Diálogos · Trayectos Plus

+ Diálogos
MRTEACH since 2001

Indice MINTRO – M7

MINTRO · Meeting Someone at a Party MINTRO
LauraHi! I don't think we've met. I'm Laura.
MarkHi Laura, I'm Mark. Nice to meet you.
LauraSo, how do you know the host?
MarkOh, Sarah and I used to work together. What about you?
LauraWe're neighbors, actually.
MarkNice! Do you live close by?
LauraYeah, just a couple blocks away.
MarkThat's convenient. So, what do you do, Laura?
LauraI'm a graphic designer. And you?
MarkI'm in marketing. I like your bag, by the way.
LauraOh, thank you! I like finding unique things at flea markets.
volver al indice
MINTRO · Interrupting in a Group Conversation MINTRO
Ana...and that's when we realized the flight was actually canceled.
BenOh no, that's awful. Wait, can I ask---when was this?
AnaLike, three weeks ago.
CodySorry, can I jump in? Did you get a refund?
AnaEventually, yeah.
BenThat's good at least. Anyway, go on---
AnaWell, actually that's pretty much the whole story.
CodyWow. I like traveling, but stuff like that stresses me out.
volver al indice
M1 · Where did you go? M1
PeterHey, Malcolm! How's it going?
MalcolmPretty good, man. You?
PeterAll good. I tried calling you last week, but you didn't pick up.
MalcolmOh, sorry about that. I wasn't home. I was on a trip.
PeterNo way! Where did you go?
MalcolmI went to New York. Had to do some work stuff, but I also did a ton of sightseeing.
PeterThat's awesome! How was it?
MalcolmHonestly, it was pretty epic. I was busy with work from Wednesday to Friday, but the weekend was all mine.
PeterWhat did you do?
MalcolmI hit up Chinatown and had some amazing dumplings. Then I went to the Empire State Building and took a bunch of pics for the 'gram. Oh, and I finally saw the Statue of Liberty up close!
PeterThat sounds lit! Did you get any souvenirs?
MalcolmYeah, I went a little crazy at Macy's. Bought way too much stuff, if I'm being honest.
PeterHaha, classic. When did you get back?
MalcolmI flew back on Monday. But I was totally jet-lagged.
PeterOh, that explains it. I called you around 4 PM and no answer.
MalcolmYeah, I was home, but I was in the shower. I heard my phone buzzing but couldn't get to it. Did you leave a voicemail?
PeterNah, I figured I'd catch you later.
volver al indice
M1 · I heard you traveled a lot the last months M1
JohanEmily! Long time no see. How have you been?
EmilyJohan! I'm great, thanks. What's new with you?
JohanI heard you've been traveling a lot lately. Is that true?
EmilyYeah, I spent the last six months backpacking through South America. It was wild!
JohanWow, that's incredible! How was it?
EmilyIt was a total adventure. I flew between countries, took some boats, and did a lot of road trips. I saw deserts, jungles, islands --- you name it.
JohanI'm so jealous! That sounds like a dream.
EmilyHonestly, it was amazing, but I got so tired of eating out and staying in hotels. I really missed my own bed.
JohanCome on, really? I don't buy it. You're living the dream!
EmilyI'm serious! I guess I'm just not cut out for long-term travel. I need my routines.
JohanI get it. I wasn't used to flying either, but after a while, you just get used to it.
EmilyMaybe, but I missed home. You know what they say --- east or west, home is best!
JohanTrue that. Well, welcome back!
EmilyThanks! It's good to be back.
volver al indice
M1 · I'd like to book a flight to Mexico City M1
AgentGood morning, thank you for calling Mexican Airlines. How can I help you?
AndresHi, I'd like to book a flight to Mexico City, please.
AgentCertainly. What's your travel date?
AndresI need to leave on the 2nd of next month.
AgentGot it. Is that a round-trip?
AndresYes, two round-trip tickets, please. Economy class.
AgentAnd what's your return date?
AndresThe 16th.
AgentLet me check availability... OK, the price is $550 per ticket. Does that work for you?
AndresThat's fine.
AgentGreat! May I have your full name, please?
AndresSure, it's Andres Garcia.
volver al indice
M1 · May I see your passport, please? M1
OfficerNext! May I see your passport, please?
AndresOf course. Here you go.
