Everyone has different reasons for traveling. If you want to find out what people like about traveling, you can ask them this question:

“What do you like the best about traveling?”

Someone might use one of these sentences to answer:

“I like meeting new people”

“I like to visit the neighbo islands for relaxation”


Another question you can ask is whether or not they are traveling for business or pleasure.

For example, you can ask:

“Is this trip for business or pleasure?”


After you decide your schedule for traveling, the next thing you need to do is buy the ticket. You also have to call to reserve the hotel. When you look for a hotel, you should find one that has a reasonable price and is in a convenient location.

When you call the travel agent, they will check out your ticket request on their computer. It might take some time so they usually ask to call you back.

Read this example:

Michael: I’d like to buy a ticket to Tokyo, Japan.

Michiko: I’ll check some prices and get back to you.


If you want to reconfirm your flight, you can use one of these sentences.

“I’d like to reconfirm my ticket”

“I’d like to reconfirm my flight”


The travel agent may also ask you for more information such as your flight number and day of departure. In the conversation above, the customer used this sentence:

“I’m on flight 47, leaving on February 1st”


When you want to pick up someone at the airport, you should call the airport first. Read this conversation:

Clerk: Hello, Flying Airlines, may I help you?
Customer: Yes, what time does flight 57 arrive from Japan?
Clerk: That flight is a little late. It’s due to arrive at 7:30am.
Customer: Thank you.

In this conversation, Flight 57 was late. So if you want to pick someone up, you’d better call the airport first. For example:

“What time does flight 57 arrive from Japan?”

“When is flight 57 expected to arrive from Japan?”


When you go the airport, the first thing you will need to do is check in your luggage. Another way to say “luggage” is “baggage” or “suitcase”. You will have to wait in line for a little while. When you get to the front of the line, the reservationist will ask you for your ticket. Then they will ask you some questions.

You have a choice of a window seat or an aisle seat. A window seat is good if you want to have a good view. An aisle seat is good if you need to walk around or go to the restroom a lot. If you’re traveling with other people, you will probably want to sit together. You will need to ask the clerk this sentence:

“Can we have seats together?”


When you check in your luggage, make sure that you keep your carry-ons with you. Carry-ons are the small pieces of luggage that you carry with you onto the plane. Normally, you are allowed two carry-ons. They must be small enough to fit under your seat or in the overhead luggage compartments. After checking your bags, you will pass through an X-ray machine with your carry-on. You will need to put everything on the x-ray machine. Now you’re ready to go to your gate. If the plane is late, you can ask the person at the desk:

“Is the plane leaving on time?”

or

“Is the plane going to be late?”


Now you’re ready to get on the plane. They will call for boarding of
your flight. They might say:

“Flight #321 for Tokyo is now boarding at gate 43″


You will need to give the stewardess your boarding pass. Once you are inside the airplane, you will have to store your carry-on luggage. There are two places you can store them; one is under your seat and the other is overhead in the luggage compartments. Read this next conversation:

Passengar 1: Do you need any help with those bags?
Passengar 2: Yes, the overhead luggage compartment is full. Can you find a place for this bag Passengar 1: Sure. Oh, there’s a space over here. Let me help you. Uh… There you are.
Passengar 2: Thank you. You are very kind.
Passengar 1: No problem.

If you want someone to help you with your carry-ons, just ask one of the flight attendants. They will be more than happy to help you. You can say:

“The overhead luggage compartment is full”

“Can you find a place for this bag?”


When you need help with your carry-ons, you could say one of these sentences:

“Can you help me with these carry-ons?”

“Can you give me a hand with these bags?”


When you are in the airplane, you should try to be polite to the flight attendants. They have to work hard and not many people appreciate them. If you can say “thank you” and “please”, it will make their work much more pleasant. Read this example:

Michael: Excuse me, may I have an extra blanket, please?
Michiko: Sure, I’ll be right back.

(pause)

Michiko: Here, you are.
Michael: Thank you very much.

This passenger was very polite. He said メpleaseモ and “thank you”. Those two words are very rare for the flight attendant. If you need to ask for a blanket, you can say:

“Excuse me, may I have an extra blanket?”


This sentence is very useful. You can use it when you want to ask for anything.

Airplanes are famous for their delicious food. When the food cart comes to your seat, you will be given a choice of two different kinds of food. Read this example conversation:

Flight Attendant: Would you like steak or seafood?
Passenger: Deafood, please.
Flight Attendant: Here you are. What would you like to drink?
Passenger: I’ll have apple juice, please.

After your long plane ride, you will be ready to stand up and walk around. Sometimes people will become sick during the flight.

Michiko: When I’m in the airplane, my ears become plugged up and they hurt.
Michael: If you feel sick, you can tell the flight attendant.
Michiko: I don’t know what to say.

If the passenger becomes sick, they might use one of these sentences:

“My ears are plugged and they hurt”

“I feel nauseated”


If you label your bags, it will be much easier to find them. It will help to prevent your luggage from getting mixed up.

Read this conversation at the baggage claim area:

Passenger 1: That’s my suitcase. Excuse me, can I get through? (aarrgghh) This suitcase feels heavier than when I left. I guess it must be from all of the souvenirs that I bought.
Passenger 2: Excuse me, I think that’s my suitcase.
Passenger 1: Huh. No, I don’t think so. The label says (pause) uhh, Michael Depoe. Oops, I’m sorry. I made a mistake.

The following sentences can be used in many different situations. For example, at the supermarket:

“Excuse me, can I get through?”

“Excuse me, I need to get through”

“Excuse me, would you let me through?”

Now, let’s begin with this opening conversation:

Michael: Michiko, I’ve heard that you’ve taken up walking and swimming. Is that right?
Michiko: Yes, it is. I need to exercise.
Michael: Have you started already?
Michiko: No, I need to buy some clothes to exercise in and walking shoes.

When someone starts something new, we use the word “taken up.” Read these example sentences:

“I’ve heard that you’ve taken up swimming”

“I’ve heard that you’ve started swimming”


Let’s continue by reading this next conversation:

Cashier: Hi, can I help you?
Customer: Yes, I’m looking for sportswear.
Cashier: What kind of sports do you play?
Customer: I swim and I take walks.
Cashier: O.K. First, you’ll need proper undergarments for support.
Customer: What’s wrong with my regular underwear?
Cashier: Well, sports underwear is made specifically for sports. It’s more breathable, comfortable, and cooler because of the special fabrics.

These days, there are many kinds of fabric for every different sport. If the customer doesn’t know which one you should buy, you can ask the cashier at the store. Read this example sentence:

“What would you recommend?”


Sportswear has special qualities. They are breathable, which means that they allow your pores to breathe. They’re more comfortable, lightweight, and cooler. Read these example sentences:

“This shirt is breathable and comfortable”

“These shorts are lightweight and cooler than regular shorts”


When you want to know the material of something, you can ask one of these questions:

“What is this made of?”

