Aretha: Oh, here’s the instruction manual. I’ll read you the section on “getting started.”

Carl: No, you don’t need to do that. I know how to do the installation.

Aretha: But don’t you want to hear about the different functions and specifications?

Carl: There’ll be time for that after everything is hooked up and we program the machine.

Aretha: Okay, but the manual says that you shouldn’t plug in the power supply until you’re done with the installation.

Carl: I won’t. Hmm...where is the port for this cord?

Aretha: Do you want me to look it up in the manual? There’s a troubleshooting section.

Carl: No, I can figure it out myself.

Aretha: Look at this. It’s a diagram of the controls and this section has illustrations on how to use the different modes. Do you want me to read it to you while you’re hooking it up?

Carl: No. Now give me that manual. I work alone.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
folk music
coal
mine
isolated
poverty
hillbilly
family arrangement
nuclear family
extended family
generation
empty-nester
DINK
label
pain
ache
sore
diehard (or die-hard)
fruitcake

Phan: Hi, Montel. Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.

Montel: It’s my pleasure.

Phan: Since I’m new here, I was hoping you might be willing to give me some pointers on how to get new clients. To be honest, I’ve never been on this side of the fence before and I’m a little out of my comfort zone.

Montel: Oh, sure, I’m glad to give you as much help as I can. Getting clients is a bit of an art, but the key is building relationships.

Phan: What do you mean?

Montel: Most of my clients come to me through networking. I get referrals from people who know me and know my track record.

Phan: Really? I was thinking that I needed to send out some direct mail or do some cold calling.

Montel: You may need to do that to start, but if I were you, I’d also spend time making connections in the business community. Go where you think business prospects may be. To woo new clients, you need to meet them first.

Phan: How do I find out where they’ll be?

Montel: Again, you make contacts. You’ve made the first step today by getting in touch with me. I’m going to a reception tonight and it will be a who’s who of the business community. Do you want to go?

Phan: Really? You’d let me tag along?

Montel: Sure, but there’s a quid pro quo. In the future, if you get invited to something like this, you invite me to go along.

Phan: That’s more than fair. I think I just got my first lesson in making business connections.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Carla: It’s freezing in here! Why is the air conditioner on?

Trent: I just finished exercising and I’m sweating like a pig.

Carla: That’s no reason to turn the A/C on full blast! I’m cold. I’m turning on the heat for a little while.

Trent: Are you crazy? It’s 70 degrees outside!

Carla: I’m no crazier than you are. How come you can turn on the A/C and I can’t turn on the heat?

Trent: I only turned on the A/C because it’s so humid outside, and it was taking a long time for me to cool down. If you’re cold, just open the windows and doors, and we’ll get some ventilation in here. It’ll heat up again pretty quickly.

Carla: What should I do in the meantime? Put on my winter coat or crawl under the covers?

Trent: Go sit outside. I’ll get myself a glass of iced tea and I’ll get you a cup of hot tea. How does that sound?

Carla: Leave it to you to come up with the best idea of the day!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
amazing
grace
sin
verse
wretch
channel
cable
satellite
specialty
cartoon
package
to slay
to kill
to murder
to slaughter
I love it
I’m loving it
buck

Paige: I think we can get everything we need to fix up the house in one trip. What do you think?

Vern: We can try. It seems like everybody had the same thought when they woke up this morning: Go to the home improvement store!

Paige: Yeah, it’s a little crowded, but I still think we can get all we need today.

Vern: To do that, I think we need to split up. Let’s look at our list and divvy it up.

Paige: Okay, we need to get some wiring to install the new lights. I’ll go to the electrical department for that.

Vern: All right. We need lumber for the new fence, so I’ll go to the building materials department.

Paige: What about the pipes and fixtures we need for the bathroom? Can you go to the plumbing department for those, while I go to the hardware department for the tools?

Vern: Okay, I can do that, but aren’t you feeling tired already? I know I am.

Paige: Come on. How are we supposed to be weekend warriors if we can’t even do some simple shopping? We’ll meet in the garden department afterwards, okay?

Vern: Whatever you say.