OfficerWhere did you board your flight?
AndresI came in from Caracas, Venezuela. Maiquetia Airport.
OfficerAnd how long are you planning to stay in Mexico?
AndresI'll be here for two weeks.
OfficerWhat's the reason for your visit?
AndresJust sightseeing. I'm on vacation.
OfficerAlright, everything looks in order. Enjoy your stay!
AndresThank you!
volver al indice
M1 · Anything to declare? M1
OfficerIs that all your luggage?
AndresYes, that's everything.
OfficerWhat do you have in that big suitcase?
AndresJust clothes and personal stuff.
OfficerWould you mind if I opened it?
AndresNo, go ahead.
OfficerDo you have any cigarettes, liquor, or anything to declare?
AndresI have two bottles of whiskey and some smokes.
OfficerTwo bottles are fine. How many packs of cigarettes?
AndresI've got 25 packs.
OfficerSorry, but the limit is 20 packs. You'll have to pay tax on the extra 5.
AndresOK, no problem. How much do I owe?
OfficerThat'll be $4.24, please.
AndresHere you are.
volver al indice
M1 · I'd like a room M1
ClerkGood evening, welcome to the Plaza. How can I help you?
FredHi, I need a room for tonight.
ClerkWould you prefer a single or a double?
FredA double, please. What's the rate?
ClerkIt's $35 per night, and breakfast is on the house.
FredSounds good. I'll take it.
ClerkHow many nights will you be staying?
FredA whole week. Do you take credit cards?
ClerkYes, we take all major cards.
FredPerfect.
ClerkI'll need you to fill out this registration form, please.
FredSure thing. Here you go.
ClerkThank you. Here's your key. You're in room 278. The bellhop will show you up.
FredGreat, thanks so much!
ClerkMy pleasure. Have a wonderful stay!
volver al indice
M2 · Is there a bank near here? M2
ManExcuse me. Is there a bank near here?
CopYeah, there's one next to the drugstore.
ManAnd a bookstore?
CopThere are two. One is on this avenue and there's another one right next to the drugstore.
ManCool. How do I get to the drugstore?
CopGo along this avenue and at the traffic lights take the first right and go straight. When you see a newsstand, turn right. Go past the church. The drugstore is on your left.
ManIs it far?
CopNah, not really. Just a five-minute walk.
ManAwesome! Thanks a bunch!
volver al indice
M2 · Do you know how I can get to the National Bank? M2
WomanExcuse me. Do you know how I can get to the National Bank?
PolicemanSure. It's that way. You go three blocks, then turn left. It's on the corner.
WomanThank you so much!
PolicemanYou're welcome. But let me tell you --- the bank must be closed by now.
WomanBut it's closed until three.
PolicemanDo you know what time it is?
WomanNo, I don't. I left my phone in the car.
PolicemanIt's 3:07.
WomanOh, dang! You're right. Thanks anyway!
PolicemanNo problem. Have a good one!
volver al indice
M2 · I will no longer go with my cousin anywhere M2
MiguelHey, Emily! What's up?
EmilyOh, hey Miguel. Not much.
MiguelI saw Johan the other day and he told me you traveled to South America.
EmilyYeah, I did. It was amazing!
MiguelDid you go alone?
EmilyNo, I went with my cousin.
MiguelDid you have a great time?
EmilyYes, I did. But I will no longer go with my cousin anywhere.
MiguelWhy? What happened?
EmilyBecause he's always complaining about everything. Like, seriously, everything!
MiguelWhat do you mean?
EmilyHe always complains about the food, the weather, the mosquitoes... like, he's a total pain in the neck!
MiguelHaha, sounds rough. Well, at least you had fun!
EmilyTrue that!
volver al indice
M3 · I prefer to go out than stay at home M3
EvaSo, where do you want to go this weekend?
MatthewThis weekend? Honestly, I'd rather just relax at home.
EvaCome on! I'd much rather go out than stay in. It's the weekend!
MatthewI don't know, I'm not feeling great. I should probably rest.
EvaYou'd better quit smoking and eat healthier. That would help a lot!
MatthewYeah, but I'd rather stay home anyway.
EvaOK, what about the following weekend?
MatthewI can't. I'm working that weekend.
EvaWhat about the day after tomorrow? We have that dinner with your boss.
MatthewThat's not the day after tomorrow.