“What kind of material is this?”

“What kind of fabric is this made of?”


If you want to continue looking around, you can tell the salesperson:

“I’m going to look around some more”

or
“I’ll be back”


Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko: Michael, I wasn’t satisfied with any of the sportswear at the stores.
Michael: Why don’t we order through catalog?

In the conversation above, Michiko looked around at many different stores for sportswear. She didn’t find any she liked. She said:

“I wasn’t satisfied with any of the sportswear at the store.”


Sometimes people hate crowds, or the trouble of going into a store and trying to find what they like so they buy through a catalog. Read this next conversation:

Michiko: Michael, why is my swimming suit taking such a long time? Can you call and check?
Michael: Sure.

(Phone ring)

Lady: Hello, Exercise Sportswear, may I help you?
Michael: Yes, I ordered something 6 days ago and it hasn’t come yet. When you call, you should tell them when you last ordered, then what the problem is. For example, you could say this sentence:

“I ordered something 6 days ago and it hasn’t come yet”


“To run out of stock” means that they have no more items left. When someone runs out of stock, they might give some excuses.

For example:

“We’ve run out of stock”

or
“It’s on the way”

or
“We don’t have your order”


Now, let’s read another conversation at a sports shop.

Cashier: Hi, may I help you?
Customer: Yes, I’m looking for running shorts.
Michael: We have some nice ones here. These are comfortable and will prevent chaffing.
Michiko: What’s chaffing?
Michael: That’s when your skin gets irritated by clothes rubbing against your body.
Michiko: Oh, I see. How do you wash this?
Michael: Well, it’s made of lycra and spandex so it’s better if you hand wash it and let it drip dry.
Michiko: Will it last longer that way?
Michael: Yes, and the color won’t run either.

Chaffing is an injury that you can get if you run for long distances or have improper clothes. If you go to a store, they also have gel that you can apply to prevent this injury. You can ask this question:

“Will it prevent chaffing?”


When washing, you should be careful to read the labels carefully. Sometimes you can’t put a piece of clothing in the washing machine or dryer. “Drip dry” means that you have to hang the clothing on a clothesline or something and let it dry out naturally.

Read these examples and repeat after me:

“Hand wash”

“Drip dry”

“Tumble dry, low heat”


If people want their clothes to last longer, they should follow the washing requirements. You can ask the cashier this question:

“Will it last longer that way?”


Read this next conversation:

Cashier: Hi, can I help you?
Customer: Yes, I’m looking for running clothes.
Cashier: What do you have in mind?
Customer: I don’t know. I just started running.
Cashier: How about this running singlet?
Customer: Umm, it’s too big. Is it supposed to be like this?
Cashier: Yes, the armholes are oversized so that you have
more room to move your arms.
Customer: Is this one size fits all?
Cashier: No, but that’s the smallest we have.

A singlet is a running shirt that is very light and allows your skin to breathe. You don’t want it to be too big. Some shirts are made oversized on purpose. If something is too big, you can ask these questions:

“Do you have a smaller size?”

or
“Is this supposed to be oversized?”


Sometimes, shirts are made to fit everyone: If you want to find out, you can ask:

“Is this one size fits all?”


When you buy shorts for exercising, they may either be elastic or drawstring. A drawstring is the string inside the shorts that you pull to make them tighter or looser. Read these example sentences:

“I’m looking for elastic shorts”

“I’m looking for drawstring shorts”


Durable means strong or long lasting. You will want to make sure that it’s strong. You can ask one of these questions:

“Is it durable?”

“Will it last a long time?”


Now that you have the clothes, you will need the right equipment.

Read this conversation at a sports shop:

Cashier: Hi, what can I do for you?
Customer: I want to buy a good swimming cap and a pair of goggles. What do you recommend?
Michael: You should get this Speedo cap and goggles. They are very durable and comfortable.
Michiko: How do you adjust this?
Michael: Just loosen this and pull here.

When trying on sports equipment such as helmets and goggles, you will need them to fit you just right. Most things are adjustable. If you are not sure how to change the size you can ask the salesperson:

“How do you adjust this?”

or
“How do you tighten this?”


You could also use these sentences:

“Just loosen this and pull here”

“It’s supposed to be a little snug”


Exercising can make your body feel good. Invigorating means to be filled with energy. Here are some sentences you can use:

“It was invigorating!”

“It was refreshing!”

“It was energizing!”

Taking Care of a Home

Read this opening conversation:

Dad: Donna, we’re going to move to another house.
Kid: Why daddy? I like it here.
Dad: Well, we found a better place. It’s closer to your school and less expensive.

Transfer is another word for move but it might not be your choice. It could be the government or a company is making you move. You could say:

“We’re going to move to another house”
or
“We are being transferred to Japan.”


There are many reasons why people move, but in Hawaii, one major factor is the cost. You can tell people:

“Our new place is less expensive”
or
“Our new place is more affordable”


When you are moving, you have to pack up all of your belongings. Afterwards you will have to unpack. For example:

“You have to pack up all of the things you don’t use every day”


When you move, you might ask friends to help. If you want someone to help you, you should ask them first.

There are several ways you can ask. For example:

“Can I ask you a favor?”
“Do you mind if I ask you a favor?”
or
“Would you mind doing me a favor?”


A lot of people have their friends help them because hiring a moving company can be expensive. If you want to check on prices over the phone, your conversation could sound like this:

Michael: Hello, could you quote some prices for moving from a house to another part of the island?
Michiko: It’s $74.49 an hour for two men and a truck.
Michael: Do they do packing too?
Michiko: Yes, they’ll do furniture.

To check on prices, you can use one of these sentences:

“Could you quote some prices for moving to the mainland?”
or
“How much does it cost to move from Honolulu to Arizona?”


Usually, the moving men will pack your things but you might not want them to touch valuable things because they might be a little rough sometimes. So you can say:

“That’s very valuable”
“That’s priceless”
or
“That’s worth a lot of money.”


“Renovating” just means improving something, usually some kind of building. You can also use the word “remodeling.” For example, you could say:

“I started renovating my house”
or
“I started remodeling my house.”


Usually, houses just need to be repainted in order to look nice and new. Read this conversation involving paint:

Michiko: Well, here I am! I’m all ready to paint!
Michael: All right, first you can use this roller. It’s easier than using the brush.
Michiko: Did you stir the paint?
Michael: Yes, it’s ready to use.
Michiko: Whew, I’m getting dizzy from all the paint fumes.
Michael: Oh, you’d better take a break.

When you paint a large wall, you will probably only use brushes for the corners. For the wide places, you can use a roller. You also have to be careful when painting because you could breathe in paint fumes.

When people feel dizzy or feel sick from paint fumes, they might sound like this:

“I’m getting dizzy from the paint fumes”
and
“The paint smells so strong, it makes me sick.”


