English Pod

Elementary - Difficult Customer (B0001)

**A:**Good evening. My name is Fabio, I’ll be your waiter for tonight. May I take your order?  
晚上好。我叫法比奥，今晚我是您的服务员。我可以为您点餐吗？

**B:**No, I’m still working on it. This menu is not even in English. What’s good here?  
不，我还没看完。这菜单根本不是英文的。这里有什么推荐的吗？

**A:**For you sir, I would recommend spaghetti and meatballs.  
先生，我推荐意大利面和肉丸。

**B:**Does it come with coke and fries?  
有可乐和薯条吗？

**A:**It comes with either soup or salad and a complimentary glass of wine, Sir.  
有汤或者沙拉，还有一杯免费红酒，先生。

**B:**I’ll go with the spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and the wine.  
那我要意大利面和肉丸，沙拉，还有红酒。

**A:**Excellent choice, your order will be ready soon.  
很好的选择，您的餐很快就会准备好。

**B:**How soon is soon?  
“很快”是多久？

**A:**Twenty minutes?  
二十分钟？

**B:**You know what? I’ll just go grab a burger across the street.  
算了，我还是去对面买个汉堡吧。

Elementary - Calling In Sick (B0002)

**A:**Hello, Daniel speaking, how may I help you?  
你好，我是丹尼尔，有什么可以帮忙的吗？

**B:**Hi, Daniel, Julie here.  
嗨，丹尼尔，我是朱莉。

**A:**Hi, Julie, how are you?  
嗨，朱莉，你好吗？

**B:**Actually, I’m feeling quite ill today.  
其实，我今天感觉很不舒服。

**A:**I’m sorry to hear that. What’s wrong?  
很抱歉听到这个。你哪里不舒服？

**B:**I think I’m coming down with the flu. I have a headache, a sore throat, a runny nose, and I’m feeling slightly feverish.  
我觉得我可能得了流感。我头痛、喉咙痛、流鼻涕，还有点发烧。

**A:**I see... so you’re calling in sick?  
我明白了... 你是打电话请假吗？

**B:**Yes, I was hoping to take the day off to recover.  
是的，我希望请一天假休息一下。

**A:**OK, then. Try and get some rest.  
好的，那你多休息。

Daily Life - Hotel Upgrade (C0003)

**A:**Good afternoon. What can I do for you?  
下午好。我能帮您做什么吗？

**B:**I’d like to check in please. I have a reservation under the name Anthony Roberts.  
我想办理入住。我预定的名字是安东尼·罗伯茨。

**A:**All right R.O.B.E.R.T.S... Oh, Mr. Roberts we’ve been èxpecting you… and here is your keycard to the presïdential suite.  
好的，R.O.B.E.R.T.S...哦，罗伯茨先生，我们一直在等您……这是您的总统套房房卡。

**B:**But there must be some mistake; my reservation was for a standärd room.  
但是肯定是搞错了；我预订的是标准间。

**A:**Are you sure? Let me double check.  
您确定吗？让我再确认一下。

**B:**Yeah… Here, this is my confirmation number.  
是的...这是我的确认号码。

**A:**You’re right Mr. Roberts, there seems to be a mix-up, unfortunately, we’re overbooked at the moment.  
您说得对，罗伯茨先生，看来是搞混了，不幸的是，我们目前超额预订了。

**B:**So…  
那么…

**A:**Not to worry. We’re pleased to offer you a complimentary upgrade.  
别担心。我们很高兴为您提供免费升级。

**B:**Presidential suite, baby!  
总统套房，太棒了！

The Office - I Need an Assistant! (C0004)

**A:**...like I told you before, we just don’t have the rēsõurces to hire you an ässistant.  
……就像我之前告诉你的，我们没有资源为你雇一个助理。

**B:**I understand that, but the fact is we’re understaffed.  
我明白，但事实是我们人手不足。

**A:**The timing is just not right. The ēconömy is bad, and it’s too risky to take on new staff.  
现在时机不对。经济不好，雇新人太冒险了。

**B:**Yeah, I guess you’re right.... here’s an idea, what if we hire an intêrn? She would take some of the weight off my shoulders.  
是啊，我想你说得对...我有个主意，如果我们雇一个实习生呢？她可以帮我分担一些工作。

**A:**She?  
她？

**B:**Yeah, you know, a recent graduate. She could give me a hand with some of these projects and we could keep our costs down.  
是的，就是刚毕业的那种。她可以帮我做一些项目，这样我们可以节省成本。

**A:**That sounds reasonable... let me see what I can do.  
听起来很合理...我来看看能做些什么。

**A:**Tony, I’d like to intrödūce you to your new assistant.  
托尼，我来介绍一下你的新助理。

**B:**OK, great! Let’s meet her!  
好啊，太好了！让我见见她！

**C:**Hi, I’m Adam.  
嗨，我是亚当。

**B:**Oh... hi... I’m Tony...  
哦... 嗨... 我是托尼...

Daily Life - Cut In Line (C0005)

**A:**I can’t believe it took us two hours to get here. The traffic in New York is unbelievable.  
真不敢相信，我们花了两个小时才到这儿。纽约的交通真是太糟糕了。

**B:**Yeah, but just relax honey, we’re here and we’re going on vacation. In a few hours, we’ll be in Häwaíi, and you’ll be on the golf course.  
是啊，但别紧张，亲爱的，我们到了，现在是度假。几个小时后，我们就会在夏威夷，你可以去打高尔夫了。

**A:**Oh no! Look at that line! It must be a mile long! There’s no way I’m waiting for another two hours.  
哦，不！看看那队伍！肯定有一英里长！我才不会再等两个小时。

**B:**Honey... don’t...  
亲爱的……别……

**C:**Hey man, the end of the line is over there.  
嘿，伙计，队伍的末尾在那边。

**A:**Yeah...  
好吧...

**C:**No seriously, I was here first, and you can’t cut in line like this.  
不，认真的，我先来的，你不能这样插队。

**A:**Says who?  
谁说的？

**C:**I do!  
我说的！

**A:**So sue me!  
那你去告我啊！

**C:**Alright...that’s it....  
好吧... 那就这样...

**The Weekend - Road Trip (C0006)**

A: So, are we all ready to go?  
（我们都准备好出发了吗？）

B: Yup, I think so. The car’s packed; we have münchies and music, and the map’s in the car.  
（是的，我觉得都准备好了。车子装好了东西，我们有零食和音乐，地图也在车里。）

A: Did you get the camera?  
（你带上相机了吗？）

B: Got it! Did you fill up the tank?  
（带了！你加满油了吗？）

A: Yup, it’s all set.  
（是的，都搞定了。）

B: You’re sure we’re not forgetting anything?  
（你确定我们没忘带什么吗？）

A: I’m sure... we’ve got all our bases covered.  
（我确定……我们所有的东西都带齐了。）

B: Well… let’s get going then! I love road trips!  
（好吧……那我们走吧！我喜欢自驾游！）

B: Um... do you think we can make a pit stop?  
（嗯……你觉得我们可以停一下吗？）

A: But we’ve only been on the road for ten minutes.  
（可是我们才上路十分钟。）

B: I know, but I forgot to go to the bathroom before we left.  
（我知道，但是我出发前忘了去洗手间。）

