T: Jack! You look really unhappy. I thought you'd be thrilled to be here. What's wrong? You can tell me.

J: Nevermind, Tracy, it's just a slight headache, that's all, I'll be fine.

T: It seems to me you never feel well when the exams are on the schedule. Aren't you enjoying the exhibition? Just take it easy, relax. After all, it's your first time visiting the National Museum of American Art.

J: I would if I could, believe me. It's just annoying when you can't have fun doing something.

T:Fun? You're kidding, right? Museums are educational establishments for advancing our knowledge. You're not expected to have fun like at a dog show or flower exhibit.

J: Oh, come on, this is boring. How much longer are we going to stay here?

T: Hang in there, I promise, it'll get interesting. Look at that lovely portrait, for instance.

J: OK, it's not bad. It looks like it must be from 19th century, so I guess you like realism?

T: Actually, I don't. But I enjoy looking at hair styles and dress designs from the past, and they're best shown in realistic paintings. I'm really into fashion, as you know.

J: Well, I prefer pictures that are true to life, where every leaf and every flower is depicted exactly as it really is.

T: Like in still life paintings?

J: Well, yes. If I have to look at art, I'd rather see that kind of picture.

T: Than look over there, there's a good one: flowers in a vase, watermelons, grapes, cherries. Yumm, it makes my mouth water.

J: Now that you mention food, I could do with a snack right now. I haven't had anything to eat since morning and I'm starving.

T: I'm sure there's a cafe on the ground floor. Why don't we get a bite to eat and then return to the gallery?

J: Agreed. And if we have to go back, I'd love to see some landscapes. They're inspiring.

T: Especially the romantic ones. The dramatic contrasts in romantic landscapes are unbelievable. I'm glad you're finally begiining to feel a little more enthusiastic about museums.

J: I'm afraid you missed the point: the sooner we begin, the sooner we finish. Let's go eat something.

K: Hi Joey! It's good to see you after your gap year. You look fantastic. I'd love to have a tan like yours, but it's difficult to get in misty England.

J: Thanks, Kathy. I'm really happy to finally be back home. I've missed everybody here so much, including you, of course. Drop by my place some day, I'll show you my photos. There are a lot of them and they're amazing. And mum will be delighted to see you. She'll treat you to her special cake.

K: So where have you been? Tell me. I can't wait.

J: Here, there, everywhere.

K: Stop right there, Joey. I'm already green with envy. You are so lucky to have traveled so much. As for me, I'm a stay-at-home girl. I haven't been anywhere but Greece. And Greece doesn't count, it's just a typical summer vacation with my parents. I hope I can have a gap year too after high school is over.

J: Oh, don't be envious. To be honest, I mainly stayed in Australia, which is, of course, a great place, take it from me. I did a lot of wildlife watching.

K: And I guess you did a lot of sports there, you look really fit.

J: Not really. I didn't have time for sports, except for surfing, of course. If you go to Australia, you have to take up surfing, it's the best place in the world for water sports.

K: But you've alwayse been into sports, haven't you?

J: You know, I've been an obsessive tennis player, but I gave it up when I broke my ankle last year.

K: Oh, I really love tennis. My coach says I'm a natural. How about a game some time?

J: Well, I'm really rusty, I'll have to practice first.

K: Don't be silly, I'm only a novice. We'lll just have a friendly game, that's all.

J: OK, let's say Monday, does that suit you?

K: Monday afternoon is perfect. In the morning I'm working at my dad's shop.

J: Good, it's a date, see you then. And maybe we can get a cup of tea after the game?

K: Why not? There's a good juice bar in the club as well, we can have healthy drinks instead.

J: OK, and then we can have a proper chat. There's still a lot to tell you about my time away.

K: Absolutely. I'll be free for the rest of the day. I must be off now, though, my class starts in half an hour.

J: Have a nice day.

K: Thanks, same to you. Bye.

K: Hi Joey! It's good to see you after your gap year. You look fantastic. I'd love to have a tan like yours, but it's difficult to get in misty England.

J: Thanks, Kathy. I'm really happy to finally be back home. I've missed everybody here so much, including you, of course. Drop by my place some day, I'll show you my photos. There are a lot of them and they're amazing. And mum will be delighted to see you. She'll treat you to her special cake.

K: So where have you been? Tell me. I can't wait.

J: Here, there, everywhere.

K: Stop right there, Joey. I'm already green with envy. You are so lucky to have traveled so much. As for me, I'm a stay-at-home girl. I haven't been anywhere but Greece. And Greece doesn't count, it's just a typical summer vacation with my parents. I hope I can have a gap year too after high school is over.

J: Oh, don't be envious. To be honest, I mainly stayed in Australia, which is, of course, a great place, take it from me. I did a lot of wildlife watching.

K: And I guess you did a lot of sports there, you look really fit.

J: Not really. I didn't have time for sports, except for surfing, of course. If you go to Australia, you have to take up surfing, it's the best place in the world for water sports.

K: But you've alwayse been into sports, haven't you?

J: You know, I've been an obsessive tennis player, but I gave it up when I broke my ankle last year.

K: Oh, I really love tennis. My coach says I'm a natural. How about a game some time?

J: Well, I'm really rusty, I'll have to practice first.

K: Don't be silly, I'm only a novice. We'lll just have a friendly game, that's all.

J: OK, let's say Monday, does that suit you?

K: Monday afternoon is perfect. In the morning I'm working at my dad's shop.

J: Good, it's a date, see you then. And maybe we can get a cup of tea after the game?

K: Why not? There's a good juice bar in the club as well, we can have healthy drinks instead.