Renovation could mean adding or taking away something from your house. When you want to take something down, you can use several different verbs. For example:

“We’re knocking down the old garage”
or
“We’re tearing down the addition.”


“Decorating means making something more attractive by adding something. You can decorate anything. “To Decorate” is a verb. The noun is the word “decor”. For example:

“I’m decorating my living room”
or
“I love the decor of your living room!”


When you buy furniture or wallpaper, you want the colors to match. Read this conversation.

Michiko: I think we need to buy a new covering for this sofa.
Michael: Yeah, it’s a little worn.
Michiko: Do you think a pastel pink will go with the room?
Michael: Ugh, no, It’ll look too feminine.

In this conversation, someone said the room was too feminine. That means it looks like a girl’s room. If your room has dark colors, you can say it looks like a masculine room.

One important part of decorating a house or apartment is hanging up pictures. So you can say:

“Let’s hang this painting up”
or
“Let’s take this painting down.”


When we put up paintings, we usually use nails.
For example, you could say:

“Let’s use a nail to put up this painting”
or
“We hung this painting up with a nail”


When you are trying to put up a picture, you may have to give instructions. For example:

“It’s not straight. Move it to the left.”
“It’s crooked. Tilt it a little to the left.”
or
“It’s too high. Bring it down a little.”


When you find the right spot to hang the picture, you can say:

“Hold it right there”
or
“That’s perfect”


When you enter someone’s house, you can ask:

“Should I take off my shoes?”

Let’s begin by reading this opening conversation:

Michael: Boy, it sure is crowded today.
Michiko: Yeah, there are a lot of cars out.
Michael: Watch out for that cat!!
Michiko: That was a close call. I almost hit it.
Michael: It was a good thing I was watching.
Michiko: I have to pay more attention to my driving.
Michael: That’s O.K. everyone gets distracted once in a while.

In any kind of emergency, you don’t have time to say a lot of words. You can just say:

“Watch out!”
or
“Look out!”


In the conversation above, did you notice that the woman said:

“That was a close call”


That means she almost hit the cat. Another way to say the same thing is:

“That was a close shave”


When you are driving a car, you might have to honk your horn. When you are a pedestrian, the only way to warn someone is by using your voice. Parents also warn their children at home.

Read this conversation between two people in a car.

Michiko: What’s the fastest way to get to Kaneohe?
Michael: Taking the freeway is a lot faster than going through the side streets.
Michiko: I want to change lanes. Can you tell me when it’s clear?
Michael: Not yet. A car is coming.
Michiko: Can I go now?
Michael: O.K. go fast.

When you want to go somewhere quickly, you can ask:

“What’s the fastest way to get to Kaneohe?”
or
“What’s the best way to get to Kaneohe?”


Many cars in America don’t have a side view mirror. A rear view mirror is required by law. When you change to a right lane it’s kind of hard to see, so passengers can help the driver. You can ask them:

“I want to change lanes”
or
“I want to get over”


Now that you have told them what you want, you can ask:

“Can you tell me when it’s clear?”
“Is it clear?”
or
“Is it O.K. to change?”


If you are the passenger, you can answer by saying:

“Not yet. A car is coming”
or
“Go ahead. It’s clear”


Now, read this next conversation:

Michael: Michiko, do you have your driver’s license?
Michiko: Yes, I just got it 3 months ago.
Michael: Who taught you?
Michiko: My husband and a few friends. I was glad I didn’t have to go to driving school.

Remember that most Americans don’t go to driving school so if you are curious about how they learned how to drive, you can ask:

“Who taught you?”
“How did you learn to drive?”
or
“Who taught you how to drive?”


Now when you have gotten your permit and practiced driving, it is time to take the road test. You can either go to the police station very early or make an appointment.

Now, read this conversation as woman makes an appointment.

Police: Hello, may I help you?
Michiko: Yes, I’d like to make an appointment to take the road test.
Police: Is Wednesday at 9:30 o.k.?
Michiko: I’d prefer to have something in the afternoon. Are there any openings after 12?
Police: There’s an opening at 2:30 on Thursday. Is that all right?
Michiko: Yes, that’s fine.

The main thing to remember from this conversation is how to ask to
take the road test. You can use one of these questions:

“I’d prefer to have something in the afternoon”
or
“Are there any openings after 12?”


Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko: Well, today is the day!
Michael: Are you ready?
Michiko: I think so. I’ve been practicing for months!
Michael: Do you have everything you need?
Michiko: Yes, I have my permit, no-fault insurance, and proof of registration for the car. Do I need anything else?
Michael: No, I don’t think so.
Michiko: I’m jittery.
Michael: There’s no need to be nervous. You’re ready! Just do your best!

When you take a road test you will need to have three things; your driving permit, your no-fault insurance and proof of registration for the car you will be using. In this conversation, the woman mentioned that she was jittery. That mean nervous. Read these example sentences:

“I feel nervous”
or
“I feel jittery”


Before someone takes the test, you can wish them well by saying:

“Good luck! “
or
“Do your best!”


Once you get a driver’s license you can drive anywhere. There’s one thing that most people have problems with; It’s parking! Let’s read this next conversation between two people looking for a parking space.

Michael: Michiko, keep your eyes open for a parking space.
Michiko: That lady looks like she’s leaving.
Michael: Why don’t you ask her?
Michiko: Excuse me, are you leaving?
Lady: No, I just came.
Michiko: O.K. thanks.
Michael: I see another space on the other side. Let’s drive around.
Michiko: Oh no, someone was already waiting for it.
Michael: Should I just wait here?
Michiko: Yeah, something should open up.
Michael: There’s a guy pulling out right over there!
Michiko: All right, Michael! We finally got a space.

In this conversation, Michael told Michiko to keep her eyes open for a parking space. That means to look for one. Read that sentence again:

“Keep your eyes open for a parking space”


It is common to try to follow people who are walking in the parking lot. But sometimes you can’t be really sure if they are leaving, arriving, or just putting packages in their car. So you can ask :

“Excuse me, are you leaving?”
or
“Are you going?”


Now if you were the person to whom the question was asked you could respond by saying:

“No, I just came”
or
“Yes, I’m leaving”


Read these example conversations:

Michael: Excuse me, are you leaving?
Michiko: No, I just came.

Michael: Are you going?
Michiko: Yes, I’m leaving.

In this conversation, Michael noticed that a car was pulling out. That means that a car was coming out of a space. “Pulled in” means to drive in. Read these example sentences:

“Mother just pulled into the parking space”
“There’s a guy pulling out right over there”


When you are a passenger or driver in a car there may be certain requests that you might want to make. Read this conversation and see how many requests you can hear:

Michael: I’ll give you a ride home, Michiko.
Michiko: Thanks. Could you turn the air conditioner off? I’m a
little cold.
Michael: Can I open the window?
Michiko: Sure. Then I can smoke.
Michael: Would you mind not smoking in the car? The smell stays for a long time.
Michiko: I’m sorry, I didn’t know you quit smoking.
Michael: Oh, it’s starting to rain.
Michiko: Could you roll up your window? I’m getting wet.
Michael: Here’s your house. Oh, and by the way be sure to slam the door because last time you didn’t shut it well.
Michiko: O.K. thanks for the ride.