**The Office - Virus! (C0007)**

A: Oh great! This stupid computer froze again! That’s the third time today! Hey Samúël, can you come take a look at my PC? It’s acting up again. It must have a vīrüs or something.  
（天哪！这破电脑又死机了！今天已经是第三次了！嘿，Samuel，你能过来看看我的电脑吗？它又出问题了。肯定是中了病毒什么的。）

B: Just give me a second; I’ll be right up.  
（稍等一下，我马上过来。）

B: I ran a virus scan on your computer, and it turns out that you have a lot of infected files!  
（我给你的电脑做了病毒扫描，结果发现你有很多感染的文件！）

A: But I’m quite careful when I’m browsing the internet, I have no idea how I could have picked up a virus.  
（可是我上网的时候很小心啊，我不知道怎么会中病毒。）

B: Well, you have to make sure that your antī-virus sõftwáre is updated regúlärly; yours wasn’t up to date, that’s probably what was causing your problems.  
（嗯，你得确保你的杀毒软件定期更新；你的软件没更新，这可能就是问题所在。）

A: Ok. Anything else?  
（好的，还有别的建议吗？）

B: Yeah, try not to kick or hit the computer!  
（有啊，尽量别踢或者敲打电脑！）

A: Um yeah… Sorry about that.  
（呃，对不起……我会注意的。）

**Daily Life - What’s your name again? (C0008)**

A: Nick! How’s it going?  
（Nick！最近怎么样？）

B: Oh, hey...  
（哦，嗨……）

A: What are you doing in this neighbourhood? Do you live around here?  
（你在这附近干嘛？你住这附近吗？）

B: Actually, my office is right around the corner.  
（实际上，我的办公室就在拐角。）

A: It was great to meet you last week at the confërënce. I really enjoyed our conversation about foreign investment.  
（上周在会议上见到你真高兴。我真的很喜欢我们关于外商投资的对话。）

B: Yeah, yeah, it was really interesting. You know, I’m in a bit of a hurry, but here’s my card. We should definitely meet up again and continue our discussion.  
（是啊，是啊，真的很有趣。你知道，我现在有点赶时间，但这是我的名片。我们一定要再见面继续讨论。）

A: Sure, you still have my contact details, right?  
（当然，你还有我的联系方式吧？）

B: You know what, this is really embarrassing, but your name has just slipped my mind. Can you remind me?  
（你知道吗，这真的很尴尬，但我突然想不起你的名字了。你能提醒我一下吗？）

A: Sure, my name is Ana Ferris. Don’t worry about it; it happens to me all the time. I’m terrible with names too.  
（当然，我叫Ana Ferris。别担心，这种事我也常遇到。我对名字也很不在行。）

**The Weekend - Silence please! (C0009)**

A: Those people in front of us are making so much noise. It’s so inconsiderate!  
（前面那些人太吵了，真是不为别人着想！）

B: Don’t worry about it; it’s not such a big deal.  
（别担心，这没什么大不了的。）

A: Oh... I can’t hear a thing! Excuse me, can you keep it down?  
（哦……我什么都听不到了！打扰一下，你们能小声点吗？）

C: Sure, sorry ’bout that!  
（好的，不好意思！）

A: Someone’s phone is ringing!  
（有人手机响了！）

B: Honey, I think it’s your phone. Did you forget to switch it off?  
（亲爱的，我觉得是你的手机。你是不是忘了关机？）

A: Oh, no! You’re right. That’s so embarrassing!  
（哦，不！你说得对。真是太尴尬了！）

C: Do you mind keeping it down? I’m trying to watch a movie here!  
（你介意小声点吗？我在这里看电影呢！）

**The Office - Driving Sales (C0010)**

A: All right, people. We’re holding this meeting today because we’ve got to do something about our sales, and we need to do it NOW! I want concrete solutions. How do you intend to drive sales... Roger?  
（好了，大家。我们今天开这个会是因为我们得想办法提升销售额，而且必须马上采取行动！我需要具体的解决方案。你们打算怎么提升销售……Roger？）

B: Well, in fact, we’re the most expensive in the market, so maybe we need to lower our prices to match the competitors?  
（嗯，事实上，我们是市场上最贵的，所以也许我们需要降价来匹配竞争对手？）

A: Lower our prices? Not very creative. It’ll never fly with Swan. What kind of thinking is that? Geez. Anybody else have a better plan? Natalie?  
（降价？这不太有创意。Swan绝对不会同意的。这是什么想法？天哪。还有谁有更好的计划吗？Natalie？）

C: Um, perhaps, um, a sales promotion. Maybe a two-for-one offer, or something like that!  
（嗯，也许，嗯，做个促销活动。比如买二送一什么的！）

A: What? That’s the same thing. Bad idea. Really bad idea. Dammit people come on! Think! The CEO will be here any minute.  
（什么？这跟之前的想法差不多。糟糕的主意。真是糟糕的主意。天啊，大家，动脑筋想想！CEO马上就要来了。）

D: Do we have any ideas yet?  
（我们有什么想法了吗？）

C: Yes Mr. Swan, we were kind of considering a two-for-one offer to get more competitive.  
（是的，Swan先生，我们在考虑做一个买二送一的促销，以提高竞争力。）

D: A two-for-one promotion? Hmm. I kind of like the sound of that. It sounds like something we should consider.  
（买二送一的促销？嗯，我觉得这听起来不错。这是我们应该考虑的。）

A: Yeah, exactly. Just what I was thinking! In fact, that’s a brilliant idea! I’m glad we thought of that. Very creative.  
（是啊，完全是我想的！事实上，这是个很棒的主意！我很高兴我们想到了这个。非常有创意。）

Daily Life - New Guy in Town (C0011)

A: Oh, I don’t know if you heard, but someone moved into that old house down the road.

哦，我不知道你有没有听说，有人搬进了路尽头的那栋老房子。

B: Yeah, I know. I met the owner of the house yesterday as he was moving in. His name is Armand.

是的，我知道。我昨天遇到了搬进那栋房子的新主人，他叫阿曼德。

A: Really? What’s he like? You have to fill me in.

真的吗？他怎么样？你得告诉我。

B: Actually, he’s a bit strange. I don’t know… I’ve got a bad feeling about him.

其实，他有点奇怪。我不知道为什么……但我有一种不好的预感。

A: Really? Why?

真的吗？为什么？

B: Well, yesterday I brought over a housewarming gift, but Armand started acting really weird, and then he practically kicked me out! I tried to, sort of, peek into his house, but everything was so dark inside that I couldn’t really get a good look.