Paige: Ready, set, go!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Suzanne: Don’t take that! I’m reading an article in the newspaper about all of the drugs and medical devices that have been recalled in the past year and you wouldn’t believe how long this list is.

Abdul: I’m just taking something for my headache. I’m sure this medicine is fine.

Suzanne: Don’t be so sure. I’m just reading about this drug that was contaminated and before it was recalled, it caused 13 deaths.

Abdul: Contaminated drugs are one in a million. Now can I take my medicine?

Suzanne: Listen to this. Over 400 people had terrible side effects before this drug was recalled, and a drug recalled six months ago causes birth defects. Here’s a medical device for people with heart problems that’s defective and eight people died as a result.

Abdul: Okay, I’ve heard enough.

Suzanne: No, wait, there’s more. You’ve got to see this list of alerts that the government issued warning people against over-the-counter drugs like the one you’re about to take. You’d better check to see if it’s on this list.

Abdul: Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve been taking this for months. If there were something wrong with it, don’t you think the pharmaceutical company would have taken out full-page ads in the papers?

Suzanne: I doubt it. Do you think they want to encourage litigation?

Abdul: Here, you check it against that list. If you find it on there, you can say you’ve saved my life!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
president-elect
prestigious
achievement
remarkable
race relations
public speaker
campaign
optimistic
inauguration
oath
address
parade
common
ordinary
normal
darling
dear
full-fledged

Paulina: Did you get your Social Security statement? I just got mine in the mail. If I keep working at this rate for the next 20 years, between Social Security and my savings, I should be sitting pretty for retirement.

Carlos: Yeah, I should be okay when I retire, too. I’ve been contributing to a 401(k) through my work for years, and my company gives a matching contribution.

Paulina: Really? I never bothered with a 401(k).

Carlos: A 401(k) really adds up over time. I also have an IRA, which is tax-deferred, and I have my money in a portfolio that is split between stocks and bonds. All of these investments are for the long haul, of course. How about you? What’s your retirement plan?

Paulina: I have money stashed away in a nice little nest egg.

Carlos: Where do you have your money invested?

Paulina: It’s safe and sound, don’t you worry.

Carlos: [Laughs] You make it sound like you have it stashed under your mattress.

Paulina: A mattress is a very safe place for your money!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Russ: Mom says you’re having a slumber party next Saturday.

Irene: I’m just having a few friends over for a sleepover and it’s none of your business.

Russ: Don’t be like that. How many people did you invite?

Irene: I’m not telling you anything. I know what you’re thinking. You want to pull pranks on us.

Russ: No, I don’t. I just want to know how many giggling girls in sleeping bags I’ll have to step over to get to the kitchen.

Irene: You’re not going to get anything out of me. I can see right through you.

Russ: Are you going to wear your pajamas with feet?

Irene: Don’t be stupid! I haven’t worn those since I was six!

Russ: Can I be part of the pillow fight?

Irene: No way! You’re not invited!

Russ: But you’re going to stay up all night and watch movies, aren’t you? I want to do that, too.

Irene: You’d better stop teasing me or I’m going to tell Mom.

Russ: I’m not doing anything. I’m only trying to help you plan your party.

Irene: Right! You want to help me? It’s more like you want to wreck my party.

Russ: Ah, you’ve hurt my feelings.

Irene: I doubt it. Now leave me alone!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Each episode of the course begins with a basic question about the U.S., followed by a short answer, and then a detailed explanation of that answer. Each episode is first presented at a slow speed, and then at a normal rate of speech. All of the episodes include a special Learning Guide that contains the complete transcript of the episode, as well as vocabulary definitions and sample sentences using the new terms.

We hope you enjoy this special course!

Words:
desalination
shortage
nanotechnology
to associate (something) with (something)
water-stressed
to thrive
ideally
leisure
ironic
perceived
roughly
bright
spot
informed
to fit with (something)
offhand
off the top of one’s head
out with the old, in with the new

Sue: I just made airline reservations for our trip. Do you want to look over the itinerary before I purchase the tickets?

Alex: Which airline is it?

Sue: It’s McTse Air.

Alex: Oh, no, I don’t want to fly on that low-cost airline! We don’t get assigned seats and all of the passengers rush the gate when boarding begins. I hate that!