There were 5 requests in this conversation. Read them again:

“Could you turn the air conditioner off?”

“Can I open the window?”

“Would you mind not smoking in the car?”

“Could you roll up your window?”

“Be sure to slam the door”

If you want to borrow books from the public library, you will need a library card.  Anyone can get one, even foreigners.  There are only two requirements.  See if you can hear them in this conversation at the public library:

Librarian:  Hello.
Patron:  Hi, I want to get a library card.
Librarian:  All right.  We need to see some kind of ID.
Patron: I have a question.  How old do you have to be to get a library card?
Librarian: You just have to be able to sign your name.

The first  requirement was that you need to have an ID.  The second was that you need to be able to fill out an application and sign your name.  Read these example sentences:

“I want to get a library card”

“I’d like to get a library card”

Now you may want to find a certain book but don’t know where it is. Nowadays, you can find where something is through the use of a computer.  When you use the computer you can find a certain book if you know the name of the book or  the author. Read these example conversations:

Michael:  What’s the name of the book?
Michiko:  The book is called “The Firm.”

Michael:  What’s the title of the book?
Michiko:   The title is The Blessing.

Michael:  Who’s the author?
Michiko:  The author is Gary Smalley.

Read these example sentences:

“The book is called “The Firm’”

“The title of the book is “The Blessing’”

“The author is Gary Smalley”

To find the location of a book , your question should sound like this:

“Where can I find this book?”

or

“Where is this located?”

The librarian may answer by saying:

“This book is located upstairs on the third floor.”

The computer is very good for researching a certain topic.  You can search for a book by looking at the subject.  But you have to be specific.

If you look at a book and you’re confused, you can ask the librarian
this question:

“What is the call number of this book?”

Now, read this next conversation:

Patron: I’d like to borrow these books.
Librarian: O.K. may I have your library card?
Patron: Here you are.  When do I have to return these books?
Librarian: You have three weeks to keep them.

You have to bring your library card if you want to borrow something. When you decide which book you want to borrow, you can use this
sentence:

“I’d like to borrow these books”

There are different kinds of books that people like to read.  When you talk to friends, your conversation might sound like this:

Michael:  Have you read Jurassic Park?
Michiko:  No, who’s the author?
Michael:  It was written by Michael Crichton.
Michiko:  What kind of book is it?
Michael:  It’s  science-fiction.
Michiko:  Is it a well-known book?
Michael:  Kind of.  It was a best seller last year and they even made it into a movie.
Michiko:  By the way Harry, I didn’t know you were such a bookworm.
Michael:  Yup, I love to read!

In this conversation, he wanted to know if she had read a certain book.   Also, he might want to know if the book is popular or not. Read these example sentences:

“Have you read “Jurassic Park”?”

“Is it a best seller?”

You might want to know who wrote it.  In that case, you can ask these questions:

“Who wrote it?”

“Who was it written by?”

The person will answer by saying:

“It was written by Michael Crichton”

Now listen to these short example conversations:

Michael:  Have you read  “Jurassic Park”?
Michiko:  Who wrote it?
Michael:  Michael Crichton wrote it.

Michael:  Have you read  “Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend”?
Michiko:  Who was it written by?
Michael:  It was written by Robert James Waller.

A bookworm is what we call someone who loves to read.   For example:

“He is such a bookworm”

There are different parts of a textbook.  The first part that you may come across is the foreword.  Sometimes there is also a page thanking people who have helped in the book.  This is called the acknowledgments page.  Another page that will introduce the book is called an introduction.
Read these example sentences:

“The foreword was written by Ronald Reagan”

“The professor wanted us to read the introduction”

The library is a great place to read.  There are also other things you can do there.  Read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Max, what are you doing here?
Max:  I have to do research for a project.  What about you?
Michiko:   I had some free time so I just came to browse and maybe find some new books.
Max:  Don’t you usually come here to study?
Michiko:   Yes, I study in the carrels  because I can concentrate better than at home.
Max:  I know what you mean.  Sometimes I bring my kids here to hear stories or watch films.  Then I can do my own work.

Browsing means to just look around with no serious purpose in mind.

Read these example sentences:

“I’m just browsing”

“I’m not looking for anything  in particular”
At a library, they often have children’s programs.  They have story hours and some libraries even have small auditoriums to show films.
Read this next conversation.

Michael:  Michiko, did you hear about Polly? She went to Los Angeles and…
Michiko:  Please stop bothering me Michael.  I can’t concentrate.
Michael:  But I just want to tell you this juicy piece of information.
Michiko:  I told you to go away and stop talking to me.  You’re irritating me.

At the library you’re supposed to be quiet.  If you want you’re friend to be quiet you can say these sentences:

“Please be quiet”

“Please don’t bother me now”

Now let’s change the subject and talk about “overdue” books.  Read this final conversation at the library.

Librarian:  Hello, may I help you?
Patron:  Yes, what are your hours today?
Librarian: We’re open from 10:00 to 8:00.
Patron: That’s too bad.
Librarian: What’s wrong?
Patron: I have books that are due today.
Librarian: Oh, that’s no problem, just drop them off at the bookdrop.

Read these example sentences:

“My books are due today”

“I’d like to return these books”

Have you ever had problems in your apartment but didn’t know how to tell the landlord?   For example, if you have a leaky faucet you could tell your landlord:

“Could you please fix my leaky faucet?”

The landlord might try to fix it or if he can’t he’ll probably call a plumber.  Read to this opening conversation:

Michiko:  Hello Mr. Edison.  Could you please fix my leaky faucet?
Mr. Ed:  O.K. let me take a look at it.
Michiko: What’s the problem?
Michael:  I’m not sure, I’ll have to call a plumber.

Read this example sentence:

“Could you please fix my leaky faucet?”

There’s another common problem that occurs with sinks and  bathtubs. It has to do with the drain.   Read this example conversation:

Michiko:  My bathtub drain is clogged.
Michael:  Did you try cleaning out all the hair?
Michiko:  Yes, nothing helps.
Michael:  Did you try Drain-O?
Michiko:  Yeah, but that didn’t work either.
Michael:  You’d better tell the landlord.
Michiko:  I think I will

When water doesn’t go down the drain, we can use one of these sentences:

“The bathtub drain is clogged”

“The bathtub drain is stopped up”

What happens if your shower doesn’t work well?  Read this conversation between a landlord and his tenant:

Michiko:  Hi, Mr. Depp.  I have a problem with my shower.  Could you help me?
Mr. Depp:  What’s wrong?
Michiko:  Well, hardly any water comes out of the showerhead.
Mr. Depp:  I’ll check it out.
Michiko:  Thank you.

