5

ManagerGood morning. What can I do for you?

JanetteGood morning. I'd like to open a bank account.

ManagerWhat type of bank account do you want to open?

JanetteType?

ManagerThe two most common types are either a savings or a checking account.

JanetteWell, I don't know. What's the difference?

ManagerWith a savings account, you get an ATM card so you can withdraw your money anytime. It's accepted worldwide --- great for traveling without carrying cash. With a checking account, you get a check guarantee card with a fixed limit. It's used to pay monthly expenses and bills. It's the most common way to transfer money without carrying cash.

JanetteHmm... I'll go for the checking account.

ManagerOK. We'll need some information to open your checking account.

JanetteWhat kind of information?

ManagerYour Social Security number, your employer information, and your current address. We'll also need two proofs of ID.

JanetteTwo proofs of ID?

ManagerYes, like a utility bill or your driver's license.

JanetteLet me see... I think I have a problem. I can't find my driver's license. I must have left it in my car.

ManagerWhy don't you go to your car and get it? I can wait for you.

JanetteThanks! I'll be right back.

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A5 · We'd like to apply for a loan A5

BruceGood morning. We'd like to apply for a loan.

ManagerOK. How much would you like to borrow?

BruceWe need a US$1,000 loan.

ManagerAre you married?

GloriaYes, we are.

ManagerFor how long have you been married?

BruceWe'll have been married for eight years by the end of the year.

ManagerDo you have an account with this bank?

BruceYes, we both have accounts here.

ManagerFor how long have you had them?

GloriaWell, next month we will have had them for six years.

ManagerHow much do you both earn?

BruceI earn US$450, and my wife earns US$400.

ManagerOK. There shouldn't be any problem. Could you fill out this form with the required information? Let me know when you're finished.

BruceSure thing. Thanks!

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A6 · What's your sign? A6

AndresHey, Vanessa. What are you doing?

VanessaI'm checking out my horoscope online. It's pretty interesting.

AndresBy the way, do you know the difference between astronomy and astrology?

VanessaWell, astronomy is the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole.

AndresCelestial bodies? Like what?

VanessaYou know, all those natural objects in the sky --- planets, stars, satellites, that kind of thing.

AndresAnd what about astrology?

VanessaAstrology is like a pseudo-science. It's based on the idea that the positions of planets, the sun, and the moon have an influence on human affairs. It's all about predictions and divine inspiration, supposedly.

AndresIs that a horoscope you're looking at?

VanessaYeah. A horoscope shows the positions of the planets and zodiac signs at a specific time and place. A correct interpretation is supposed to reveal a lot about a person.

AndresHow does that work?

VanessaOK, when's your birthday?

AndresApril 7.

VanessaThen you're an Aries, because the sun is in Aries from March 21 to April 19. Your ruling planet is Mars, and your element is fire.

AndresYou're very into this stuff, aren't you?

VanessaYeah, a little bit. Why do you ask?

AndresBecause your positive trait is being "vital," but your negative trait is being "impulsive." That sounds about right!

VanessaHa! How about you?

AndresWhat do you mean?

VanessaWhat's your sign? Wait, you just said you were born April 7. That's Aries, right?

AndresYeah, I was born on September 11, so I'm actually Virgo. I was messing with you! The sun is in Virgo from August 23 to September 22. Mercury rules me, and my element is earth. My positive trait is being "detailed," but my negative trait is being "critical."

VanessaSo you're saying that based on the positions of the planets, you can predict someone's future?

AndresWell, a horoscope doesn't tell you what to do. It just reflects your natural inclinations and the energies you've been given. How you use those energies is up to you. It doesn't give easy answers, but it might help you understand yourself and others better.

VanessaDamn it!

AndresWhat's wrong?

VanessaIf I had known about this before, I would have understood my girlfriend better.

AndresWhy do you say that?

VanessaI understand it all now, but it's too late. Her sign is Virgo. She was so detailed, and I was so hotheaded. That's why she broke up with me. She told me a million times... I can't believe how blind I was.

AndresIt's true, isn't it?

VanessaWhat is?

AndresYou're an impulsive person. That's your Aries trait showing!

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A7 · Brrr! It's a cold day, isn't it? A7

MaryBrrr! It's a cold day, isn't it?

JulietUh-huh. It was supposed to get warmer today. Last night, the weather forecaster said, "Tomorrow it will be warmer."

MaryWell, you know how it is... they predict one thing, and the opposite happens.

JulietWell, this morning, he said that tomorrow would be a cold, wet day, and the day after tomorrow we would have partly cloudy skies with gusty winds during the afternoon. And for the weekend, it would be a little bit better; we would have mainly clear skies with temperatures from a low of 44°F to a high of 59°F.

MaryIf he said that tomorrow would be a cold, wet day... that means that...

JulietWhat?

MaryWe might have a hot, dry day, and... the day after tomorrow we might have mostly sunny skies...

JulietOh, come on!

MaryI'm kidding! Just messing with you.

JulietWhatever. Let's go inside --- I'm freezing!

MaryOK. Me too.

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Acceso denegado

Diálogos Trayectos: English for Real Life – Advanced

Indice A1 – A7