昨天我带了一份乔迁礼物过去，但阿曼德的表现非常奇怪，然后他差不多把我赶了出来！我试着偷偷看了一眼他的房子，但里面一片漆黑，根本看不清楚。

A: Well, you’ll never guess what I saw this morning. A delivery truck pulled into his driveway, and it dropped off a long, rectangular box. It almost looked like a coffin!

你永远猜不到我今天早上看到了什么。一辆货车开进了他的车道，卸下了一个长方形的箱子，看起来像是个棺材！

B: You see! Why would he…

你看！他为什么要……

C: Hello ladies…

你好，女士们……

B: Ah, Armand! You scared the heck out of me! This is my friend Doris.

啊，阿曼德！你吓死我了！这是我的朋友多丽丝。

C: A pleasure to meet you… If you are not doing anything tonight, I would like to have you both for dinner. I mean… I would like to have you both over for dinner.

很高兴认识你们……如果你们今晚没事的话，我想邀请你们来吃晚餐。我的意思是……请你们两位过来共进晚餐。

Daily Life - Cleaning the House (C0012)

A: Honey, the house is such a mess! I need you to help me tidy up a bit. My boss and her husband are coming over for dinner, and the house needs to be spotless!

亲爱的，房子太乱了！我需要你帮我整理一下。我老板和她丈夫要来吃晚饭，房子得一尘不染！

B: I’m in the middle of something right now. I’ll be there in a second.

我现在正在忙。一会儿就来。

A: This can’t wait! I need your help now!

这不能等！我现在就需要你的帮助！

B: Alright, alright. I’m coming.

好吧，好吧。我来了。

A: Ok, here’s a list of chores we need to get done. I’ll do the dishes and get all the groceries for tonight. You can sweep and mop the floors. Oh, and the furniture needs to be dusted.

好吧，这是我们需要完成的清单。我来洗碗并买晚上的食材。你来扫地和拖地。另外，家具需要掸尘。

B: You know what, I have to pick something up at the mall, so why don’t you clean the floors and I’ll go to the supermarket and get all the groceries?

这样吧，我得去商场取点东西，不如你清扫地板，我去超市买食材？

A: Sure, that’s fine. Here is the list of all the things you need to get. Don’t forget anything! And can you pick up a bottle of wine on your way home?

行吧。这里是你需要买的清单。不要忘记任何东西！你回来的路上能买瓶红酒吗？

B: Hey, honey, I’m back. Wow, the house looks really good!

嘿，亲爱的，我回来了。哇，房子看起来很好！

A: Great! Can you set the table?

太好了！你能摆桌子吗？

B: Just a sec. I’m just gonna vacuum this rug real fast.

等一下，我得快速吸一下这块地毯。

A: Wait! Don’t turn it on…

等等！别打开……

The Office - Out Of Control Spending (C0013)

A: OK, so now the last point on our agenda. Jill, let’s go over the profit and loss statement.

好的，现在是议程的最后一项。吉尔，我们来看看损益表。

B: Great. Well, the main issue here, as you can see, is that our expenses are through the roof.

好的。问题的关键是，我们的开支太高了。

A: Let’s see… These numbers are off the charts! What’s going on here?

让我看看……这些数字太夸张了！这到底是怎么回事？

B: Well, um, sir, the company expenditures on entertainment and travel are out of control. Look at these bills, for example. Just this month, we’ve paid over twenty thousand dollars for hotel charges!

嗯，先生，公司在娱乐和旅行上的开支已经失控了。比如看这些账单，仅这个月我们就花了两万多美元在酒店费用上！

A: OK, thank you. I’ll look into it.

好的，谢谢。我会调查的。

B: The list goes on and on. Here, this is a bill for five thousand dollars for spa treatments!

这还不止。还有一张账单显示，我们花了五千美元在水疗上！

A: Thank you; that will be all. I’ll take care of it.

谢谢，就这样吧。我会处理的。

B: Look at this one, sir. Eight thousand dollars were spent in one night at a place called “Wild Things”?!

先生，还有这张账单，我们在一个叫“狂野之地”的地方一晚花了八千美元？！

A: OK, I get it!! Thank you for your very thorough analysis!

好吧，我知道了！谢谢你详细的分析！

 I’m in Debt (B0014)

A: Hello, I’m here to see Mr. Corleone.

你好，我来见科里昂先生。

B: Right this way, sir.

请跟我来，先生。

C: Charlie! What can I do for you?

查理！我能为你做点什么？

B: Mr. Corleone, I’m really sorry to trouble you, but I need your help.

科里昂先生，很抱歉打扰您，但我需要您的帮助。

C: Anything for you, Charlie! Your father was like a brother to me.

查理，你的事我一定帮！你父亲对我来说就像亲兄弟一样。

B: Well, sir, you see, this recession has hit me pretty hard; I lost my job and I’m in a lot of debt.

事情是这样的，先生。这次经济衰退对我打击很大，我失业了，债台高筑。

C: I see…

我明白了……

B: Yeah, you know, I’ve got credit card bills, car payments, I’ve got to pay my mortgage; and on top of all that, I have to pay my son’s college tuition.

是的，我有信用卡账单、车贷、房贷，还得支付我儿子的大学学费。

C: So you’re asking for a loan.

所以你是来借钱的。

B: Well, I just thought maybe you could help me out.

是的，我想您也许能帮帮我。

C: What? At a time like this? I’m broke too, you know! You’re not the only one who has been hit by the recession! I lost half my money in the stock market crash! Go on! Get outta here!

什么？这种时候？我也快破产了！这次经济衰退打击的可不止你一个！我在股市崩盘中损失了一半的钱！走吧！离开这里！

I’m Sorry, I Love You (C0015)

A: Whoa, whoa, what’s going on? Watch out!

哎哎，发生了什么？小心！

B: Hey, watch where you’re going!

嘿，你走路看着点！

A: Oh, no! I’m so sorry! Are you all right?

哦，不！真的很抱歉！你没事吧？

B: Oh… I don’t know.

哦……不知道。

A: I feel terrible. I really didn’t mean to knock you over. My tire just exploded, and I lost control of my bike. Really, it was an accident. Please accept my apologies.

我觉得太糟糕了，我真的不是故意撞到你的。我的车胎刚刚爆了，我失去了控制。真的，这是一场意外。请接受我的道歉。

B: Just let me try to stand up.

让我试着站起来。

（插曲）

SONG: Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near?

歌曲：“为什么鸟儿总在你出现时飞来？”

A: Are you okay?

你还好吗？

B: Oh, wait a second, you seem really familiar. I think I know you from somewhere.

哦，等一下，你看起来很面熟。我好像在哪里见过你。

A: Yeah, I think we have met somewhere before. That’s right! We met at Aaron’s place last weekend! What a coincidence! But anyway, I’m glad to see that you’re not too badly hurt, and I should probably get going. I have a nine o’clock meeting.