You might have a problem with your showerhead.  It might leak or it might have a weak spray.  In this situation, you can use one of these sentences.

Read these example sentences:

“Hardly any water comes out of the showerhead”

“The water doesn’t come out in full force”

If the water is coming down from the ceiling, you can use this sentence:

“Water is leaking down from the upstairs tenant’s apartment”

Now read this next conversation between a husband and wife:

Michiko:  Osamu, I think something’s wrong with the washing machine.
Osamu: What’s wrong?
Michiko:  It keeps making strange sounds.
Osamu: You’d better call the landlord and tell him about it.
Michiko:  Good idea.  I hope he can fix the machine.

When you have a problem, make sure you explain to the landlord clearly.  In this conversation, the wife said:

“It keeps making strange sounds”

She could also say:

“I hear funny noises”

This means that the machine didn’t sound normal.   Now read this next conversation where the wife calls the landlord to complain:

Landlord: Hello?
Michiko:  Hello, Mr. Peters.  This is Michiko Miller from apartment 23. I’d like to make a complaint about the washing machine.
Landlord: What seems to be the problem?
Michiko:  It makes funny noises and also stains my clothes.
Landlord:  What kind of stains are they?
Michiko: It looks like some kind of grease or oil.
Landlord: O.K. I’ll have a look at it.
Michiko: What about my clothes? They’re ruined!  I’d like some reimbursement.
Michael: I’m sorry, I  can’t give you any.  Look in your contract.

This was a sticky situation.  Whenever you call the landlord you should identify yourself.  For example:

“This is Michiko Miller from apartment 23.”

The next thing she did was to give the purpose of her call.  For example:

“I’d like to make a complaint about the washing machine.”

If something happens to your clothes and ruins them, you should try to see if you can get reimbursed.  Reimbursed means getting money back for the damage.  Hearing funny sounds and getting stains on your clothes are not that common but giving a machine coins and the machine not working is a common problem.

Now, read this next conversation:

Landlord: Hello?
Michiko:  Hello, Mr. Peters.  This is Michiko Miller from apartment 23 again.  There’s a problem with one of the dryers.
Landlord:  What is it now?
Michiko:  I put some coins in the dryer but my clothes didn’t dry.
Landlord:  How long were they in the dryer?
Michiko:  About an hour.
Landlord:  O.K. something might be wrong.  I’ll check it out.

Another way to complain is to say:

“There’s a problem with one of the dryers.”

You can describe your situation like this:

“I put some coins in the dryer but my clothes didn’t dry”

Let’s read another example conversation:

Kid:  Mommy, this door is stuck!
Mom:  Is there something under it?
Kid:  No.  It just won’t move.
Mom:  Hmm, we should tell the landlord that something is wrong with it.
(telephone rings)
Landlord: Hello?
Michiko:  Hi, this is Michiko Miller from apartment 5. I’m calling to tell you about a problem with my door.
Michael: Do you have any idea what the problem might be?
Michiko: It might be the hinge, or lock.
Michael:  I’ll have a look at it today. What time should I come by?
Michiko: Any time after 5:30 would be good.

If you have a problem with your door, it’s usually because it’s stuck or it squeaks.  Squeaks means it makes noise.  You can use one of these sentences:

“My door is stuck”

“My door squeaks”

The landlord asked:

“Do you have any idea what the problem might be?”

Read these example sentences:

“There might be a problem with the hinge”

“There might be a problem with the lock”

Another common problem people have is locking themselves out of their apartment.

Read this short conversation with the building manager:

Michiko:    I locked myself out of my apartment.  Do you have a spare key?
Michael:   Sure.  Here you are.

If you leave your key in your apartment or car, you could say:

“I locked myself out of my apartment.”

or

“I locked myself out of my car.”

Most apartments have elevators.  There is a chance that the elevator could break down and you could get stuck.

Read this conversation between two people in an elevator:

Michael:  Can you push #4, please?
Michiko:  I did.
Michael:  How come we’re not moving?
Michiko:  I think the elevator is broken.
Michael:  What should we do?
Michiko:  Let’s use the emergency telephone.
Michael:  Hello?  I’m stuck in an elevator.  The address is 765 Amana St.  What  should we do?
Man:  Just wait.  We’ll have someone down there in about 10 minutes.
Michael:  Thank you.

If you are stuck in an elevator, you should use the emergency phone. Tell the person the situation and  address.   Read this example sentence:

“I’m  stuck in an elevator. The address is 765 Amana St”

Let’s begin by reading this opening conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, do you go to a beauty salon?
Michiko:  I go to one near my work place.  It’s right around the corner from my office.  The prices are reasonable and the location is convenient.

When you need to make an appointment at a beauty shop or barber shop, the easiest way is to use the telephone.  You can use the phone to make an appointment at the doctor’s or dentist’s office too.  If you need to make an appointment for a haircut you can use one of these sentences. Read these example sentences:

“I’d like to make an appointment for a haircut”

“I’d like to make an appointment to cut my hair”

Also, if you know the name of your hair stylist, you can ask for them by name.  For example:

“I’d like to make an appointment with Sarah”

You may also want to perm your hair.  Perm is short for permanent.  In that case you would say:

“I’d like to make an appointment to perm my hair.”

If you really like the way someone cuts your hair, you can ask for them again.  So after you ask for an appointment, the receptionist will respond with the time and date for the appointment.  Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Hello, Gina’s hair salon.
Gina:  Hi, I’d like to make an appointment with Stacy to cut my hair.
Michael:  All right.  Hmmm.  She’s a little busy this week though.
Gina:  What is the earliest available time?
Michael:  We have an opening on Thursday, the 7th, at 2 o’clock. Is that OK for you?
Gina:  Yes, that will be fine.

If you want to get your hair done as soon as possible, you can ask this question:

“What is the earliest available time?”

What would you say if you can’t make it at that time?   Read this next
conversation:

Michael:  We have an opening on Thursday, the 7th, at 2 o’clock. Is that OK for you?
Michiko:  I’m sorry, I can’t make it then.  Do you have anything in the morning?
Michael:  Yes, we do.  How about Friday, the 8th, at 10 o’clock?
Michiko:  That’s great.  Thank you.

So if you can’t make it on the first time they give you, keep trying. If they don’t have any time that you like, you can keep on trying to find a good time for you both.

For example, you can ask:

“Do you have anything in the morning?”

Read this example conversation:

Michiko:  We have an opening on Monday morning?  Is that OK for you?
Michael:  I’m sorry, I can’t make it at that time.
Michiko:  How about Tuesday morning?
Michael:  No, that’s no good either.

Sometimes, people say “beauty shop” and sometimes “beauty salon”.  At
other times, people say “beauty parlor”.