Sue: Not having assigned seats is a small price to pay for low fares. The service may be stripped down, but I don’t think the experience is that bad.

Alex: I don’t mind a no-frills flight, but I don’t want to fly out of some tiny airport that’s an hour away. Which airport would we be departing from?

Sue: It’s the Burbank Airport. Yes, I know it’s less convenient to fly out of a secondary airport, but I don’t see what the big deal is.

Alex: Okay, hand it over. I’m taking over the planning for our vacation. I’m not willing to sacrifice comfort to save a few bucks.

Sue: Fine, be my guest.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Marissa: How can I help?

Juan Carlos: Um...why don’t you iron the tablecloth and set the table?

Marissa: I already did that. I want to help with the cooking.

Juan Carlos: Okay, you can scrub these potatoes, peel the carrots, and rinse these grapes.

Marissa: All right, I’ll do that, but I think you’re just giving me the scut work. I want to do some real cooking.

Juan Carlos: Well okay, I guess you could cut up this chicken and then chop these vegetables. After that, you can sauté the vegetables in this pan.

Marissa: Great! Now, how do you sauté? I’ve never done it before.

Juan Carlos: What?! Forget it. You can steam the vegetables instead.

Marissa: Okay, just show me how.

Juan Carlos: Never mind. Here, just beat these eggs and slice these onions. When you’re done, you can toss that salad.

Marissa: But I want to whip up some gourmet dishes. When can I cook?

Juan Carlos: That’s a good question. Ask me again when you’ve learned how!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
wanted
criminals
to reenact
tip
resources
grants
down payment
mortgage
tax credits
to shop around for
real estate agent
to make an offer
similar
distinct
on the side
a fair extent

Edgar: What a crock!

Ann: What is it?

Edgar: I’m reading an article about successful business people who were self-made men and women. I don’t believe a word of it.

Ann: What don’t you believe?

Edgar: These people didn’t pull themselves up by their bootstraps. They were all born with silver spoons in their mouths.

Ann: Not all successful people were born into money and privilege.

Edgar: That’s true, but it gets me riled up when people who grew up at the country club claim to have had humble beginnings.

Ann: Just because some people were born with a leg up doesn’t mean they didn’t work hard to get where they are.

Edgar: Where would that hard work have gotten them if they didn’t have backers with deep pockets, or if they didn’t know people in high places? I know plenty of hard-working people who aren’t hobnobbing with the rich and famous.

Ann: That’s true enough. Who needs the rich and famous? I’ll take my hard-working man over any of them any day.

Edgar: That’s why I married you – a woman with beauty and brains!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

The school that my daughter attends is trying to decide whether or not to ban certain books, which some parents think are inappropriate. The school called a parents meeting to talk over the issue.

At the meeting, one woman said: “The books on this list are obscene! I don’t want my children reading that filth!”

Another parent responded: “That’s absurd! Haven’t you ever heard of free speech? Banning books violates everything we Americans believe in.”

Another parent said: “I don’t like the way this book portrays history. To me, it’s morally objectionable.”

Still another parent complained: “There is too much graphic violence in these books and I won’t allow my son to be exposed to it.”

A parent stood up and yelled: “People who want to ban books are fear mongering. They don’t give our kids enough credit.”

The meeting turned into a shouting match. If you ask me, I’m very glad that none of the students were at this meeting. They would be learning an important lesson, but not one that any parent would want!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
weird
parody
to make light of
relevant
alcoholic
addicted
anonymous
to break an addiction
sober
support group
to abstain
mentor
to figure out
kind of

Heather: Hi, are you the apartment manager? I saw the vacancy sign outside and I’m looking for an apartment.

Sam: Yes, I’m Sam. We have one unit available right now. When are you looking to move in?

Heather: The lease on my apartment is up soon, so I’d like to move in the first of the month.

Sam: Okay, follow me and let me show you the unit. Each unit gets one parking space in the garage, and there are laundry facilities on the first floor. The landlord pays for the gas, but the tenant pays for all other utilities. Here’s the unit. Take a look around.

Heather: Oh, this is nice. Is this a furnished unit?

