Dialogues for beginnersNarrator: Randall Benton & Barbara Dawson

Matt & Caryl Auckerman (USA)

Dialogue 1

- Hello. My name's Pete. What's yours?

- Ann

- Nice name. I like it very much.

- Thank you. You name's good, too.

- It was nice meeting you.

- Thanks. It was nice meeting you.

Dialogue 2

- What's the date today, I wonder?

- Sunday, the 8th of March.

- What is it famous for?

- Don't you know? It's International Women's Day.

Dialogue 3

- Are lessons over?

- Yes, they are.

- Where're you going? Home?

- No, to the pictures. My friend's waiting for me there.

- Good luck, then. Good bye.

- Well, I'm off. See you later.

Dialogue 4

- Have you got any hobbies? I have. I like English.

- So do I.

- Do you read much?

- Yes, because I want to know English well.

- Oh, let's talk English for a bit.

- No objections to it.

Dialogue 5

- Oh, dear, hurry up!

- I'm trying to.

- Well, come on. It's your first day at school.

- Do you want to be late?

- I'm ready now.

- Off we go!

Dialogue 6

- I don't think English is easy.

- Why do you think so?

- Because I have to work hard learning a lot by heart.

Dialogue 7

- I'm going to be an English language teacher.

- Why?

- For a number of reasons.

- What reasons, I wonder?

- The main one is I like English.

Dialogue 8

- What do you think the best sort of job is?

- Engineering, I think.

- I like medicine.

- To my mind the best one is the one you like the most.

Dialogue 9

- I say, where're you going?

- To school, as you see.

- Why so early, I wonder? It's only 12 o'clock now.

- That's right, but I'm on duty, you know.

- I see.

- Where're you going?

- To a friend of mine to play chess. Bye-bye.

- Bye-bye.

Dialogue 10

- Please give me that book.

- What for?

- To have a look at it.

- Here you are.

- Thank you.

- Not at all.

Dialogue 11

- Have you had a good day at school?

- Wonderful! I've got three really good marks!

- Jolly good. Congratulations!

- Thank you.

Dialogue 12

- You're far too lazy. Look at your English. Is this the best you can do?

- You know I'm no good at English.

- And what about Physics?

- I'm ashamed of myself.

- You could easily come top of the class.

- I'll work harder, I promise.

Dialogue 13

- Well, hurry up.

- I'm trying to. But look, isn't there half an hour before school starts?

- Is that the right time?

- I'm sure it is.

Dialogue 14

- School's almost over.

- Yes, I know.

- How many more days?

- Six.

- When do the holidays start?

- Next week.

Dialogue 15

- How did you enjoy your summer holidays?

- Oh, yes, very much. I spent them at a youth camp.

- On the south coast as usual with your elder sister?

- Yes, but this time I was alone.

- How lucky you were!

- That's right.

Dialogue 16

- Look here, this has got to stop. You've come bottom in nearly everysubject.

- Except Geography.

- Yes, indeed. You came second to bottom in that.

- It wasn't really my fault. I was ill for some time, wasn't I?

- That's no excuse.

- I'll improve.

- I doubt it.

Dialogue 17

- My bag, please.

- Which one is it?

- It's one of those, there.

- This one?

- No, not that one.

- What colour?

- It's brown… Yes. That's it. Thank you.

- Not at all.

Dialogue 18

- So you've passed your exams.

- It wasn't all that difficult.

- It's because you worked hard, I think.

- Well, I was all right in History, but I didn't do so well in Literature.

- And how about your English?

- Not so good, only so-so.

Dialogue 19

- Hello, glad to see you!

- Hello, so am I.

- Today's your birthday, isn't it?

- That's right. It's kind of you to remember.

- Well, many happy returns of the day. Here's a present for you.

- Oh, thank you. What beautiful flowers! I don't know how to thank you.

Dialogue 20

- Is painting your hobby?

- Why do you think so?

- Because there're a lot of pictures in this room.

- It's my elder brother's hobby.

- I see, but what about you?

- I prefer books.

Dialogue 21

- What shall we have for breakfast?

- What about some bread and butter, two eggs and a cup of tea?

- Well, I don't mind, but I'd like to add some biscuits.

- OK.

Dialogue 22

- Fish? Again?

- Why, I thought you liked it.

- I do, of course, but not every day.

- Well, in that case I'll give you some meat.

- Thank you. That'll be better.

Dialogue 23

- Good morning. Glad to see you.