Read this next conversation:

Michael:  I’m going to wash your hair now.  Put your head back. Is that OK?
Michiko:  No, my neck is a little sore
Michael:  There.  Is that better?
Michiko:  Yes, that’s much more comfortable.
Michael:  Is the water too hot?
Michiko:  No, it’s just right.

When you get a shampoo, you will have to go to a special chair next to a sink.  At that time, you will have to lean all the way back.   The hairdresser also asked if the water was too hot.

Sometimes people go into the beauty parlor just to trim their hair. At other times, people want to cut off a few inches.  It’s up to the customer to tell the hairdresser exactly what they want.

Read these examples sentences:

“Could you cut off two inches please?”

“I’d like a trim please?”

If you have split ends, you can say:

“Just trim off the split ends, please.”

Split ends are when the ends of your hair begun to split.  This means that the hair is damaged.  Now, what would you say to the hairdresser if you wanted them to cut only your bangs?  Read these example sentences:

“Could your trim my bangs please?”

“I’d like my bangs trimmed please”

If you are afraid that the hair stylist will cut your bangs too short you can say:

“Don’t cut my bangs too short”

If you want to compliment someone on their hair, you can use one of these sentences:

“That’s a nice haircut.  Where did you get it done?”

“Your haircut looks good.  Which barber shop did you go to?”

There are two popular ways to cut the back of your hair.  You can taper the hair so that it gradually gets longer.  Or you can have a  block cut which means to cut the hair straight across.

Read these example sentences:

“Could you taper it, please?”

“Could you give me a block cut please?”

Now read this conversation at the barber shop:

Michiko:  Hello, Michael.  How would you like your hair cut today?
Michael:  I’ll have the usual trim. But could you cut the back a little shorter today?
Michiko:  How would you like the back cut?
Michael:  Could you taper it please?
Michiko:  Sure can.

In this example, the barber knew the customer because she called him by name.  The man wanted the same style of haircut.  Read these example sentences:

“I’ll have the usual trim”

“I’d like the same style I have now, but shorter”

Every barber is different so they might ask you different kinds of questions.   Read these example sentences:

“I usually part it on the right side”

“I part it in the middle”

“Could you part it on the left side please?”

Some people don’t even go to the barber shop because they can have their hair cut at home.

Read this conversation where a Mother is cutting her little boy’s hair.

Mother:Come here Johnny.   It’s time for a haircut.  I’m going to cut your hair.
Johnny:  Oh, no.  I don’t want a haircut.
Mother:  But you have to.  If you don’t get a haircut, you’ll look like a  hippie.
Johnny:  It’s not that bad.
Mother:  Yes, it is.  Now come here and stop arguing with me.
Johnny:  Oh, all right.

You can always tell the barber if you would like to change something.  For example, if you would like to cut it shorter or trim something. Read these example conversations:

Michiko:  I’m finished.  What do you think?
Michael:  Could you cut the back a little shorter.
Michiko:  Sure, no problem.

Michiko:  I’m all done.  How do you like it?
Michael:  It’s great, but could you trim the bangs a little shorter.
Michiko:  OK
Michiko:  How’s that?
Michael:  That’s great.  Thank you.

Of course, if your hair is too short, there’s nothing you can do about it.  Read this conversation:

Michiko:  How do you like it?
Michael:  It’s  too short.  I’d like it longer next time.
Michiko:  But this length is very popular right now.  You look very stylish.

Sometimes friends will try to comfort you by saying:  “You’ll get used to it.”  What they mean is that you can’t change it so you might as well live with it.

In the case of a bad haircut, they might say:

“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”

or

“Don’t worry, it’ll grow back.”

In America, people are really “into” movies. “Into” means almost the same things as like or enjoy. Now read this opening conversation:

Michael: Michiko, would you like to go to a movie tonight?
Michiko: Sure, what’s playing?
Michael: It’s called “Beethoven 2.”
Michiko: “Beethoven 2″ I’ve never heard of that. Is it about the composer?
Michael: No, actually, it’s about a dog.

When people invite you to go to a movie, they might ask you one of these questions:

“What’s playing?”

“What’s the movie?”


These questions are important because the answer will help you to make your decision about whether to go or not. After you find out the movie’s title, you will want to know what the movie is about. You can use one of the following sentences:

“What’s the movie about?”

“What kind of movie is it?”


Michiko: Michael, what kind of movie do you like the best?
Michael: I like many different kinds, but I would have to say my favoriteis comedy. How about you?
Michiko: I really like drama, like “Schindler’s List”

There are lots of different kinds of movies, for example: action and adventure movies, horror movies, drama and suspense movies and comedy. There are also westerns, science fiction, and musicals. What kind of movies do you enjoy the most? Read these example sentences:

“Comedy movies are hilarious”

“I was on the edge of my seat all night”


Michiko: Do you like western movies, Michael?
Michael: Yes, I do. I’m a big Clint Eastwood fan.
When I was younger, I used to watch those spaghetti westerns all the time.

The movie critics will rate the movies by giving them stars. A one star movie is so-so while a five star movie is great.

Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko: Michael, where is the movie playing?
Michael: It’s playing at Pearlridge.
Michiko: That’s a little far. Is it playing anywhere closer to town?
Michael: Yes it is. It’s playing at the Marina Twins.
Michiko: That’s ok. Let’s go there.

What do you say when you want to know where a movie is playing? You can use one of these sentences:

“Where is the movie playing?”

“What theater is the movie at?”


The next thing you will need to know is what time the movie is playing. There are different times for movies. The first show is called the “early show” while the last show is the called the “late show.” Read these example conversations:

Michael: What time does the early show start?
Michiko: It starts at 6 o’clock.

Michael: When does the late show begin?
Michiko: It begins at 10:45.

Michael: What time does the matinee start?
Michiko: It starts at 12:30.

A “matinee” is shown in the afternoon. How can you find out how long movies are? One way is to check your daily newspaper. Another way is to call the theater and ask someone.

Read this conversation on the telephone:

(ring)
Michiko: Hello, consolidated theaters. May I help you?
Michael: Yes. I’d like to know how long “Schindler’s List” is.
Michiko: Let’s see. “Schindler’s List” is 3 hours and 15 minutes long.
Michael: OK, thank you.
Michiko: Your welcome.

So, in summary, you can ask:

“I’d like to know how long”Schindler’s List” is”

“When does “Schindler’s List” end?”

or
“What time does “Schindler’s List” end?”


If a friend invites you to go to a movie, you might want to know if any other people are going. Read this next conversation:

Michael: Michiko, how would you like to go to a movie on Sunday?
Michiko: OK. Is anyone else going or is it just you and I?
Michael: I called Osamu and Rona. Rona was busy and
Osamu wasn’t sure. He said that he would call me back later.
Michiko: I know. Why don’t we call Polly?
Michael: That’s a good idea.