EvaNo? When is it then?
MatthewIt was the day before yesterday.
EvaOh! I'd better get some board games then!
MatthewSorry, babe. Don't be mad at me!
volver al indice
M3 · You have the wrong number M3
ManHello?
VictorHi, is this Mr. Smith's residence?
ManNo, sorry.
VictorIsn't this 984-2821?
ManNo, you've got the wrong number. This is 984-5021.
VictorMy mistake! I messed up.
ManNo worries, it happens.
volver al indice
M3 · Can I take a message? M3
WomanHello?
JohnHi, may I speak to Diana, please?
WomanSorry, she's not home right now. Can I take a message?
JohnYes, please. Tell her John called. I'll be about 20 minutes late tonight.
WomanOK. I'll give her the message as soon as she gets back.
JohnOK, thanks!
WomanYou're welcome!
JohnBye!
WomanBye!
volver al indice
M3 · May I speak to Julia? M3
ManHello?
VictorHi, may I speak to Julia, please?
ManHold on, just a moment.
JuliaHello?
VictorHello Julia, it's Victor. How are you?
JuliaOh, hello! I'm good, you?
VictorAll good. Are you free tomorrow night?
JuliaI don't think so. Why?
VictorWould you like to go dancing?
JuliaI'd love to!
VictorGreat! I'll pick you up around eight. We're going to "Sixties".
JuliaPerfect. I'll be ready.
VictorGreat, see you then!
JuliaOK, bye!
VictorBye!
volver al indice
M3 · I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr. Corday M3
Mr. SpencerHello, this is Alexander Spencer. I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr. Corday.
ReceptionistOf course. What seems to be the problem?
Mr. SpencerI've got a fever and a terrible headache.
ReceptionistWhen would you be able to come in?
Mr. SpencerCould it be this morning?
ReceptionistSure. How about 10:15?
Mr. SpencerThat works. Thank you!
ReceptionistGreat, we'll see you then, Mr. Spencer.
Mr. SpencerThanks!
ReceptionistDon't mention it.
volver al indice
M3 · I have a fever and an awful headache M3
DoctorGood morning, Mr. Spencer. What's going on?
Mr. SpencerWell, I've got a fever and a pounding headache.
DoctorAny sore throat?
Mr. SpencerNot really, but my whole body aches.
DoctorHow's your appetite?
Mr. SpencerNot great. I'm so busy with work I barely have time to eat.
DoctorAre you taking anything for it?
Mr. SpencerJust some aspirin when the pain gets bad.
DoctorOK, let me take a look. Say "ah".
Mr. Spencer"Ah..."
DoctorTake a deep breath... Hmm, you seem pretty run-down. You're probably overworking yourself.
Mr. SpencerI can't help it! There's just so much to do.
DoctorYou'd better take it easy today. You need to rest.
Mr. SpencerOK, doctor.
DoctorI'm going to give you two prescriptions. One for some pills, and another for an injection.
Mr. SpencerAn injection! I'd rather just take some tonic.
DoctorDon't worry, it won't hurt. And you really should stay home for a couple of days, OK?
Mr. SpencerOK, but I'd rather be at work than stuck at home.
DoctorYou must rest, or you might need another injection!
Mr. SpencerOK, OK! I'll stay home!
DoctorIf you don't feel better in a couple of days, give me a call.
Mr. SpencerThanks, doctor. I already feel better!
volver al indice
M4 · Carlos is older than Teresa, but she is taller than him M4
JulioI just got a letter from my brother.
SofiaBrother? I didn't know you had a brother.
JulioActually, I have a brother and a sister.
SofiaReally? You never talk about them.
JulioWell, they live in Peru.
SofiaAre they older than you?
JulioNo, they're younger. Their names are Carlos and Teresa. Carlos is older than Teresa, but she's taller than him.
SofiaIs she taller than you?
JulioYeah, she is. Do you have any brothers or sisters?
SofiaJust a sister. We're only two girls in the family.
JulioYou're tall. Is she tall too?
SofiaYes, she's even taller than me.
JulioI don't know what's going on. Girls are taller these days.
SofiaThat's because we're the best!
JulioCome on! Boys are just as good as girls.
SofiaBut girls are more intelligent than boys.
JulioBut boys are stronger than girls.
SofiaBut girls are nicer than boys.