Sam: It can be furnished or unfurnished, your choice. Since it’s an end unit, there’s only one common wall.

Heather: This apartment is exactly what I’m looking for. How much is the rent?

Sam: It’s $900 a month and we require a 12-month lease. To move in, you’ll need to have the first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit.

Heather: How much is the security deposit?

Sam: It’s $450.

Heather: Okay, I’ll think it over and get back to you. Thanks for your time.

Sam: These units go fast, so if you’re interested, I suggest that you jump on it.

Heather: Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Lucy: I’m so excited! My friend, Marlene, is coming to town for a visit.

Buddy: Have I met Marlene?

Lucy: No, I don’t think so. We grew up together and we were always joined at the hip.

Buddy: When I was little, I had a friend like that. We were blood brothers.

Lucy: Yeah, Marlene and I did everything together and she was my confidant about everything.

Buddy: She sounds like a great friend.

Lucy: Yeah, she always had my back and I could always count on her to give it to me straight.

Buddy: A friend like that is hard to come by. Are you still close?

Lucy: Not as close as I’d like. We live in different cities and it’s hard to keep up with what’s happening in each other’s lives.

Buddy: I can see that. Does she know you’re getting married?

Lucy: No, I wanted to break the news to her face-to-face.

Buddy: Why? I would have thought you’d want to tell her the good news right away.

Lucy: Well, I want her to be my maid of honor and I’m not sure how she’ll react to the dress she’ll have to wear.

Buddy: Is it that bad?

Lucy: My future mother-in-law picked it out and I can’t say “no.” Here’s a picture of it.

Buddy: Well, I’m glad she’s such a good friend, because if anything can break up a friendship, it’s that dress.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
alternative
nonrenewable resources
environmentally friendly
documentary
political spectrum
to advocate for
estate
on display
to waste
plantation
slaves
to inherit
to criticize
to chastise
to chasten
please inform
please be informed
denomination

Shawna: Hello, Shawna Davis.

Monty: Hello, Shawna. This is Monty Lofti at BMC. I need to talk to you about our ad that ran in your newspaper yesterday.

Shawna: Sure, Monty. Was there a problem?

Monty: Yes, there certainly was a problem. Instead of the picture of our model, there was a picture of a dog!

Shawna: That’s awful! I wasn’t aware of the substitution. On behalf of the newspaper, I sincerely apologize for the error.

Monty: I don’t think you understand the magnitude of the problem. Our slogan is: “Look in the mirror and this could be you!” Now do you get it? Our store is a laughingstock!

Shawna: I can’t tell you how sorry we are for this egregious mistake. We will certainly run a correction in tomorrow’s paper, and we will run a corrected version of your ad. That’s the least we can do. Is there anything else we can do to make amends for our mistake?

Monty: Yes, there is. I’d like the person responsible to be called on the mat for this.

Shawna: Rest assured. We take this matter very seriously. We’ll find out who is responsible and heads will roll.

Monty: Good. That’s what I wanted to hear.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Nivia: Why are you walking funny?

Michael: Oh, I pulled a muscle in my right leg while playing with my kids last weekend. It’s hard to walk without feeling a twinge of pain.

Nivia: I’m sorry to hear that. Why are you sitting in that awkward position?

Michael: I strained my back while exercising. Initially, I felt a sharp pain and I thought it was something serious, but it doesn’t hurt much now. There’s just a dull pain when I sit up straight. That’s why I’m sitting like this, leaning to the side.

Nivia: That’s too bad. Why are you holding your arms that way?

Michael: I got up in the middle of the night last night to go to the bathroom and bumped into the door. I got a huge bruise on my arm. It feels better if I hold it over my head.

Nivia: Why are you shaking your fingers that way?

Michael: I helped my daughter finish her science project for school. I – I mean we – glued over 100 wooden sticks together. My fingers are really sore and stiff, and they won’t stop throbbing.

Nivia: I’m afraid to ask you any more questions. I don’t think any man could survive any more injuries than what you already have!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
waterfront property
synonymous
unemployment rate
to cross racial lines
last will and testament
beneficiaries
minor
trust
assets
estate
artificial life support
organ donor
solution
to solve
resolution
to resolve
family
household

Torsten: What are you doing, clipping coupons? That’s a waste of time.