Read these example sentences:

“Is anyone else going?”

“Who else is going?”


After you have decided what movie you are going to watch, there is one more important piece of information that you should know. You should know the rating of the movie.

Read this conversation between a mother and her son:

Son: Mom, let’s go see “The Deadly Wolf”
Mom: What’s it rated?
Son: It’s rated “R”.
Mom: I think that movie is too violent for you to watch.
Son: Please, mom. All of my friends went to see it.
Mom: I’m sorry. You are only eleven years old. You have to be at least 17 years old to watch a movie that’s rated “R”. You can’t see it and that’s final.
Son: That’s a bummer.

After deciding what movie to go to and where, you will have to purchase the ticket. Read this conversation at the box office.

Michael: 2 adults for “The Fugitive” please.
Michiko: Here you are.
Michael: Thank you.

That was easy wasn’t it. By the way, another word for box office is ticket counter. You can also ask for a ticket at a later time.

After buying your tickets, you will have to stand in line. If you go to a place where there is more than 1 theater, you will have to find the right line to stand in. The best way to do this is to ask someone who is already standing in the line.

Read this conversation:

Michiko: Excuse me, is this the line for “The Fugitive”?
Michael: No, this is the line for “Schindler’s List”. Try over there.
Michiko: OK, thanks. (pause) Excuse me, is this the line for “Schindler’s List”.?
Michael: Yes it is, but the line starts over there.
Michiko: Oh no. This line is a mile long.

Read these example sentences:

“Excuse me, is this the line for “The Fugitive”?”

“Excuse me, is this the line for “Schindler’s List”?”


If someone tries to cut in line, you can use one of these sentences. Read these example sentences:

“Excuse me, the line starts over there”

“No cutting in line”


In that situation, you should say:

“I’m sorry”


and go to the end of the line. It’s not fair to the rest of the people when someone is allowed to cut in line. After the movie is over, there is usually a long list of names. This is called the credits. Some people like to stay and read the credits but most people begin to leave at this time. Read this conversation after watching a movie:

Michiko: What did you think of the movie?
Michael: It was the worst movie I have ever seen.
Michiko: Really!
Michael: Yes. I wasted my hard earned money.
Michiko: Wow, I’m surprised. I thought it was a good movie.
Michael: I guess we have different tastes.
Michiko: I guess you’re right.

After the movie is over, people usually ask each other about the movie. When you ask your friends about the movie, it’s ok to give your honest opinion. Read these example sentences:

“I thought it was great”

“I thought it was fair”


If you would like to know someone else’s opinion about a movie, you can ask them one of these questions:

“Was it worth seeing?”

or
“Would you recommend it?”

Now, let’s get started by reading this conversation between two friends in an airplane:

Michiko: Ohhh, take a picture of me and those mountains.
Michael: It won’t come out. This won’t be a good picture.
Michiko: Let’s just try. Just push that black button.
Michael: Where?
Michiko: Right there on the top.
Michael: O.K. 1-2-3 Say Cheese!

Sometimes people don’t know which button to push. You can give them directions. For example:

“Push that black button”

“Press the button under the lens”


In America, we usually say “cheese” right before we take a picture because that word makes our faces smile. If you have trouble taking a picture, your shutter might be closed. Now read this conversation at a photo shop:

Customer: I’d like to develop my film.
Clerk: What size would you like?
Customer: Just the regular size.
Clerk: All right.
Customer: When can I pick them up?
Clerk: On Monday, anytime after 12.

We use the word “develop” when we want to process our film. For example:

“I’d like to develop my film.”

or
“How long will the developing take?”


If you develop it at a drugs store, you might have to ask for the photography department. You could ask:

“Can I have the photography department, please?”


Then you should ask if your pictures are ready. You can use this sentence:

“I wanted to know if my pictures were ready”


People always like to look at pictures. If you go to a friend’s house, they might show you an album. Read this next conversation:

Michiko: Do you want to see my baby pictures?
Michael: Sure.
Michiko: This is me at 5 months old.
Michael: Wow. You were the spitting image of your mother!
Michiko: Yes, There was a likeness before.
Michael: Now, you don’t even look like her.
Michiko: People change as they grow older.

Some people look exactly like their relatives. We can use one of these sentences:

“You are the spitting image of your father”

“You look exactly like your father”


There are more questions you can ask when you are looking at someone’s album. Most of us look like somebody in our family. For example:

“Who do you take after, your father or your mother?”

“Who do you most resemble in your family?”


People who look good in pictures are “photogenic.” Read this example sentence:

“You are photogenic”


Nowadays, people like to take home videos and show it to guests. They might be boring. Now, read this conversation as the Smith family visits the Steward family:

Mrs. Smith: I’d like to show you folks our home video that we took in Arizona.
Mr. Smith: Oh, we’d like to see it.
Mrs. Smith: And this is me, by our hotel swimming pool and our son Joel.
Mr. Smith: Ahem. I hate to interrupt but it’s getting late and we need to get going.
Mrs. Smith: Oh, we’re so glad you came over.
Mr. Smith: Thanks for inviting us.

When you have to leave, there are some things you can say. Read these example sentences:

I hate to interrupt but we have to get going”

It’s getting late and we have to go”


Now read this next conversation:

Michael: Jan, would you be my　model?
Jan: What for?
Michael: I need to make a portfolio to show companies that want to hire me as a photographer.
Jan: All right, how do I pose?
Michael: Just look natural and smile.
Jan: Hurry! Start shooting! I’m getting tired of keeping this pose.

A portfolio can have several meanings. In this case, it means a representatives of one’s work. All kinds of artists (designers, architects, landscapers, photographers) use portfolios to show this to companies who want to hire them or just to get their work displayed. In the conversation above, you may have noticed the word “pose.” To strike a pose means to stay in a certain position while someone takes a picture of you. Read this example sentence:

“Strike a pose for me”


It’s fun to look at pictures. You can ask a lot of questions while looking at your friend’s pictures. A common thing that happens when you take a picture in the sun is that you may squint or close your eyes. Why don’t we practice using the word “squint”. Read these example sentences:

“Why are you squinting in the picture?”

“Try not to squint in the picture”


A portrait is a picture of somebody’s face, not body.

Michiko: Isn’t a portrait the same as a picture?
Michael: Yes, but it is a picture especially of the face.

Read these example sentences:

“Is it a portrait or a full length?”

“That’s a beautiful portrait of you”


Now, let’s read this conversation between a grandmother and her grandson in the attic of an old house:

Grandson: Wow grandma, you have lots of neat stuff up here.
Grandma: Yes, let me show you these photographs.
Grandson: How come they’re faded?
Grandma: They’ve been stored in this attic for many years.
Grandson: Is that you grandma?
Grandma: Yes, that’s me when I was just a little girl.
Grandson: You look very young and beautiful!