- Good morning. So am I.

- Won't you come and sit down?

- I'm sorry, but I can't.

- Why not, I wonder why?

- I'm short of time, you know.

- Well, then. What's up?

- I'd like to see your sister. Is she in?

- Oh, no. She's still at school.

Dialogue 24

- Hello, who's that?

- Pete.

- Hello, Pete. How are you?

- Hello, quite well. Thanks. What are you doing?

- Playing chess with my father.

- I'd like to speak to Eliza. What's she doing?

- Watching the TV programme.

- Shall we go to the cinema? I've got three tickets.

- What's on?

- A new film. They say rather interesting.

- O. K. We'll meet at the entrance.

- Shall we?

Dialogue 25

- Have you done your homework?

- Not yet.

- Why not?

- I didn't have time last night.

- That's no excuse.

Dialogue 26

- Mummy! - Yes, dear. What's the matter? You seem upset?

- Yes.

- Well, what's happened?

- You see ... I ... well ...

- Come on now, out with it!

- All right, then, if you must know. I've got a bad mark.

- What? Again?

Dialogue 27

- I say, what's wrong?

- Nothing. Everything's fine.

- Why are you crying, then? Will you tell me what's happened?

- Well, you see, I've lost my book.

- Have you looked for it everywhere in the room?

- Yes. I still can't find it.

Dialogue 28

- What are you looking at?

- That book.

- Which one? Point to it.

- That one, there.

- Oh, yes. Beautiful one, isn't it?

- Yes, it is. I wish I had it.

- So do I.

Dialogue 29

- What about killing that fly?

- No.

- Why not?

- Why should I?

- Isn't it annoying you?

- No, it isn't.

- Well, it's annoying me.

- In that case you kill it yourself.

Dialogue 30

- Why are you switching on the radio set?

- Shall we listen to the 7 o'clock news?

- Isn't it too early for that now?

- Of course not. It's already one to 7.

Dialogue 31

- Shall I help you wash?

- Thanks, but I'd rather do it myself.

- As you like. It's a pity I can't help you or shall I try?

- Oh, no. Don't bother.

- It's no bother at all.

Dialogue 32

- Will you help me, my boy?

- What do you want me to do, Mummy?

- Will you polish the floor today?

- Is it my turn?

- Yes, it is. Your brother did it last time.

- Oh, all right, then.

Dialogue 33

- Your things are lying about all over the room.

- Well, what about it?

- Just tidy them up.

- I'll think about it.

- How about doing it now?

- Well... if you insist...

Dialogue 34

- What are you doing here?

- I'm reading. Why are you asking me?

- Sorry, but I need your help.

- What can I do for you?

- Please bring me a pail of water.

- With pleasure.

Dialogue 35

- Will you copy this text for me?

- Sorry, but I'd rather not.

- Why not?

- I don't feel like copying.

- Is that as difficult as all that?

- No, but still, you have to do it yourself.

Dialogue 36

- Excuse me. Could you help me, please?

- I'll try. What do you want?

- Something's wrong with my alarm-clock.

- Let me see ... Sorry, but I can't help. You'd better get it repaired.

Dialogue 37

- What's the matter with you?

- I'm not feeling very well today.

- Do you have a headache?

- Yes, and a sore throat, too.

- Well, in that case you'd better stay at home.

- Oh, yes, I'll have to.

Dialogue 38

- I'd like to go and play for a while.

- But you've got to do your lessons first.

- Oh, I've already done my homework.

- Have you really? Then you may go.

Dialogue 39

- You know it's our mother's birthday soon.

- Isn't it about time to think of a good present for her?

- Well, I've a little surprise for her.

- How nice! What?

- This drawing.

- Wonderful! She'll be delighted.

Dialogue 40

- Believe it or not! I've got three tickets for today's football match!

- You don't say! That's wonderful!

- Will you come with us?

- Well, you see ... I ...

- Why are you hesitating?

- Well, I'd like to, but I'd better ask my mother first.

Dialogue 41

- This is my new dress. What do you think of it?

- It's a very pretty one. I'll bet it cost a lot.

- It certainly did.

- Where did you get it?

- In London.

- Really?

Dialogue 42

- Can I see you for a minute, please?

- What's up?

- Don't you know the news?

- What do you mean by this?

- There'll be no classes tomorrow!

Dialogue 43

- What are you doing? Eating? Jam?

- What difference does it make to you?

- Well, you shouldn't eat in between meals.

- Why not? I wonder why?