Cindy: You can think what you like, but these days, we have to cut corners wherever we can.

Torsten: No one actually saves much money using coupons.

Cindy: That’s what you think. The last time I went to the grocery store, I saved over $20 just by using coupons.

Torsten: How can you keep track of all of the expiration dates and the terms and conditions? It’s not worth the trouble.

Cindy: Do you feel that way about rebate offers, too? A month ago, I bought our new TV and saved 20 percent. And yesterday, I bought a pack of DVDs for just $2.

Torsten: Are you putting me on? A pack of DVDs for $2?

Cindy: Yeah, it was a great offer, but it was only for one day. I had to cut out the UPC code, fill out a form, and mail it in with the receipt to the manufacturer. Then, I sent a copy of the receipt to the retailer and got another discount. That’s how I got the DVDs for next to nothing.

Torsten: You might save money with rebates, but you have to sit around forever waiting for the rebate check.

Cindy: It’s true that the turnaround is often 8-10 weeks, but some of the offers are worth the wait.

Torsten: Do what you like, but I’m too busy to mess around with coupons and rebates.

Cindy: That’s why you married a penny-pincher. If I left it up to you, we’d be in the poorhouse by now!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Adriana: Shhh, I’m trying to listen to the radio.

Ralph: How can you listen to that radio station? All of their deejays have such funny voices.

Adriana: That’s precisely why I like it. Take this guy, Kevin. He has a deep, husky voice that I find really sexy.

Ralph: This guy? His voice is so monotone that it lulls me to sleep every time I hear it.

Adriana: Well, if you don’t like his voice, how about his sidekick, Lisa May? Her voice is music to my ears.

Ralph: She has a nice lilt in her voice, but it’s so high-pitched and squeaky. It can really be grating to listen to her for more than a few minutes.

Adriana: Okay, if you don’t like their voices, what kind of voices do you like?

Ralph: I like a gravelly voice, speaking softly and saying...

Adriana: I’m not talking about your fantasies. I don’t want to know anything about those!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
access
consistency
rebellious
binge drinking
DUI
DWI
assault
date rape
to model
sexually transmitted disease
unintended
addiction
go ahead
to lower
to chalk up to
fluke
quite
ain’t
domino effect
chain reaction

Tim: Damn it!

Pam: What’s the matter?

Tim: It’s this copier. My original didn’t come out of the feeder and there’s a paper jam.

Pam: Let me see if I can clear it. This machine is really temperamental.

Tim: Tell me about it.

Pam: Okay, I found your original, but it’s stuck. I’m afraid if I pull too hard, it’ll tear.

Tim: Let me try. I got it! Okay, I need to shrink the first page and adjust the contrast so that it’s more readable. Then I need to enlarge the second page. After that, I need to make 20 collated copies.

Pam: Oh, oh, don’t look now, but the toner light is on. You’ll need to put in a new cartridge.

Tim: Is there anything else that can go wrong with this stupid copier?!

Pam: Don’t tempt fate. It could be worse. The whole thing could break down!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Silvia: What are you watching?

Hermann: I’m watching a show about the health problems in developing countries.

Silvia: Don’t we have enough healthcare problems here, in this country?

Hermann: We do, but there are countries that have a lot more acute problems than we do.

Silvia: Oh, those kids are so cute.

Hermann: Yeah, but a lot of them are going to die of malnutrition and infectious diseases, things that are preventable.

Silvia: I thought the biggest problem was the spread of AIDS and HIV.

Hermann: Those are huge problems, no question about it, but a lot of people die of other preventable diseases, too, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and measles. Believe it or not, we’ve had immunizations for measles for over 40 years!

Silvia: That’s terrible. I can see why you’re studying medicine. I wish I could be a doctor.

Hermann: You could, but first, you’ll need to get over your fear of blood.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
case
party
landmark decision
inferior
to rule
to enroll
to desegregate
yearbook
keepsake
peers
hairdos
autograph
indeed
none of them is/are
down to the wire

Maggie: What did you think of the book you started last week?