是的，我觉得我们以前见过。对了！我们上周末在亚伦家见过！真巧！不过，我很高兴看到你伤得不重，我可能得走了，我有个九点的会议。

B: Ouch! My ankle! I think it’s broken! You can’t just leave me like this! Are you calling an ambulance?

哎呀！我的脚踝！我觉得它断了！你不能就这么走了！你打算叫救护车吗？

A: Nope, I’m canceling my appointment so that I can stay here with you.

不，我取消我的会议，好留在这里陪你。

（插曲）

SONG: Do you remember when we met? That’s the day I knew you were my pet. I wanna tell you how much I love you.

歌曲：“你还记得我们初见时吗？那一天我知道你属于我。我想告诉你我多爱你。”

Elementary ‐ Turn left here! (B0016)

A: Hurry up, get in.

B: I’m in, let’s go!

A: OK, make a left here. . . no wait, I meant make a

right. Come on, speed up!

B: Geez! What’s the rush?

A: Don’t worry about it, just drive. Oh, no, the light is

about to change. . . step on it!

B: Are you nuts! I’m not going to run a red light!

A: Whatever. Just turn right here. . . .The freeway will be

packed at this hour. . . .let’s take a side street. Go on! Get

out of our way! Move, move!

B: What’s your problem! Geez. Having a fit is not

going to help!

A: Here, I know a short cut....just go down here, and we’ll

cut though Ashburn Heights. Let’s go, let’s go! Watch out

for that lady!

B: I’m going as fast as I can!

A: Yes! We made it. 5: 58, just before the library

closes.

B: You’re such a geek!

Elementary ‐ Here Comes the Bride (B0017)

A: I can’t believe that Anthony is finally getting married!

B: Yeah well it’s about time! He’s been living with his

parents for 40 years!

A: Don’t be mean. Look here come the bridesmaids!

Their dresses look beautiful!

B: Who are those kids walking down the aisle?

A: That’s the flower girl and the ring bearer. I’m pretty

sure they’re the groom’s niece and nephew. Oh, they look

so cute!

B: I just hope the priest makes it quick. I’m starving. I

hope the food’s good at the reception.

A: That’s all you ever think about, food! Oh, I think the

bride’s coming now! She looks gorgeous. Wait, what’s she

doing? Where’s she going? 5

B: Oh great! Does this mean that the reception is

canceled?

Elementary  ‐  Upper‐Intermediate  ‐  Protest!(D0018)

A: This is Action 5 News reporter Sarah O’Connell

reporting live from Washington, D. C. where a protest has

broken out. Thousands of angry citizens are protesting

against the proposed bailout of the auto manufacturing

industry! Sir, sir, Sarah O’Connell, Action 5 news. Can

you tell us what’s happening?

B: Yeah, yeah, we’re here because we feel this is an

injustice! The financial irresponsibility of big business has

to stop! We’re there to show the government that we don’t

like the way that they’re spending our tax dollars!

A: Sir but what exactly is making everyone so angry?

B: It’s an absolute outrage, Sarah, the US government

wants to give 25 billion dollars of taxpayers’ money to the

auto industry. These are companies that have been

mismanaged and are now nearly bankrupt.

A: I see. But, many supporters of the bailout argue that it

could help save the jobs of millions of hardworking

Americans.

B: That maybe true, and I for one don’t want to see anyone

lose their job, but how can these CEOs ask for a bailout

when they’re making millions of dollars? And then, they

have the nerve to fly to Washington in private jets! This

costs hundreds of thousands of dollars! And they’re asking

for money! That is just not right!

A: Good point. This is Sarah O’Connell reporting live

from Washington D. C., back to you, Tom.

Elementary ‐ The Weekend ‐ Christmas Chronicles I (C0019)

A: I hate working on Christmas Eve! Whoa! Get a load of

this guy! Come in central, I think we’ve got ourselves a

situation here.

B: License and registration please. Have you been

drinking tonight, sir?

A: I had one or two glasses of eggnog, but nothing else.

B: Step out of the vehicle, please. Sir, what do you have in

the back?

A: Just a few Christmas gifts, ’tis the season, after all!

B: Don’t take that tone with me. Do you have an invoice

for these items?

A: Umm...no...I make these in my workshop in the North

Pole!

B: You are under arrest, sir. You have the right to remain

silent. You better not pout, you better not cry. Anything

you say can and will be used against you. You have the

right to an attorney; if you cannot afford one, the state will

appoint

A: You can’t take me to jail! What about my sleigh? It’s

Christmas Eve! I have Presents to deliver! Rudolph!

Prancer! Dancer! Get help!

Elementary ‐ I Can See Clearly Now (B0020)

A: Hello, Arthur. What seems to be the problem?

B: Hey doc. Well, I think I might need glasses. I’m getting

headaches, and I really struggle to see things that are far

away. But I have always had 20/20 vision.

A: Sounds like you may be far-sighted. OK, then, cover

your left eye and read the chart in front of you.

B: Mmm.. . X, E, R, 3, a question mark, and I can’t quite

make out the other symbol but I think it’s the peace sign.

A: Wow, Arthur! You’re as blind as a bat!

B: Yeah, I know, my vision is really blurry at times.

A: Ok then, head on over to the other room and pick out

some frames while I fill out your prescription.

B: Thanks doc!

A: Arthur, that’s the bathroom.

Elementary  ‐The Office  ‐  What Do You Do?(C0021)

A: Oh, look, there’s Veronica and her boyfriend. She’s

always going on about him at the office. Oh, great, they

saw us. They’re coming this way.

B: Oh, man...

C: Jessica! Arthur! Hi! I’d like you to meet my boyfriend

Greg, he’s the V. P. of quality and safety for a top Fortune

500 food company.

A: Nice to meet you. This is my husband, Arthur.

B: Hey, how’s it going?

D: Hello.

A: Veronica talks about you all the time. I guess you 6

must be pretty busy at work.

D: Well, yeah, a V. P. position is not easy, you know! I

implement policies and procedures nationwide. of various

departments, as well as train junior managers in FDA and

EPA regulations. I also have to oversee daily ope

B: Wow, yeah... that sounds exciting.

D: And what about you, Arthur? What do you do for

a living?

B: Oh, I’m a Top Gun pilot!

Elementary  ‐The Weekend  ‐ Christmas Chronicles II (C0022)

A: Really, gentlemen, you can’t take me to jail! Don’t you

know who I am? Kris Kringle, you know, Papa Noel, Pere

Noel, Babbo Natale, sheng dan lao ren!

B: Yeah, Yeah, we’ve heard that one before, haven’t we

Joe?

C: Yeah, last week we booked this guy who claimed to be

the tooth fairy! Can you believe that?