JulioBut boys grow up faster than girls.
SofiaBut girls are taller than boys.
JulioOops! Well, the taller you are, the harder it is to find clothes that fit!
SofiaJust admit it! Boys and girls aren't the same, and you totally lost. We're the best!
volver al indice
M4 · How much is the rent? M4
ManHello?
JeremyHi, I'm calling about the apartment you advertised the day before yesterday.
ManOh, right! It's a two-bedroom flat. Are you interested?
JeremyIt depends. What else can you tell me about it?
ManWell, it has two bedrooms. One's bigger than the other. The kitchen is small, but it's fully equipped. The living room is bright and has a nice rug on the floor.
JeremyDoes it have air conditioning?
ManYes, central air conditioning.
JeremyHow about parking?
ManYou can get a parking space at no extra charge.
JeremyHow much is the rent?
ManThe monthly rent is $300 with a $200 security deposit. Gas and water are included.
JeremyWhat about electricity?
ManYou have to pay electricity separately.
JeremyCan I come by tomorrow to take a look?
ManSure. What time works for you?
JeremyIs 9 AM okay?
ManThat's fine. May I have your name?
JeremyJeremy.
ManOK, Jeremy. I'll see you tomorrow at 9.
JeremySounds good. Thanks! Bye.
ManBye.
volver al indice
M4 · I heard you moved out last weekend M4
RoseI heard you moved out last weekend.
JeremyYep. Now I'm living in a quieter neighborhood.
RoseAnd how's your new place?
JeremyIt's a nice apartment. The kitchen isn't big, but it's got everything I need. The living room is bright and spacious enough to host great parties.
RoseHow about the rent?
JeremyIt's more expensive than the old one, but I can still afford it.
volver al indice
M4 · I was at Alexandra's last night M4
ClareI was at Alexandra's last night.
JillI heard she's renting a beautiful house from a real estate company.
ClareYeah, it's really gorgeous.
JillTell me about it!
ClareWell, it has a large front porch and a huge yard around the house. It's a six-room house. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs. And downstairs, there's the living room, the dining room, and the kitchen. The living room is at the front of the house.
JillSounds amazing! I'd love to see it sometime.
ClareWe should go together. She'd love to show you around.
volver al indice
M5 · If I had a degree of bachelor, I would have a better job M5
NigelI feel terrible. I wish I had finished college.
EdwardWhat do you mean?
NigelIf I had a bachelor's degree, I would get a better job.
EdwardWhy did you drop out?
NigelI wasn't good at studying. I kept failing my exams.
EdwardBut you shouldn't beat yourself up. That's all in the past! Now you just need to do your best in whatever you do.
NigelYeah, I know. No one can help me but myself.
EdwardIt happens to the best of us. Why don't you go back to school?
NigelThat's actually a good idea. Better late than never!
EdwardOf course. It doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing --- it's never out of reach!
NigelYou're right. I'll do it!
volver al indice
M5 · I wish I were in my own office now M5
SonMom?
MomYes, sweetie?
SonHow many more years do I have to go to school before college?
MomLet me see... you're in fourth grade, so about nine more years.
SonThat's so long! Why so many years?
MomBecause you have four more years to finish elementary school, then four years of high school.
SonDo I get a bachelor's degree after high school?
MomNot yet, honey.
SonDo I have to take a test to get into college?
MomYes, you do. It's a long road, but it's really important.
SonI'm going to be a famous lawyer.
MomI'm sure you will!
SonI wish I were in my own office right now.
MomOffice?
SonYeah, I'd love to work. I wish I had a ton of money.
MomMoney?
SonYeah, I want to be like Dad.
MomYou will. Just keep studying hard.
SonI will, Mom.
volver al indice
M5 · So do I M5
RogerWhat are you up to tonight? Wanna go out?
EdSorry, I can't.
RogerWhy not?
EdI have to study for the Spanish test.
RogerSo do I.
EdBut I didn't have enough time to study this weekend.
RogerNeither did I.
EdSo?
RogerIt can't be that hard. Honestly, I'm sure it'll be a piece of cake.
EdI give up! I'll never learn Spanish!
RogerWhy do you say that? I think we're making good progress.
EdMaybe you are, but I'm not. I try and try, and I still can't speak it well.
RogerLearning a language takes time. Why don't we practice together?
EdI really appreciate that. Thanks.