Kurt: Oh, I liked it well enough.

Maggie: Wow, that’s a glowing recommendation.

Kurt: Well, it started off with a bang and the suspense in the first half was great. I couldn’t put it down. Then, the pace changed in the second half and it was an effort to finish it.

Maggie: Really? I read it a few months ago and I loved it. I thought the characterization was really good. I could really relate to the two main characters.

Kurt: Yeah, that’s true enough, but the plot dragged, don’t you think? The author just couldn’t pull it off and the ending was laughable.

Maggie: I really liked the ending! I can’t wait for the sequel.

Kurt: Well, that makes one of us.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Part of my job as school principal is to hand out awards and scholarships to students. We recently had a ceremony to do just that.
_________

Principal: Miguel, I want to commend you for your work this year and congratulate you for winning the science award. It is well deserved.

The recipient of this year’s community service award is Monique for her outstanding achievements. My heartiest congratulations to you, Monique.

I am also very proud of another one of our students, Yugo, who has been awarded the ESL Podcast award. This prestigious award honors the achievements of outstanding students. Yugo, a job well done.

Finally, we are also honoring one of our teachers today. For her dedication to her students and to the school, we are recognizing the achievements of Ms. Niehbur. I cannot imagine a more deserving teacher. Please accept my sincere congratulations.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
mint
coins
circulation
worn out
to melt down
to deface
pennies
auction
high-end
antique
bid
cash
cache
cachet
to listen to
to listen for

Tandia: Do you want these want ads after I’m finished with them?

Hank: No, I’m not going to find my dream job in the classifieds. I’m going to have to get more creative with my job search.

Tandia: What are you looking for?

Hank: I want a job that’s rewarding and fast-paced, and with good growth potential, but all I see are dead-end jobs.

Tandia: I know what you mean. I’m looking for something that’s challenging, but also with flexible work hours. All of my friends have great jobs. Why can’t I land one of them?

Hank: Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we need a better game plan.

Tandia: What do you have in mind?

Hank: I’m not sure, but we need to get noticed.

Tandia: Why don’t you take out a billboard? That should get you noticed.

Hank: Hey, that’s really thinking out of the box.

Tandia: I was joking!

Hank: I’m not. That’s an inspired idea. Now what should we put on the billboard?

Tandia: You’re crazy!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Becky: I want to thank all of you for coming today. I think we all agree that we need to organize a protest...

Pedro: Hold on, Becky. We all want to voice our opinion that we oppose what is going on here, but I’m not sure a protest is the answer.

Becky: With all due respect, Pedro, I think a rally is the best way to do that.

Pedro: That may be, but I think we need to consider a few things first. Taking to the streets means coordinating a lot of people. That means getting them to show up, to march, and to hold up signs. I’m not sure we have enough time to pull it all off.

Becky: Don’t get me wrong. I’m not in favor of doing anything half-assed. If we decide to protest, we want to do it right so that we get a lot of media coverage. I’m confident that we have enough people and time to get it all done.

Pedro: Okay, but another thing we should be ready for is a counter protest. The other side isn’t going to take things lying down.

Becky: You’re right, and we’ll take that into consideration. Is there any more discussion before we start on the planning? No? Okay, let’s get down to business.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Brenda: It’s fun shopping for a new cell phone, don’t you think?

Yoji: Sure, but I just need one with the bare basics.

Brenda: Not me. I want one that’s top-of-the-line. My old phone was cheap and flimsy, and it started acting up after only a few months.

Yoji: I want something that’s good quality, but I don’t think I should have to pay top dollar for it, especially since I don’t need the bells and whistles.

Brenda: The bells and whistles are the best part!

Yoji: I like this one. It seems sturdy and it should last me for years.

Brenda: That is one ugly phone!

Yoji: I don’t care about its looks. I just want something functional and that won’t fall apart.

Brenda: I’m not arguing for style over substance, but that phone is hideous.

Yoji: I’ll get over it.

Brenda: Yes, but I’m not sure I will!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Agency employee: Tell me why you’d like to sign up with our employment agency.

Kurt: Well, right now I’m working in a dead end job. There are no opportunities for advancement. I’m already at the top of the pay scale, so there’s no chance of another pay raise.