A: It’s Christmas Eve and I have all these Presents to

deliver! Where is your Christmas spirit? What will happen

when all the children wake up tomorrow and don’t find

any gifts in their stockings?

B: Sorry buddy, you were parked in a no-parking zone,

you were speeding, and you have no ID!

C: Besides that, even if we let you go now, your sleigh has

been impounded and those reindeer were taken to the city

zoo.

A: What! This is unbelievable! What’s this world coming

to? Christmas is ruined!

C: What’s that up ahead? It looks like... elves!! Elves!!

Whoa, they’re shooting candy canes! Mayday, Mayday,

we are under heavy attack! We need backup!

Elementary ‐ Making an Appointment (B0023)

A: Hello, Fairbrook Consulting, how may I help you?

B: Yes, this is Julianne Horton, and I’m calling to arrange

an appointment with Ms. McNealy.

A: Certainly, what day were you thinking of?

B: How’s Thursday? Does she have any time available

then?

A: Um. . . let me double check. . . unfortunately, she’s

booked solid on Thursday, how does next Monday work

for you?

B: Actually, I’ve got something scheduled on Monday.

Can she do Tuesday?

A: Sure, Tuesday’s perfect. May I ask where you’re

calling from?

B: Sure, Merton Financial Advisors.

A: Oh, actually, Tuesday’s no good. Sorry ’bout that.

Elementary ‐ Where should we eat? (B0024)

A: Do you two have any plans for the evening?

B: We were thinking of checking out a restaurant in the

neigbourhood. Do you have any suggestions?

A: I know this really nice Italian place. The food is

fantastic, and the d′ecor is beautiful. I’d recommend giving

it a try.

C: Actually, I’m not all that crazy about Italian food; I’m

in the mood for something a bit lighter.

A: In that case, I know a great little bistro. They make a

really tasty seafood platter; the fish is outstanding.

B: It sounds fantastic, but I’m allergic to seafood, so. . .

A: Okay, well, let me think. . . Oh, I know this great little

place. It’s just a hole in the wall, but they do the most

amazing sandwiches. You gotta give them a try.

C: Ella, you took me there last time I visited, and I got

food poisoning, remember?

Elementary  ‐Upper‐Intermediate  ‐  Planning For The Worst (D0025)

A: Well, right, let’s move to our next order of business, as

many of you are aware, in recent weeks there has been a

lot of media coverage surrounding this bird flu issue. And

it’s come to my attention that our company lacks any sort

of bird flu contingency plan.

B: Basically, we need to come up with a clear plan; we

need to outline specific actions that our company can take

to maintain critical business functions in case a pandemic

strikes.

A: So, what I’d like to do is: first appoint someone to look

after drafting our plan; Ralph, I’d like you to head up this

project.

C: Sure, no problem. What issues do you want me to

consider?

B: Well, let’s see, there are a few points we need to be 7

thinking about. . . first, I’ll need you to analyze our

numbers and figure out what kind of financial impact an

outbreak might have.

A: You’ll also need to think about how we can avoid any

of our employees getting infected; think of ways to reduce

employee-customer contact, perhaps some IT solutions

that will allow our people to work from home.

C: I guess you’ll need me to forecast employee absences

as well, right? And I’ll think about the impact this will

have on our clients. Hey, what about vaccines? Should we

be thinking about getting vaccines for our employees?

A: Exactly right. So, I’ll leave this to you, and we’ll

review the draft plan in two weeks. Okay, so, anyone want

to order some KFC for lunch?

Elementary ‐ New Year Resolution (B0026)

A: So, did I tell you about my New Year’s resolution? I’ve

decided to go on a diet.

B: And you’re going to completely transform your eating

habits, right?

A: Exactly! I’m going to cut out all that junk I eat; no

more chips, no more soda, no more fried food.

B: I’ve heard this one before.

A: But this time I’m going to stick to it. I really mean it!

Trust me, Carol, I’m going to be a new man in one year’s

time!

B: Well, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

A: Thanks, honey, that was a great meal. I’m stuffed. Do

we have any chips left?

Elementary ‐ Asking for Time Off (B0027)

A: Mr. McKenna, do you have a second? I need to talk to

you about something.

B: Sure, Liv, what can I do for you?

A: Well, I was just wondering. . . you see, I know I’ve

used up all my vacation days this year, but my sister is

getting married, and the wedding is overseas, and, well. . .

B: You wanna take some time off, is that right?

A: Well, sir, I was just hoping that I might be able to take

some unpaid leave this year.

B: What dates are you planning on taking off? I’ll need at

least two months notice, so that I can plan for your

absence.

A: I was thinking of taking off from September first until

the thirtieth . Would you be okay with that?

B: Well, I guess so.

Elementary  ‐Daily Life  ‐  I’m Sorry, I Love You II (C0028)

A: I’m so relieved that your ankle wasn’t broken! I feel

just awful about this whole thing. I wanna make it up to

you. Let me take you out to dinner tonight. My treat.

B: That sounds great! I’d love to! Here is my address. Pick

me up at eight?

A: Perfect!

B: Thank you for such a lovely evening! The food was

amazing, and I had a great time.

A: Me too. You look so beautiful tonight! I wish this night

would never end. There’s something I have to tell you...

B: What is it?

A: I woke up today thinking this would be just like any

other ordinary day, but I was wrong. A twist of fate

brought us together. I crashed into your life and you into

mine, and this may sound crazy, but I’m falling

Elementary  ‐Advanced  ‐  Investing in Emerging Markets (E0029)

A: Dad, I’d like to borrow some money.

B: Sure, Johnny, how much do you need? five bucks?

A: Come on, Dad, I need thirty thousand. I wanna get into

the market. You know, I’m tired of hearing all this news

about the economic downturn, the inevitable recession,

people stuffing their money in their mattresses. I look at

this as an opportunity. This is a chance for me to get a

jump start on building my nest egg.

B: I don’t know about that; with all the uncertainty in the

markets right now, it would be a very unwise decision to

invest. I don’t know if you’re aware son, but there has

been a lot of turmoil in the markets recently. There have

already been half a million layoffs in the last few months,

and we have no idea how the proposed stimulus package

will impact the economy. There’s just too much instability.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable investing in this climate.

A: But look at it this way, every challenge is an

opportunity. And anyway, I’m not talking about investing 8

in the domestic market. There are emerging markets that

promise great returns. Look at China, for example; they

have 1.4 billion people, half a billion of whom have

recently entered the middle class. Here alone, the

aggregate demand for consumer goods rePresents an

amazing wealth generating opportunity.

B: Come on, son, you’re looking at this too naively, the

Chinese market has exhibited a great deal of instability,

and their currency has been devalued by almost a whole

percentage point.

A: Fine, then! If that’s the way you feel, so be it. But

you’re losing out on a great opportunity here. I’m going to

go hit up Mum for the cash.

