Dialogue Summaries for Everyday Situations

Jul 11, 2024

Lecture Notes on Various Dialogues

Telephone Calls

Dialogue 1

  • Jane calls Sue early in the morning, apologizing for the timing
  • Jane informs Sue she can't attend a meeting due to illness
  • Sue advises Jane to see a doctor

Dialogue 2

  • Caller asks for Mark but he's unavailable
  • Caller leaves a message to call back at 2:06 555 1212

At the Post-Office

Dialogue 1

  • Customer buys postcards: 3 for $2 each
  • Reminder: postcards can be sent from the post office

Dialogue 2

  • Customer sends a registered package to Beijing, contains books
  • Includes insurance for $30
  • Reminder to put a return address on the package

In the Bank

Dialogue 1

  • Customer withdraws $500 after correcting a wrong password
  • Reminded to sign receipt

Dialogue 2

  • Customer cashes a check while opening a new account
  • Forms filled, ID copied, cheque cashed

Taking Public Transport

Bus

  • Instructions on fare and stops for different bus routes
  • Information on bus schedules and transfer options

Subway

  • Instructions on buying tickets, routes to take, fares
  • Explanation on using the ticket machine

Taxi Service

Dialogue 1

  • Customer asks to hurry to railway station, fare details explained

Dialogue 2

  • Customer books a taxi to the airport and inquires about extra charges for suitcases

Emergencies

Reporting a Crime

  • Caller reports a robbery, provides location info for police assistance

Missing Items

  • Caller reports a lost backpack, provides personal info for contact

Health & Safety

Visiting a Doctor

  • Scenarios on cough, sore throat, backache; advice on medication and rest

At the Drugstore

  • Purchasing vitamins and prescriptions

Calling for Ambulance

  • Procedures for reporting emergencies like unconscious person or fire

Visiting Patients

  • Checking on recovery, discussing health status, offering aid

Special Occasions

Commencement

  • Discussion about graduation ceremony, speeches, invitations

Birthday Party

  • Exchanging gifts and compliments

Wedding Ceremony

  • Wedding party conversations, planning, giving gifts, and invitations

Beauty Services

In the Beauty Salon

  • Advice on skincare and personal experiences with treatments

At the Barber Shop

  • Instructions on haircut preferences, additional services like shaving and manicure

In the Gym

  • Sharing experiences, exercise routines, equipment use, dietary advice

Housing

Buying a House

  • Inquiry about available apartments and scheduling visits

Renting an Apartment

  • Discussion about vacant rooms, rent prices, and preferences

Automobiles

Buying a Car

  • Conversation about car show, different car models, and test drives

Car Rental

  • Questions about rental rates, mileage, and necessary documents

Repairing Cars

  • Appointment scheduling, diagnosing issues, and offering solutions

Daily Life Activities

Doing the Cleaning

  • Sharing responsibilities, specific tasks for better cleaning

Watching TV

  • Choosing programs, discussions about preferred shows

Tutoring the Child

  • Assistance with homework, discussion on improving grades and interest in subjects

Time for Bed

  • Ensuring preparations for next day, bedtime routines

Domestic Expenses

  • Managing household spending, keeping financial records

Family Pet

  • Discussing pet care, responsibilities for walking and cleaning

Weekend Plan

  • Suggestions for weekend activities, preferences shared

Receiving Guests

  • Welcoming guests, offering refreshments, making them comfortable

Dining Out

Ordering Takeaway

  • Discussing menu options, placing orders, delivery instructions

Reserving a Table

  • Making reservations, seating preferences, confirming details

Ordering Dishes

  • Choosing food from menu, preferences for appetizers and main courses

Ordering Drinks

  • Selecting beverages, accommodating dietary needs

Serving the Dishes

  • Ensuring order accuracy, attending to additional requests

Giving Assessments

  • Customer feedback on food quality and service

Arranging a Banquet

  • Planning details for events, discussing formal and casual settings

At the Cafe and Breakfast Shop

  • Placing drink and food orders, seating preferences, additional services like newspapers and magazines

Fast Food Ordering

  • Placing orders, specifying details like drinks, condiments, and seating

Paying the Bill

  • Different methods of bill payment, including cash and card options, tips

Shopping

Supermarket

  • Directions for different sections, inquiries about product availability, payment options

Flea Market

  • Bargaining prices, evaluating product authenticity

Jewelry Store

  • Selecting and purchasing items, noting special sale events and discounts

Makeup Store

  • Choosing suitable products, considering promotions

Clothing and Shoe Stores

  • Trying on items for fit, discussing preferences, going through checkout

Arts and Crafts

  • Selecting items like vases and fans, verifying authenticity, packaging for transport

Preferences and Sizes

  • Color and size preferences for purchases, trying on items, bargaining