Agency employee: Okay, I’d like to find out a little more about your employment history. Tell me about your last job.

Kurt: Oh, that was a mind-numbing position. I did menial work all day and I burned out in six months.

Agency employee: What about the job you had before that?

Kurt: The problem with that job was that there was a glass ceiling. They would never promote a person like me.

Agency employee: And what about the job you had before that?

Kurt: I only took that job as a steppingstone to the next one, but it turned out to be a stumbling block instead. My boss didn’t like me and wouldn’t give me a good reference.

Agency employee: Okay, so you were not happy with any of the jobs you’ve had.

Kurt: No, they weren’t right for me. I don’t want to be trapped in a dead end job. I want something that will give me personal satisfaction.

Agency employee: I see. Well, we’ll do the best we can. Have you considered working at an employment agency? I’m looking for a new job myself.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
to hijack
threat
unsolved mystery
flight attendant
bomb
parachute
in exchange for
frayed
unconvinced
slave
to escape
to be sympathetic toward
to extend
to expand
God forbid
brown-bag lunch

Brett: Hi, Mom. Come in. Welcome to my new place. My roommates aren’t here right now or I’d introduce you.

Mom: Hi, dear. This is...uh...nice.

Brett: It is, isn’t it? I know you were a little worried about me moving out and into a house with five roommates. But as you can see, this is a nice place. Let me give you a tour.

Mom: Oh, okay. Isn’t it a little cramped in the house with six people?

Brett: No way! Come on. I’ll show you the rest of the house. Let’s go this way to the kitchen. Watch out for that hole in the floor. I don’t want you to trip. And don’t worry about the “Do Not Cross – Police Line” tape. It’s just a joke.

Mom: This is the kitchen? Why are all of your dishes on the floor? What do you keep in your cupboards?

Brett: Be careful opening them! We’re short on closet space so some of the guys keep their clothes and shoes in them. You never know what you’ll find if you open one. We just have to watch our step when we walk around the kitchen. Come on, I’ll show you the bathroom.

Mom: You only have one bathroom for six people?

Brett: We’re guys so we don’t really need more than one bathroom. I just have to pay attention to when people take showers if I want enough hot water for my own shower. Watch your head!

Mom: Too late for the heads up! Something just fell on my head.

Brett: Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just a little problem with the ceiling.

Mom: Look out! I think the ceiling is falling down! This place is dangerous!

Brett: It’s nothing. Don’t worry. As long as we stay alert, this is a great place to live.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Svetlana: Tomorrow is the first day of junior high. Are you ready?

Quinn: Sure, it’s not that big a deal. I already put some supplies in my new backpack.

Svetlana: Let’s see. You have some folders, a three-ring binder, and a pen. Is that all you’re bringing to school?

Quinn: I don’t have my books yet. I’ll get those tomorrow morning. What else do I need? I’m not in the second grade. I don’t need things like glue, crayons, and construction paper.

Svetlana: No, but you’re missing a lot of stuff. I should know. You have a pen, but no pencils. You have no erasers or highlighters. You have a three-ring binder, but you don’t have any ruled paper or a notebook.

Quinn: I don’t need all of that stuff on the first day!

Svetlana: You want to be prepared, don’t you? Where are your index cards? Don’t you have a calculator? You’ll need it for your math class.

Quinn: Are you kidding me?! If I carry all of that plus my books, who will carry me to class?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
buzz
tattoo parlor
tough guys
broken heart
to commemorate
new born
angst
to put out there
to hop in/into
intricate
to cover up
to speak
to say
to talk

Bernie: Oh, I’m in so much pain! Where is the medication we got from the pharmacy?

Gloria: It’s right here, but we need to read the label first. Okay, these are the active ingredients and they seem okay. This warning says that we need to watch out for any allergic reactions. It also says to ask your doctor before using it if you have heart problems.

Bernie: I don’t. Can you just give me the medication?

Gloria: I’m checking to make sure the seal under the cap isn’t broken, just to be on the safe side. I also need to read the dosage information so you’ll know how much to take. It says, “Adults (12 years or older): Two tablets every four hours; do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours.”