Elementary  ‐Daily Life  ‐  New Guy in Town II (C0030)

A: Oh, Armand, thank you for such a thoughtful invitation!

It’s really very nice of you to invite us over for dinner,

don’t you think so, Ellen?

B: Oh, yes of course! We’d love to come over. Can I bring

anything?

C: No, don’t worry about it; I’ll take care of everything.

I’ll see you tonight. Come with an appetite... I know I will!

B: I don’t want go over to his place for dinner! He gives

me the creeps! Why on earth did you accept?

A: Oh come on Ellen, it will be nice to get to know

him.Besides, he’s new to the neighborhood, and it would

berude to decline his invitation.

B: I guess so... You always rope me into things likethis!

C: Ladies! Thank you for coming! You look

delicious...Imean beautiful. Please come in.

A: Oh Oh Armand! You are too kind!

B: How did I get myself into this...

Elementary ‐ Canceling an Appointment (B0031)

A: Hello, Samantha speaking.

B: Hi Samantha. This is Angela calling.

A: Oh, hi Angela, what’s up?

B: I’m just calling about our meeting today. I wonder, is it

possible to reschedule our appointment in the afternoon? I

have a bit of an emergency that I need to take care of.

A: Let me see, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem...

B: I’m really sorry, I hope it doesn’t inconvenience you

too much, it’s just this thing came up, and ...

A: Angela, you know what, I can’t make it to our meeting,

either. Why don’t we postpone it to tomorrow afternoon at

the same time?

B: Sounds great. See you tomorrow.

C: Angela..Angela, look up! See that lady over there who

is trying on a red leather jacket? Isn’t that Samantha?

B: What? No wonder she told me she couldn’t make it to

the meeting, oh, no, I think she saw me...

Elementary‐ Daily Life  ‐ Opening a Bank Account(C0032)

A: Next, please. May I help you, sir?

B: Hello, yes, I’d like to open a bank account.

A: Certainly, I can can help you with that. What type of

account would you like to open? A chequing or a savings

account?

B: What What features do they offer?

A: Well, if you just take a look here, see, with our

chequing account, you can have unlimited daily

transactions for a small monthly fee, and our savings

account has a higher interest rate, but you must carry a

minimum balance of $ 10,000 dollars.

B: I see, well, I think I’m more interested in a chequing

account; I like to have easy access to my money.

A: Alright, then, with this chequing account you’ll be

issued a debit card and a cheque book. Will you require

overdraft protection? There is an extra fee for that.

B: No, that won’t be necessary.

A: In that case, I’ll get you to fill out this paperwork; I’ll

need your social insurance number, and two pieces of

government ID. If you could just sign here, and here, and

here; we’ll be all set. Would you like to make a deposit

today?

B: Yes, I’d like to deposit one billion dollars.

Elementary ‐ Foul! (B0033)

A: Has the game started yet?

B: Yeah, about 5 minutes ago.

A: Whos winning?

B: The Bulls, of course!

A: What! That wasnt a foul! C’mon, ref!

B: Don’t worry, Shaq always screws up free throws. 9

A: You were right! He didn’t make the shot!

B: That was a great shot! A three pointer, yeah!

A: Did you see that? He traveled and the ref didn’t call it!

B: This ref needs glasses. Hey ref, open your eyes! I can’t

believe he didn’t see that!

A: Okay... end of the first quarter... Alright, I’m gonna

make a beer run.

Elementary‐  Upper‐Intermediate  ‐  Live from Washington (D0034)

A: This is Madeline Wright, for BCC News reporting live

from Washington D. C. where, very shortly, the new

President will deliver his inaugural address. Just moments

ago, the President was sworn-in to office; following the

United States Constitution the President swore an oath to

faithfully execute the office of the presidency.

B: And what exactly is going on now, Madeline?

A: Well, Tom, true to American tradition, the band has just

played “Hail to the Chief”, and the President has been

honored by a 21-gun salute. Now we’re waiting for the

President to take to the stage and deliver his speech. Tom,

it’s like a who’s who of the political world here on Capital

Hill, with dignitaries representing several different

countries.

B: What’s the mood on the ground like, Madeline?

A: In a word, the mood here is electric. The excitement in

the air is palpable; I’ve never seen a larger crowd here on

Capital Hill, and the audience is shouting, crying, and

embracing each other. On this, a most historic day, you can

feel the hope and the excitement in the air. The 20th of

January will go down in history as the . . . . Oh, Tom, it

looks like the President is about to begin. . .

C: My fellow Americans, today I stand before you...

Elementary  ‐  Daily Life  ‐  He’s not a Good Fit (C0035)

A: So, Lauren, I just wanted to talk to you quickly about

our new customer support representative, Jason Huntley.

B: Sure, what’s up?

A: Basically, I’ve got a few concerns about him, and the

bottom line is, I don’t think he’s a good fit for our

company.

B: Okay... what makes you say that? I thought you were

pleased with his overall performance. Didn’t you just tell

me last week how impressed you were with his attitude?

A: Yeah, his attitude is great, but he’s really unreliable.

Sometimes he’s really productive, but then other times...

take last Tuesday for instance, he was forty-five minutes

late for our morning meeting!

B: Well, I’m sure he had a perfectly good reason...

A: But that’s not the only thing... you know, he really

doesn’t have the best work ethic, I’m constantly catching

him on MSN and Facebook when he should be talking to

clients.

B: Yeah, but come on, Geoff, as if you don’t check

Facebook at work. Look, you hired this guy, we’ve

invested a lot of time and money in his training, so now

it’s up to you to coach him. Make it work, Geoff!

A: Make it work, Geoff. You would say that, wouldn’t you,

he is your cousin; what a jerk, make me hire your stupid,

useless, cousin.

Elementary ‐ I’m Sorry, I Love You III (B0036)

A: Steven! Where have you been? I’ve been trying to get a

hold of you for hours!

B: I... um... there was an emergency at work, so...

A: I was waiting for you in the restaurant for three hours!

And you didn’t even have the decency to call me! Do you

have any idea how embarrassed I was?

B: Honey, I promise this won’t happen again, it’s just that

I...

A: Yeah, right. I’ve heard it all before. I’m not going to

take any more of your empty promises. This is the 5th time

you’ve stood me up in two weeks! You need to get your

priorities straight. I’m tired of you putting your job first all

the time!

B: Come on, Veronica, that’s not fair. I do care about you a

lot, you know that. I tried to ...

A: You know what? Maybe we should just take a break. I

need some time to think about where this relationship is

heading.

B: But...Veronica, would you just listen to me? There was

a fire alarm at my office building today and I was stuck... 10

Elementary  ‐  Intermediate  ‐  Chinese New Year (C0037)

A: I’m so excited about Chinese New Year! When do I get

to visit Grandma? Grandma makes the best dumplings in

the world!

B: Ha ha, right. Sounds to me like you’re more excited

about the dumplings than seeing your Grandma.

