ELT Podcast - Intermediate Conversations for EFL and ESL Robert Chartrand and Bill Pellowe

Conversation:
Bill: I got a new computer yesterday.
Robert: You got a new computer?
Bill: Yes, a new notebook computer.
Robert: Why didn't you get a desktop computer?
Bill: The notebook is light, and has a battery, so I can use it anywhere. I can use it on the train or the bus.
Robert: Isn't the keyboard too small to use?
Bill: It's compact, but I'll get used to it.
Robert: I think large keyboards are easier to use than small ones. Also, desktop computers are more powerful than notebooks.
Bill: That's true, but my notebook computer is powerful enough for me.
Robert: Aren't notebooks more expensive than desktop computers?
Bill: Yes, desktop computers are less expensive, usually, but notebook computers are portable. I can use my notebook in any room, and when I'm finished, I can put it away. You can't put a desktop computer away.
Robert: That's true, but my desktop computer doesn't take too much space. It's an iMac.
Bill: That's a cool computer. I bet my Windows notebook was cheaper than your iMac.
Robert: You get what you pay for.
Bill: Funny.

Let's practice:

A: I got a new pet yesterday.
B: You got a new pet?
A: Yes, a cat.
B: Why didn't you get a dog?

A: I got a new car yesterday.
B: You got a new car?
A: Yes, a compact car.
B: Why didn't you get a sports car?

A: I got a new iPod yesterday.
B: You got a new iPod?
A: Yes, I got an iPod Shuffle.
B: Why didn't you get an iPod Nano?

A: I went on a homestay last year.
B: You went on a homestay?
A: Yes, I went to Ireland.
B: Why didn't you go to Australia?

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A: Where should we have our year-end party?
B: How about that new Sri Lankan restaurant downtown? I hear it's good.
A: Yeah, I read a review about it in the newspaper. Apparently, it's good, but the food is spicy.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too spicy for me.
A: OK, so do you know any other good restaurants?
B: Well, how about Rizzo's?
A: What's Rizzo's?
B: It's an Italian place. Great pasta.
A: Sounds good.
B: All right, let's go there. I'll make the reservations.
A: Thanks.

Let's Practice
A: Sri Lankan food is spicy.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too spicy for me.

A: Potato chips are salty.
B: Now that you mention it, they're probably too salty for me.

A: Fried chicken is oily.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too oily for me.

A: Steak is expensive.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too expensive for me.

A: Ice cream parfait is rich.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too rich for me.

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(Phone rings.)
A: Hello?
B: Hey Robert, this is Bill.
A: Bill who?
B: Bill Clinton. Who do you think it is?
A: Ah, you must be Bill Pellowe.
B: Yep. How are you doing?
A: Not too bad.
B: Great. Listen, are you free tomorrow? Some friends of mine are coming over. Do you want to join us?
A: Sorry, I'm not free tomorrow. Actually, I'm tied up all week.
B: OK, well, that's too bad. Call me if you change your plans.
A: OK, I might do that. LIsten, I'm in the middle of something, so I have to go now.
B: OK, I'll see you later.
A: Thanks for calling, Bill. Bye.
B: Bye.


Let's practice.
This is a quick drill. Please change the questions. Here's an example:
Q1: Do you need anything?
Q2: Call me if you need anything.

Your turn.
Q1: Do you need anything?
(pause)
Q2: Call me if you need anything.

Q1: Do you have any free time?
(pause)
Q2: Call me if you have any free time.

Q1: Do you want to go out?
(pause)
Q2: Call me if you want to go out.

Now, instead of "Call me" we'll use "Please tell me".
Q1: Do you need anything?
(pause)
Q2: Please tell me if you need anything.

Q1: Do you have any free time?
(pause)
Q2: Please tell me if you have any free time.

Q1: Do you want to go out?
(pause)
Q2: Please tell me if you want to go out.

A: Hey, what happened to you?
B: I broke my arm.
A: Well, I can see that by your cast. How did it happen?
B: I got hit by a car.
A: You got hit by a car? How?
B: Well, I was crossing the street and a car came around the corner pretty fast.
A: Did you break anything else?
B: No, just my arm. I got scrapes and bruises on my legs.
A: That's too bad. I'm sorry to hear that.
B: Thanks. I'll be alright.
A: Hey, now's my chance to beat you in basketball.
B: No, I'll still win.

Let's Practice

A: I got hit by a car.
B: You got hit by a car? How?

A: I skipped my class.
B: You skipped your class? Why?

A: I got a tattoo.
B: You got a tattoo? Where?

A: I have a date.
B: You have a date? With who?

A: I need a favor.
B: You need a favor? What?

A: I need to borrow some money.
B: You need to borrow some money? How much?

A: I called you today, but you didn't answer.
B: You called me today? When?

Note: "How's" can mean either "How is" or "How has." In this conversation, it means "How has."

A: How's your summer been so far?
B: I haven't really done much yet.
A: Have you been to the beach?
B: Yes, I went there last weekend. I want to go a few more times before the summer is over. What about you? Do you have any plans for the rest of the summer?
A: I'll probably have a barbecue or two. I'd like to go to an amusement park at least once. And I want to see some fireworks.
B: I'm going to see the fireworks at the park next Saturday with some friends. Why don't you come with us?
A: Next Saturday? Thanks, but I can't. I have dinner plans with some friends. I'll probably see the fireworks at the end of August.
B: That's OK, no problem. I am thinking of going to waterslide pools next Sunday. Are you interested?
A: Sure, sounds like fun!

Let's practice

I'm going have a barbecue next Saturday.

I'll probably have beach party next Sunday or Monday.

I might go camping if the weather is nice and if I'm not too tired.

I'd like to go on a trip overseas but I probably won't have enough money.

I'm not going to go on a long trip by car this year.

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As the conversation begins, we can hear heavy rain. When Mr. A says, "Nice weather," he is being sarcastic.

A: Nice weather isn't it?
B: Yeah, tell me about it. It's been raining cats and dogs for three days. I just hate the rainy season.
A: Well, at least it's not too hot. What I hate the most is the hot and humid weather.
B: I know what you mean. I hate it too when it's muggy. Also, the thunder and lightning scares me. I always feel like it's going to hit me!
A: Nonsense! Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the fall. The air is clean and crisp. It's my favorite time of the year.
B: That's true. It is nice then. But I prefer the spring. I like to see the flowers blooming and the trees coming back to life again. Everything smells so nice in the spring. Also we can see the cherry blossoms.
A: Spring is nice, but I like winter, too.
B: What do you like about winter? It's cold and dark all the time!
A: I don't know. I guess I like brisk weather. I also like to go skiing and skating.

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