Bernie: That’s fine. That’s fine. Where is the prescription medication from my doctor?

Gloria: Here it is. This one has several warnings. It says that it may cause drowsiness or dizziness. It also says, “This drug may impair your ability to drive.”

Bernie: I don’t plan to drive today or any day soon. Now will you please give me my medication?

Gloria: I will as soon as I get this childproof cap off.

Bernie: I may be dead by then!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Anya: I don’t know how I’m going to get all of this work done before I go on vacation.

Estevan: What you need to do is to delegate. Stop being a control freak and get other people to help you with your work.

Anya: I’ve tried to delegate before, but I ended up having to redo the work myself. It was no timesaver at all. It definitely wasn’t worth the trouble.

Estevan: That’s because you have to delegate in the right way. You can’t just assign a project to one of your employees. You have to give them explicit instructions and measurable goals.

Anya: I did that. I gave my employee detailed instructions and she still let me down.

Estevan: I bet you didn’t ask her to report back to you periodically, did you? To get results, you have to tell your employees to give you progress reports. That way, you can make sure she’s on the right track. See what I mean?

Anya: Okay, maybe you’re right. I know one thing. If I don’t get some help soon, I’ll be spending my vacation at my desk!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
windy
magnificent
skyscraper
public transportation system
gangster
Prohibition
league
anthem
dawn
twilight
patriotic
mere
to kick butt

Ginger: It’s really nice of you to come with me to buy my computer. This is the desktop I’m thinking about.

Kevin: This is okay, but if I were you, I’d buy a laptop. It’s more versatile. You can travel with it.

Ginger: I’m not sure about getting a laptop. The screen is so small.

Kevin: No problem. You can get a separate monitor. This is a good one. You just need a connector and a cable to hook it up to your laptop. Here’s a monitor stand, too, so you can elevate it if you want to.

Ginger: The speakers on the laptop aren’t very loud.

Kevin: You can get these great speakers. You plug them into your laptop and the sound is amazing.

Ginger: I’m not sure about the battery.

Kevin: It comes with a battery that lasts three to five hours, but you can always buy a spare. Of course, it comes with a power cord, too, so you can just plug it in if your battery runs low.

Ginger: The keyboard is a little cramped, too.

Kevin: That’s what a full-size keyboard is for. You can buy a separate keyboard and mouse and attaching them to your laptop. It’ll be just like having a desktop.

Ginger: Then why don’t I just buy a desktop?

Kevin: If you do, you won’t be able to buy all of these great accessories. That’s half the fun of buying a new computer!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Dale: I didn’t know you read that forum. What’s your screen name?

Jessie: It’s “jessiegirl,” but I don’t post very often. I like to lurk and follow the different threads, but I prefer to keep a low profile.

Dale: Really? I post all the time. I just put my new web address on my profile, and check this out. It’s my new avatar.

Jessie: That’s cool. I’ve been trying to figure out how to upload a picture for my avatar. Are there instructions in the FAQs?

Dale: I’m not sure, but I can show you how to do it. Have you been following the thread about the presidential campaign?

Jessie: Yeah, I had been...until today.

Dale: Why’s that?

Jessie: I stopped reading when this one guy, “bigman,” started to flame everybody, saying that anyone who didn’t agree with him is an idiot.

Dale: Oh, really?

Jessie: Yeah, he started posting replies, writing in all caps and letting people have it. He quoted people out of context and attacked them. What a jerk!

Dale: Yeah, that guy sounds like a jerk.

Jessie: Hey, what did you say your screen name is?

Dale: Never mind.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
descent
to fight
to give (someone) the silent treatment
promise
life-changing event
expectation
act
disability
to enact
discrimination
accessibility
wheelchair
elevator
ramp
exception to the rule
bars
to take convincing
full-fledged
dude

Lyla: Okay, here’s a hypothetical. You ask a girl for her number, but wait two weeks to call her. What gives?

George: Well, that depends. Why?

Lyla: Well, I met this guy two weeks ago at a party. We spent the entire evening talking and I thought we really hit it off. We had a lot of chemistry and we had a ton of things in common. He asked for my number and he said he’d cal