Dialogues
These dialogues are conversations between two people who are talking about their everyday activities. You can practice typical American expressions by choosing one line, two lines, or more. Try to sound as if you are talking to a friend as you read these lines.Car Servicing
I've got to have my car serviced.
Is there a problem or do you just need a tune-up?
There are a few things giving me trouble. Do you know a good mechanic?
Yes, mine is reliable and his fees are certainly reasonable.
I'd like to get the work done before I go away next week.
Why don't you give him a call and see if he can schedule it for you.
I'd sure appreciate it if you would give me his name and number.
It's Bill's Garage on Main Street and the number is 331-9584.
Going to a Movie
Hey, do you want to go to a movie tomorrow night?
Sure, I get off work at five. What's playing?
Well, there's a comedy at the theater in town.
I already saw that one. What about the theater at the mall?
There are several good action movies and a mystery.
I heard the mystery is very good. Do you want to see it?
Okay, I will check out what time it starts and call you back.
Good. I'll talk to you later then.
Job Application
It looks like my company is hiring. Why don't you fill out an application?
Do they have many positions open?
I know there are some in operations and some in engineering.
It would be great if you would pick up an application for me.
We could carpool together. That would be convenient.
Do you have good benefits?
Medical and education benefits are great and salaries are good, too.
Well, I'll revise my resume and study some interviewing skills.
Leaving a Phone Message
Hello, this is (name). May I speak with John?
I'm sorry, (name), but he's in a meeting right now.
Could you please tell him that I called?
Sure, could I have your name and your number?
Yes, it's (spell name), and my number is (give number).
John should be free in about thirty minutes. Can he call you then?
That will be fine. I'll wait for his call.
I'll make sure John gets the message. Bye.
Lunch Invitation
Hi, (name), would you like to go to lunch together today?
Yes, (name), that sounds like a good idea.
There is a new restaurant just a few blocks away. Have you eaten there?
No, but I've seen it. Have you tried it?
No, but some friends told me they serve great food at pretty good prices.
Well, let's try it out, okay?
Sure. I'll be ready in an hour. Can you make it at 11:30?
Yes, I'll finish up this report and meet you outside.
Ordering Breakfast
Good morning, would you like to order?
I'm not quite ready. Would you come back in a few minutes please.
Have you decided yet?
Yes, I want two eggs, toast, and hash browns.
How do you want your eggs cooked?
I want them scrambled (OR sunny side up OR over easy OR poached.)
Would you like orange, grapefruit, or tomato juice?
Yes, a small (OR medium OR large) orange juice and coffee.
Would you like toast, a muffin, or biscuits?
White (OR wheat, rye, raisin) toast.
Mailing a Package
Hello. I want to mail this package to Taiwan.
Do you want to mail it first class or third class?
I don't know. How long will first class take?
It takes three days. Third class takes about a week.
Okay, how much will first class cost?
Let's see. Thirteen ounces--that's $3.50.
Okay, here's five dollars. Oh, there's glass in it.
I will mark it "fragile." Do you want to insure it?
No, that's okay. I've packed it very well.
Taking a Trip
Well, I'm ready, but I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
I see your suitcases. Do you have the tickets?
Yes, they are here in my pocket. And I have money.
What else could it be? Do you have your passport?
That's it--my passport. Oh, here's my itinerary for you. Guess that's all.
Call me when you get there. I'll be at the office.
It will be late so I'll probably wait to call until tomorrow, okay?
Sure, that will be fine. Have a safe trip.
Going on Vacation
I really want to take a vacation in January.
How long would you be away?
I'd like to go for 2 weeks, but I'm not sure that's possible.
Do you have plans to go somewhere?
Some friends up north, on the coast, have invited me to visit them.
That is a pleasant place to go. Have you been there before?
No, I haven't had a chance to travel much.
I think that sounds great. I hope you can go.
Work Project
Hi, (name), how is your project coming along?
We've had a few problems, but I think we've solved them.
Have you had any help from other departments?
Yes, software has been working on this with us.
When do you expect to complete it?
Well, we should be finished by the end of next month.
I'll be pleased if you can report on it at the meeting on Thursday.
We are already on the agenda, I think.