Most Americans keep old things up in their attics. In time, old photographs become faded if they aren’t stored properly. Let’s use this word to describe some pictures. For example:

“Why are these photographs faded?”


If a picture is not stored in the proper container, it can get eaten by moths. We say moth-eaten. Older people often like to talk about their pictures and what happened when they were young.

Read this conversation as these two senior citizens talk:

Michael: Do you remember the good old days Marge?
Marge: I sure do, except some things are hazy for me.
Michael: Let me jog your memory. Think about the smell of a salty ocean, a soft breeze on your face, the warm sunshine.
Marge: Ohh! Our honeymoon trip to Hawaii!
Michael: I’m glad you could remember that!
Marge: Well, I get nostalgic once in a while.
Michael: Me too. It’s nice to reminisce together.

When some older people talk about their past, they might use the term “good old days” To remember those days, they might have to see, hear, taste or feel something. This will jog their memory. Read these example sentences:

“Do you remember the good old days?”

“Let me jog your memory”


Freaky means the same thing is unusual. Lots of young people use this word. Read this last conversation between two sightseers:

Michael: Oh, my goodness! Look at the seascape!
Michiko: I didn’t know this place would be so picturesque!
Michael: Yes, let’s take some pictures together.
Michiko: I’ll set the camera up on the tripod.
Michael: O.k., smile!
Michiko: I hope that one comes out!

A beautiful ocean scene is called a seascape. A beautiful land scene is called a landscape. When something would make a good picture, we would say it’s picturesque. Read these example sentences:

“Do you prefer a picture of the landscape or the seascape?”

“This place is so picturesque!”

What do you do in those dangerous situations where you need to communicate a problem to someone?  For example, if you have just been robbed or attacked, how do you communicate with the police what happened?  Well, in our program this evening we will study what to do and what to say.

Have you ever  robbed or mugged?

Michiko: Excuse me, Michael. What’s the difference between being robbed and mugged?
Michael: When you get robbed, someone just steals something but when you get mugged someone beats you up and then robs you.
Michiko:  Oh, I see.

There are lots of different ways to describe a robbery.  You can call it a robbery or a burglary or a theft.  Or you can say, someone broke into my house and stole something.   Let’s practice those words:

“robbery”   “burglary”   “theft”   “break in”

What do you do when you discover there’s been a robbery?

Read this conversation and find out.

Operator:  Hello, 911.
Michael:  Hello.  I’d like to report a robbery.
Operator:  Where?
Michael:  It’s at the corner of Kapiolani and
Sheridan St at the First American Bank.
Operator:  What’s your name?
Michael:  My name is Bill Williams.
Operator:  OK, we’ll send someone over to check it out .

Read these example sentences:

“I’d like to report a robbery”

“Someone’s robbing the store”

You could also say:

“There’s been a burglary”

or

“There’s been a break-in”

If you are witness to a crime, the operator will ask you your name and also where the robbery is taking place and what time.  You only need to give the information she asks for.

Now read this next conversation:

Operator:  Hello, 911?
Michiko:  Yes, I’d like to report a theft.
Operator:  OK, when did this happen?
Michiko:  I’m not sure.  I was gone from 9 to 5.  When I got home
after work, I discovered all of my jewelry missing and $500 in
cash from my purse.
Operator:  May I have your name and address.
Michiko:  My name is Michiko Miller  and I live on 986 Wilder Ave. in apartment 2B.
Operator:  OK, we’ll send an officer over as soon as possible.

After you call 911,  a police officer will come to your house and ask you some more questions.  It’s a good idea to get a piece of paper and write down everything such as the time, what was stolen and the approximate value of the stolen goods.  If a robbery is still in progress, then you have to tell the operator to hurry.  If the police are going the catch the thief, they have to hurry.   Read these example sentences:

“I’m being robbed right now”

“Could you send a policeman over here right away?”

“Please hurry”

When you describe someone, you should say their height and color of hair.  Also the color of skin and what kind of clothes they are wearing.

Now, read this conversation at the Police department:

Police:   Police, can I help you?
Michiko: Ive just been attacked and robbed!
Police:  Calm down.  Tell me what happened.
Michiko: I was walking through the park when three guys jumped on me.  I screamed and they took my purse and ran.

In this conversation, the woman said:

“I’ve just been attacked and robbed.”

Of course the police will want to know all of the other information such as your name, address and when and where the attack happened. Now, listen to this short conversation:

Police:  Could you tell me what happened.  Try to be as brief as possible.
Michiko: I was sitting on the beach and some man came up behind me and grabbed my bag.
Police. What did he look like?
Michiko: He was a haole, about 5 foot 8, with dark brown hair.

Besides robberies, people often need the police in situations such as being in a car accident, noise disturbances, kidnapping or missing persons.

Read this conversation in which two people get in a car accident.

(Crash!)

Michael:  Are you crazy lady?!! Look at that huge dent in my fender!
Michiko:  You didn’t put on your turn signal!
Michael:  You shouldn’t have been following so close!
Michiko:  Here comes a policeman. Officer, please settle this.
Police:    All right, what happened here?
Michael:  This lady hit me from behind!  It was here fault.
Michiko:  He just turned so quicly that I didn’t have enough time to brake.
Police:    OK, please exchange names, license plate numbers, and no-fault information.

There are both men and women in the police force,so you can just use the word “officer” because it’s neutral.   Now, let’s practice, everyone.  Read these example sentences:

“Officer, please settle this”

2Officer, please help us with this matter”

The officer will probably write a report and tell you what to do.  He will tell you to exchange names and other important information.  If your neighbors are making a lot of noise, or a big racket, you can call the police.  It’s called a “noise disturbance.”

Read this example sentence:

“I’d like to report a noise disturbance”

Fire has a certain fascination to us, especially for children.  One of the most common warnings of parents to their children is:

“Don’t play with matches!”

or

“Don’t play with fire!”

Let’s read this conversation between a mother and her little boy.

Mother: Johnny, don’t play with matches!
Johnny:  Why, mommy?
Mother: Because you might start a fire and the whole house might burn down.
Johnny: OK.  I won’t play with matches.
Mother: Promise me you won’t play with matches.
Johnny: I promise.

Children love to experiment and even though the little boy promised his mother that he wouldn’t play with matches, there’s a good chance he will.  Sometimes kids learn through a bad experience.  Let’s practice.  Read these example sentences:

“Don’t play with fire!”

“Don’t play with matches!”

One thing you should notice is that fire is not a verb.

You can’t say:

“The house will fire”

or

“You might get fire”

These sentences are not correct.  To make fire into a verb, you have
to add “to catch on”.  Read these example sentences:

“The house might catch on fire”

“My house will catch on fir”

When you first see a fire, you should call 911 immediately.  Even if you aren’t sure if there is a fire.  If your own house is on fire, you can say these sentences.  Read these example sentences:

“My house is on fire”

“My house is burning”