- It's dinner - time soon.

- All right, then.

Dialogue 44

- I wonder, where my book is?

- Why don't you ask your sister?

- Has she ever touched my things?

- How should I know?

Dialogue 45

- How are you feeling today?

- A bit better, thank you.

- But did you call a doctor.

- No.

- Why not, I wonder?

- Well, I didn't think it was necessary. But I'm going to bed now.

- That's the best place for you at the moment.

Dialogue 46

- What's the matter with you?

- I'm not feeling very well, doctor.

- What exactly is the trouble?

- I've got an awful headache.

- Are you working hard and getting too little rest?

- Yes, I think so.

- Now, you stay in bed until you're well.

Dialogue 47

- Sorry, I'm a bit late, am I?

- That's all right, darling. Take off your coat, wash your hands and sit downat table.

- Dinner's ready, isn't it?

- Yes, it is.

Dialogue 48

- Well, I think that's all the reading for today.

- Is it getting late? What time is it now?

- Time for bed, I think.

- O.K. Coming, Mummy.

- Now, hurry up!

Dialogue 49

- I don't want you fighting. Stop it once and for all.

- Sorry, but I had to. He started it.

- I don't care what the reasons are. I forbid you to fight.

Dialogue 50

- Where're you going? I'd like to know.

- To the playground.

- What for?

- To play football for a while. Will you come with me?

- I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm busy now.

- What a shame! Good-bye, then.

- So long.

Dialogue 51

- Excuse me. Do you have a ball?

- Certainly. Here, help yourself.

- Thanks.

- Not at all.

Dialogue 52

- Well, do you have anything arranged for tomorrow?

- Nothing definite.

- How would you like to go on an excursion?

- Where to?

- To Ostankino Tower.

- Oh, yes, I'd be glad to!

Dialogue 53

- Shall we go for a walk?

- Good idea! Where to?

- Let's go to the park.

- Don't you think we'd better go to the fields?

- Let me see... It's 10 o'clock now. We've got plenty of time.

Dialogue 54

- Are you going out?

- Yes, to the playground. Do you want to come?

- Yes, I do. But I can't.

- Can't you? Why not?

- Because I have to do my homework now.

- Oh, you can do it tomorrow.

- Oh, no! There'll be no time for that tomorrow. I've got to do it

today.

- Well, in that case I'll stay at home and help you.

- Thanks. That's very nice of you.

Dialogue 55

- I've got to go to the Railway station.

- What for?

- To meet a friend of mine. How do I get there from here?

- Catch a bus. It's the quickest way, I think.

Dialogue 56

- I beg your pardon. Is this the right way to Hyde Park?

- I'm sorry, I can't tell you.

- Oh, what a nuisance! Why not?

- You see, I'm stranger in these parts myself.

- What shall I do, then?

- Well, ask somebody else or, even better, ask a policeman.

- Thank you. Much obliged.

Dialogue 57

- Anything I can show you?

- Oh, yes, please. I want some shoes.

- What size, colour?

- 35, brown, please.

- Here you are.

- Thanks. May I try them on?

- Do, please.

- They're all right. How much are they?

- 10 roubles.

Dialogue 58

- Can I help you?

- Yes, I want a large box of chocolates for a present, please. It's Mummy'sbirthday tomorrow.

- What about this one?

- Oh, yes. It'll do. How much is it?

- 75 pence, please. Anything else?

- Nothing else. Thank you.

Dialogue 59

- Will you be going shopping today?

- Why do you ask?

- I'd like to ask you a favour.

- What can I do for you?

- Would you get me some sugar and bread?

- Certainly, if you give me some money. I'm very short.

Dialogue 60

- It's raining hard at the moment.

- And we're both carrying parcels.

- I'm afraid of getting wet.

- Why not get a bus?

- That's a good idea.

Dialogue 61

- What would you do if you had a lot of money?

- I'd buy a scooter.

- But if you can't buy a scooter?

- Then, I'd buy a bicycle.

Dialogue 62

- Hello! Is that nice? I hope you enjoy your breakfast, don't you?

- Oh, yes, very. Thanks.

- May I sit at your table, please?

- You're very welcome.

- Thank you.

Dialogue 63

- Oh, dear, call your little brother, please.

- He's up in the tree.

- Well, let him come down.

- He says he won't until you agree to play football with him.

- Oh, no. I can't do that. I'm too old to do that.

Dialogue 64

- What's his telephone number?