A: Of course I miss Grandma, too. I bet she’s gonna teach

me how to play Mahjong! Hey, Dad, are you going to buy

me firecrackers this year? We’re going to have the best

fireworks! I’m really looking forward to lighting them!

B: Son, firecrackers aren’t toys; they’re dangerous!

A: No, fireworks are awesome!

B: Whoa, don’t you remember? Last year when I set off

the firecrackers, you covered both your ears and hid

behind your mother?

A: Dad! I was scared because... because I saw a bug.

That’s all.

B: Hahaha... really?

A: Oh, and I can’t wait to watch the dragon dance! Dad,

can I sit on your shoulders this time?

B: Hey, I offered last year...

A: Well, I... anyways, I was just thinking of the red

envelopes. I wanna make a list of all the things I’m gonna

buy with my red envelope money! I can’t wait! I’m gonna

have so much money! Mom, can I get a pen and a piece of

paper?

A: I want a new transformer, no, two transformers...the

Optimus Prime, and...maybe the wheeljack? I’ll get a PSP

game, hahaha, and I’ll buy the entire class lunch at

MacDonald’s...

Elementary ‐ Daily Life ‐ Buying a Car (C0038)

A: Hi there, can I help you folks?

B: I’m just browsing; seeing what’s on the lot. My

daughter wants a car for her birthday, you know how it is.

C: Dad! I’m sixteen already and I’m, like, the only one at

school who doesn’t have a car!

A: She is right, you know. Kids these days all have cars.

Let me show you something we just got in: a 1996 sedan.

Excellent gas mileage, it has dual airbags and anti lock

brakes; a perfect vehicle for a young driver.

C: Dad, I love it! It’s awesome! Can we get this one

please?

B: I see... What can you tell me about this one?

A: Oh, that’s just an old World War Two tank that we use

for TV commercials. Now about this sedan...

B: Whoa, whoa wait a minute. Tell me more about this

tank.

A: Well, Sir, if you are looking for quality and safety then

look no further! Three inches of reinforced steel protect

your daughter from short range missile attacks.

B: Does the sedan protect her from missile attacks?

A: It does not.

B: Well, I don’t know. Let me sleep on it.

A: Did I mention the tank is a tank?

B: I’ll take it!

C: Dad!

Elementary ‐ My New Boyfriend (B0039)

A: Irene! I heard you were on a date last night! So, how

how did it go? I want all the juicy details!

B: Um... well, actually, we had a fantastic time last night.

He was...amazing!

A: Okay, now you really have to fill me in. What’s he like?

B: He’s really good looking; he’s quite tall, around 6’1”,

he’s in his early thirties, and he’s got the most beautiful

dark brown eyes...

A: He sounds hot! What does he do for a living?

B: You know what, this is the best part. David is a junior

investment banker at Fortune Bank, so he’s got a great

career path ahead of him!

A: Hold on a sec, his name is David?

B: Yeah?

A: That’s my brother!

Elementary ‐ Can I ask you a favor? (B0040)

A: Um, sorry to bother you, um... my name is Rachel. I’m

new here. Can I ask you a favor?

B: Hi Rachel, welcome on board. I’m afraid I can’t help

you right now. I’m getting ready for a very important

meeting.

A: Excuse me, but can I bother you for a sec?

C: You know what, I’d love to help you, but I’m about to

meet an important client. Do you wanna try Sean instead?

He sits right over there. 11

A: Sorry to interrupt you Sean, could you do me a quick

favor?

D: Actually, I’m working on a document that is due in a

couple minutes. I really can’t talk to you right now. Sorry

about that.

A: Geeze! I just want to know where the bathroom is!

What’s wrong with you people!

Elementary  ‐  The Weekend  ‐  Movie Trailer (C0041)

A: In a digital world, even the strongest must fight for

survival. Two people, possess a secret so valuable, so

powerful, they have to defend it at all costs.

B: I don’t care where they are, I don’t care what it takes...

you find them and bring them to me!

A: They only had one chance! And their chance was to

fight back!

D: You wanna play rough? Okay, say hello to my little

friend!

A: With a little help from a Governor...

C: Listen to me! We have to get them outta there!

No matter what!

A: Nothing will prevent them from doing their job!

Double the action.

D: Get down!

A: Triple the excitement.

D: Get down again!

A: This summer... nothing will stand in their way.

B: I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.

A: Two hosts, one podcast, coming to a theater near you.

Elementary ‐ I Need More Time (B0042)

A: So, Casey, how are things going with the photos for the

press kit?

B: Yeah, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. I

might need to ask for an extension on that deadline.

A: You’ve had over a month to get this finalized! Why are

things delayed?

B: Well, the thing is, we ran into a lot of problems. . .

A: I’m not looking for excuses here. I just want to get this

finished on time!

B: I know, and I apologize for the delay. But some things

were just beyond my control. I had trouble booking the

photographer, and then Michael was sick for three weeks,

so I couldn’t include him in the photos, and the design

team lost all the files, so I had to re-do the pictures.

A: I’m not going to put this off any longer, Casey! I want

those photos ASAP!

Elementary  ‐  Daily Life  ‐  Applying for a Visa (C0043)

A: So, you’re applying for a B2 visa, where is your final

destination and what’s the purpose of your trip to the

United States?

B: I’m going to visit my brother; he’s just had a baby. He

lives in Minneapolis.

A: And how long do you you plan to remain in the United

States?

B: I’ll be here for approximately three weeks. See, here’s

my return ticket for the twenty-sixth of March.

A: And, who is sponsoring your trip?

B: My brother, here, this is an invitation letter from him. I

will stay with him and his family in their home.

A: Alright, tell me about the ties you have to your home

country.

B: Well, I own a house; actually, I’m leaving my dog

there with my neighbors. I have a car at home, and oh, my

job! I’m employed by Tornel as an engineer. Actually, I

only have three weeks’ vacation, so I have to go back to

work at the end of March.

A: And what evidence do you have that you arefinancially

independent?

B: Well, I do have assets in my country; like I said, I own

a house, and see, here’s a bank statement showing my

investments, and my bank balance.

A: I’m sorry, sir, we cannot grant you a B2 visa at this

time, instead, you are granted a resident visa!

Congratulations, you are the millionth person to apply for

a visa! You win! Congratulations!

Elementary ‐ Small Talk (B0044)

A: Morning.

B: Hi there Mr. Anderson! How are you on this fine

morning?

A: Fine, thank you.

B: It sure is cold this morning, isn’t it? I barely even get 12

out of bed!

A: Yeah. It’s pretty cold, alright.

B: Did you catch the news this morning? I heard that there

was a fire on Byron Street.

A: No, I didn’t hear about that.

B: Did you happen to watch the football game last night?

The Patriots scored in the last minute!

A: No, I don’t like football.

B: Oh. . . By the way, I saw you with your daughter at the

office Christmas party. She is really beautiful!