RogerDon't mention it. We could go to a Mexican restaurant, eat some tacos, and listen to some mariachi music.
EdAnd we could have some tequila to improve our pronunciation!
RogerI like tequila.
EdSo do I.
RogerBut I don't like spicy food.
EdNeither do I.
RogerSee? Great minds think alike! Let's go!
volver al indice
M6 · You've been traveling, haven't you? M6
DavidHey, Nestor! How have you been?
NestorGood! And you?
DavidPretty well. I haven't seen you since October. Where have you been hiding?
NestorI've been working like crazy.
DavidThat's life, I guess!
NestorYou've been traveling, haven't you?
DavidYeah, I have.
NestorWhere are you heading now?
DavidI'm actually starving. I'm going to grab some food.
NestorSame here! I could eat a whole cow. Let's go together. It's on me!
DavidAwesome! Thanks.
NestorHave you been to Luciano's?
DavidNo, what is it?
NestorIt's an Italian place. Want to check it out?
DavidSounds perfect. Spaghetti always hits the spot.
NestorDo you mind if we stop at the drugstore first?
DavidNot at all. Are you sick?
NestorI had a cold, but I got over it. My sister has a migraine, so I need to get her some painkillers.
DavidThat's too bad.
NestorWhat are you doing tonight?
DavidNot sure yet. Why?
NestorThere's a party at Dan's. Wanna come?
DavidI don't know. I don't really get along with him.
NestorReally? But he's a nice guy, isn't he?
DavidI'm not so sure about that.
NestorWhy do you say that?
DavidBecause the other day he rear-ended my car and just drove off without saying a word.
NestorWell, that might just be his way. That's how he is.
DavidI don't think you get it. He just left without saying anything.
NestorWhat do you mean?
DavidHe just drove off. Later, I called him, but he hung up on me. I went to his place, but nobody answered the door. I even complained to his dad about the damage, but nobody has paid for the repairs yet.
NestorYou're kidding, right?
DavidBelieve it or not! It happened exactly like I told you.
NestorLet me get this straight. He crashed into your car and just left without paying?
DavidExactly! His dad said he'd pay for the repairs, but easier said than done.
NestorAnd you're still waiting, aren't you?
DavidYep. Still waiting for the money.
volver al indice
M7 · I'm afraid I dropped a brick M7
JimmyMiss Douglas is such a mean teacher!
JonathanWhy do you say that?
JimmyBecause she gave me extra homework just because I was five minutes late after break.
JonathanCome on! I've talked to her and she seemed really nice.
JimmyYou only say that because you like her.
JonathanWhatever. Tell me about that "mean" homework. I can help you before I head to college.
JimmyI have to look up some words and explain them to the class.
JonathanThat's easy! Give me the first word and I'll give you a definition.
JimmyOK, but keep it short and sweet, alright?
JonathanThe first one is "guacharo."
Jimmy"Wua... " what?
JonathanGuacharo. G-U-A-C-H-A-R-O.
JimmyOh, I remember! I heard that somewhere in Brazil.
JonathanIt's a nocturnal fruit-eating bird that lives in South America.
JimmyOK, next one: "D.C." --- like in Washington D.C.
JonathanD.C. stands for "District of Columbia," which is the district where Washington is located.
JimmyGot it. The last one is "Amazon."
JonathanWell, "Amazon" has three different meanings.
JimmyLay them on me!
JonathanFirst, an Amazon is a strong, aggressive woman.
JimmyLike Miss Douglas!
JonathanDon't say that!
JimmySorry!
JonathanSecond, an Amazon is a beautiful parrot that lives in South America. And finally, Amazon is a river --- the Amazon River, which is the world's second-longest river, is in South America.
JimmyWhich one is the longest?
JonathanThe Nile River.
JimmyOK, thanks. This homework turned out to be pretty interesting after all.
JonathanSee? Sometimes it's a blessing in disguise!
JimmyAnyway, it wasn't fair. Five minutes late is nothing... oh-oh, I'm so stupid! ... dang it!
JonathanWhat happened?
JimmyI said that right in front of her!
JonathanWhat?
Jimmy"Five minutes late is nothing." I'm afraid I dropped a brick!
JonathanYeah, you sure did. The extra homework wasn't because you were five minutes late. It was because you said that. Pinhead!
volver al indice