- It slipped my memory. I know it, but I can't think of it.

- Neither can I.

- Well, it'll come back to me in a minute.

Dialogue 65

- What's that girl's name?

- Do you mean the one in the blue coat?

- Oh, yes, that's the one.

- Let me see... It'll come back to me in a moment.

- Don't tell me you've forgotten it.

- It's just slipped my mind.

- Think hard, will you?

- It's just on the tip of my tongue.

- You must remember.

- I've got it at last! Caroline!

Dialogue 66

- Do you come to school by bus?

- Yes, because I live a long way from school. And you?

- Oh, I always walk to school. I live nearby.

Dialogue 67

- What luck running into you! How are you getting on?

- Thanks. Everything's all right. I'm quite well.

- You see, I was ill last week.

- What was the matter with you?

- I had a cold, high temperature and a headache.

- Poor you! You had an awful time I should think.

- You're right.

Dialogue 68

- The weather's fine today, isn't it?

- Yes it is. The sun's shining brightly in the blue sky.

- Is it warm in the street, I wonder?

- I shouldn't think so. It's November now.

- Shall I put a coat on?

- As you like. Are you afraid of catching cold?

- Certainly.

- All right, then.

Dialogue 69

- Do you like going to the pictures?

- Not specially. I prefer the theatre.

- Do you often go to the theatre?

- Yes, I do.

- How often?

- Once or twice a month. It depends.

- Not so bad, I think.

Dialogue 70

- I'm going to have a party on Sunday. Can you come?

- Yes, thank you for the invitation. What time shall I come?

- At 6 o'clock, please.

- O. K. That suits me.

Dialogue 71

- How long shall we have to wait for him?

- I am afraid I've no idea.

- Well, I hope he won't be too long?

- I hope so, too.

- How about ringing him up?

- That's a good idea! Let's.

Dialogue 72

- How do we get to the theatre? By bus or tram?

- Either. But the tram takes much longer.

- Look, there's a number 3 bus over there. Hurry up!

- Oh, no. I simply can't. Let's catch the next one.

Dialogue 73

- What bus are you catching?

- Number 2 to the stadium.

- Sorry to trouble you, but should I catch the same bus for the Post-Office?

- Yes, you can catch any bus to get there.

Dialogue 74

- Can I get to the museum by bus?

- Let me see...Why, yes.

- What bus shall I take?

- First you get a number 5 bus.

- And then?

- Then, you … you walk the rest of the way.

- How long will it take me to get there, do you think?

- About twenty minutes.

Dialogue 75

- Excuse me.

- What is it?

- Can you tell me how to get to the circus?

- Certainly. You need a number 4 trolley-bus or a number 11 bus.

- Which is the best way to get there?

- By trolley-bus, I think.

- Thanks a lot.

Dialogue 76

- Excuse me. Please let me by.

- Are you getting off at the next stop?

- I've got to get off at Fleet Street.

- But that's the next stop but one, I think.

- Sorry, I didn't know that.

Dialogue 77

- Where to?

- The Railway station.

- You're going the wrong way. You're going away from it.

- Oh, dear. What'll I do, then?

- Get off at the next stop, cross the road and take the same tram going theother way.

- Thanks. Do I have to change?

- No, not for the Railway station.

Dialogue 78

- I've bought the tickets!

- Have you really? Splendid! How did you manage it?

- With the help of a friend of mine.

- Well done! It's a good thing you were able to.

Dialogue 79

- How much is an ice-cream?

- Well, what sort of ice-cream do you want?

- This one, a choc-ice.

- 15 pence, please.

- I'll have one, please.

- Here you are.

- Thanks.

Dialogue 80

- Could you give me some money?

- How much do you want, I wonder?

- Sixpence, if you can spare it.

- All right. When do you want it.

- Straight away, please.

- Here you are.

- Thanks.

Dialogue 81

- Order what you like. I'll pay.

- A couple of cheese sandwiches, please.

- And what about a cup of coffee?

- As you please.

- Anything else?

- Thanks. I don't think I'll have anything else.

Dialogue 82

- Can I get a cup of coffee? I'm so cold and tired.

- Just a moment... Sorry, there's no coffee.

- Can't I have a glass of milk, then?

- There's no milk either, but you can have a cup of tea.

- With pleasure, if it's hot.

Dialogue 83

- What does that sign say?

- Can't you read English?

- Why would I ask if I could?

- Shall I read it to you?

- That's what I want you to do.

Editor: thankyou