A: She’s my wife! Oh, here’s my floor! Nice talking to

you. Goodbye.

B: Sir this is the 56th floor! We are on the 70th!

A: That’s okay, I’ll take the stairs!

Elementary‐Intermediate‐I’m Sorry I love You IV (C0045)

A: ... so, I said, ”let’s take a break .” And since that night,

I’ve been waiting for him to call, but I still haven’t heard

from him. You don’t think he’s seeing someone else, do

you?

B: Come on, don’t be so dramatic! I’m sure everything is

going to work out just fine.

A: You think so? Oh, no! How can he do this to me? I’m

sure he’s cheating on me! Why else wouldn’t he call?

B: But, you two are on a break. Theoretically he can do

whatever he likes.

A: He’s the love of my life! I’ve really messed this up.

B: Come on, hon. Pull yourself together. It’s going to be

alright.

A: But I... I still love him! And it’s all my fault! I can’t

believe how immature and selfish I was being. I mean, he

is a firefighter, it’s not like he can just leave someone in a

burning building and meet me for dinner. I’ve totally

messed this up!

B: You know what, Veronica, I think you should make the

first step. I’m sure he’ll forgive you...

A: No, this is not gonna happen! I... I’ve

ruinedeverything....

B: Hey... do you hear something? Guess what? It’s your

lovely firefighter!

C: When I had you, I treated you bad and wrong dear. And

since, since you went away, don’t you know I sit around

with my head hanging down and I wonder who’s loving

you.

Elementary‐Uppe‐Intermediate‐EmergencyRoom (D046)

A: Help! Are you a doctor? My poor little Frankie has

stopped breathing! Oh my gosh, Help me! I tried to

perform CPR, but I just dont know if I could get any air

into his lungs! Oh, Frankie!

B: Ellen, get him hooked up to a monitor! Someone page

Dr. Howser. Get the patient to hold still, I cant get a pulse!

Okay, hes on the monitor. His BP is falling! He’s

flatlining!

A: NOOOOOO! Frankie! Nurse! Do something!

B: Someone get her out of here! Get me the defibrillator.

Okay, clear! Again! Clear! Come on! dammit! I’m not

letting you go! Clear! I’ve got a pulse!

C: Okay, whats happening?

B: The patient is in acute respiratory failure, I think were

going to have to intubate!

C: Alright! Tubes in! Bag him! Someone give him 10 cc’s

of adrenaline! Lets go, people move, move!

A: Doctor, oh, thank god! How is he?

B: We managed to stabilize Frankie, but hes not out of the

woods yet; hes still in critical condition. Were moving him

to intensive care, but&

A: Doctor, just do whatever it takes. I just want my little

Frankie to be okay. I couldnt imagine life without my little

hamster!

Elementary  ‐  Advanced  ‐  Just In Time Strategy (E0047)

A: I called this meeting today in order to discuss our

manufacturing plan. As I’m sure you’re all aware, with the

credit crunch, and the global financial crisis, we’re

obligated to look for more cost efficient ways of producing

our goods. We don’t want to have to be looking at

redundancies. So, we’ve outlined a brief plan to implement

the just-in-time philosophy.

B: We have two basic points that we want to focus on.

First of all, we want to reduce our lead time.

C: Why would want to do that? I think this is not an area

that really needs to be worked on. 13

B: Well, we want to reduce production and delivery lead

timesfor better overall efficiency.

A: Right, production lead times can be reduced by moving

work stations closer together, reducing queue length, like

for example, reducing the number of jobs waiting to be

processed at a given machine, and improving the

coordination and cooperation between successive

processes. Delivery lead times can be reduced through

close cooperation with suppliers, possibly by inducing

suppliers to locate closer to the factory or working with a

faster shipping company.

C: I see& That makes sense.

B: The second point is that we want to require supplier

quality assurance and implement a zero defects quality

program. We currently have far too many errors that lead

to defective items and therefore, they must be eliminated.

A quality control at the source program must be

implemented to give workers the personal responsibility

for the quality of the work they do, and the authority to

stop production when something goes wrong.

C: I’m with you on this one. Its essential that we reduce

these errors; we’ve got to force our suppliers to reduce

their mistakes.

A: Exactly. Well, let’s look at how we’re going to put this

plan into action. First...(fade out)

Elementary  ‐  Intermediate  ‐  Carnival in Rio! (C0048)

A: I can’t believe we’re here! Carnival in Rio! Seriously,

this is like a once in a lifetime opportunity! Can you

believe it? We’re here at the biggest party in the world!

B: I know! We’re so lucky that we found tickets for the

Sambadrome! Good thing we found that ticket scalper.

A: Look! It’s starting! Wow, this is amazing! Look at how

many dancers there are. Oh my gosh! The costumes are so

colorful! This is so cool!

B: It says here that the school that is dancing now is one of

the oldest and most prestigious samba schools in Rio.

A: No kidding! Look at them, they’re amazing! Look at

that girl on the top of that float! She must be the carnival

queen! Move over there so I can get a picture of you!

B: Ok. Hurry up take the picture!

C: join us! come and dance!

B: Oh really.... no I can’t. No really, I don’t know how

to dance! Honey I’ll see you later!

A: Patrick! Don’t just leave me here!

Elementary ‐ Daily Life ‐ Daddy Please! (C0049)

A: Hey daddy! You look great today; I like your tie!

By the way, I was wondering can I&

B: NO!

A: I havent even told you what it is yet!

B: Okay, okay, what do you want?

A: Do you think I could borrow the car? I’m going to a

concert tonight.

B: Um.. I don’t think so. I need the car tonight to pick up

your mother.

A: Ugg! I told you about it last week! Smelly Toes is

playing, and Eric asked if I would go with him!

B: Whos this Eric guy?

A: Duh! Hes like the hottest and most popular guy at

school! Come on, dad! Please!

B: No can do... sorry.

A: Fine then! Would you mind giving me 100 bucks?

B: No way!

A: That’s so unfair!

Elementary  ‐  Daily Life  ‐  New Guy In Town III (C0050)

A: Please make yourselves at home. Let me take your

coats. Dinner is almost ready; I hope you brought your

appetite

B: Your house is lovely, Armand! Very interesting

decor...very...Gothic.

C: I think it’s amazing! You have such good taste, Armand.

I’m thinking of re-decorating my house; maybe you could

give me a few pointers?

A: It would be my pleasure. Please have a seat. Can I offer

you a glass of wine?

C: We would love some!

A: Here you are. A very special merlot brought directly

from my home country. It has a unique ingredient which

gives it a pleasant aroma and superior flavor.

C: Mmm... it’s delicious!

B: It’s a bit bitter for my taste... almost tastes like... like...

C: Ellen! Ellen! Are you okay?

A: Did she pass out? 14

C: Yeah...

A: I hope that you didn’t poison her drink too much!

You’ll ruin our meal!