J: OK, and then we can have a proper chat. There's still a lot to tell you about my time away.

K: Absolutely. I'll be free for the rest of the day. I must be off now, though, my class starts in half an hour.

J: Have a nice day.

K: Thanks, same to you. Bye.

F: Hi, Jane! I haven't seen you for ages. How are you?

J: Oh, hi, Fred. It's great to see you. I'm fine, thanks. How about you?

F: Same. Hey, you look so busy, what are you doing?

J: Now? Nothing at all now. I was studying, working away happily, but I had to stop because my computer crashed for some reason. The screen just went blank and that's it. That's why I have the rest of the day free.

F: Oh no, did you lose the files you were working on?

J: I don't know, I might have. We'll see as soon as it's back to normal.

F: I hope it's not some nasty virus, there are a lot of them now on the Internet, you know. Have you downloaded anything recently?

J: I have, so you're probably right. I'll just have to consult a specialist. And I'll need a decent firewall too, I guess.

F: Well, I'm not using my laptop at the moment, would you like to borrow it? It's not much of an offer 'cause it's rather old and the screen is very small, but you could probably make do with it while yours is being fixed. That's better than nothing, right?

J: Thanks, that's very kind of you, but I do really hope tomorrow I'll get my computer back. I'll still have plenty of time to study.

F: OK, if you say so. If you change your mind, though, just give me a ring. I'll be happy to help out.

J: Agreed. By the way, would you like to come to the movie tonight? I think they're giving away two tickets for the price of one.

F: Well, I don't know. What's playing?

J: I'm not sure.

F: Well, I like going to the movies, but I'm not going if I don't know what film we are going to see.

J: Wait a minute. I have a newspaper somewhere in my bag. Hold on. I'm trying to find the right page. OK, here it is. It's a new horror film. How about that?

F: Horror film? Definitely not. You know, I always have nightmares when I see horror films. We went to see one last year and by the end I was shaking with terror. That's just not my cup of tea.

J: Oh, alright, I guess I'll have to go by myself then. See you on Monday.

F: Sorry about that, maybe next time.

J: No problem. Bye for now.

F: Bye.

F: Hi, Jane! I haven't seen you for ages. How are you?

J: Oh, hi, Fred. It's great to see you. I'm fine, thanks. How about you?

F: Same. Hey, you look so busy, what are you doing?

J: Now? Nothing at all now. I was studying, working away happily, but I had to stop because my computer crashed for some reason. The screen just went blank and that's it. That's why I have the rest of the day free.

F: Oh no, did you lose the files you were working on?

J: I don't know, I might have. We'll see as soon as it's back to normal.

F: I hope it's not some nasty virus, there are a lot of them now on the Internet, you know. Have you downloaded anything recently?

J: I have, so you're probably right. I'll just have to consult a specialist. And I'll need a decent firewall too, I guess.

F: Well, I'm not using my laptop at the moment, would you like to borrow it? It's not much of an offer 'cause it's rather old and the screen is very small, but you could probably make do with it while yours is being fixed. That's better than nothing, right?

J: Thanks, that's very kind of you, but I do really hope tomorrow I'll get my computer back. I'll still have plenty of time to study.

F: OK, if you say so. If you change your mind, though, just give me a ring. I'll be happy to help out.

J: Agreed. By the way, would you like to come to the movie tonight? I think they're giving away two tickets for the price of one.

F: Well, I don't know. What's playing?

J: I'm not sure.

F: Well, I like going to the movies, but I'm not going if I don't know what film we are going to see.

J: Wait a minute. I have a newspaper somewhere in my bag. Hold on. I'm trying to find the right page. OK, here it is. It's a new horror film. How about that?

F: Horror film? Definitely not. You know, I always have nightmares when I see horror films. We went to see one last year and by the end I was shaking with terror. That's just not my cup of tea.

J: Oh, alright, I guess I'll have to go by myself then. See you on Monday.

F: Sorry about that, maybe next time.

J: No problem. Bye for now.

F: Bye.

J: Hi, Matthew, it's great that I bumped into you today. I wanted to ask you something.

M: Hi, Jill, I'll be happy if I can help somehow. What's up?

J: It's my mum's birthday next week, and I wanted to make a special surprise for her and cook something really delicious and unusual for her birthday dinner. You've travelled a lot and tried different cuisines. Can you suggest something?

M: I don't know. What would you like to try cooking? A first course, dessert?

J: Something not too complicated. I don't have much experience with cooking.

M: OK, you know, my grandma comes from Germany, she's become quite americanised, but she still cooks a lot of German national dishes, especially desserts.

J: German desserts? That sounds interesting. Can you name any?

M: Just a second, I'm trying to think. Well, for instance, apfelkuchen, which is a bit like our apple pie. There are other types of German pastures my grandma prepares, I think she can give you a recipe if you ask her.

J: Don't you think she might mind?

M: I don't think so. In fact, I think she'll be pleased. But I should warn you: I think it's not a piece of cake making those recipes, if you'll forgive the pun.

J: Well, you might be right. What should I do then?

M: One more idea is soup.

J: Soup? Nobody ever eats soup in my family.

M: Why not? Don't they like it?

J: I don't know, actually.

M: Soups are quite easy to cook and there are so many unusual ideas for making them. Hungarian cuisine, for example, has a lot of various soups.

J: Is Hungarian food considered good?

M: Actually, yes, Hungarian food is quite special, almost like French cuisine. Even exotic, I'd say.

J: Do you think I have all the necessary kitchen equipment and <...> to make soup?

M: A stove, a pot, a sharp knife, a spoon to stir it all. I think you just need the regular stuff. Have you got all that?

J: Of course. So can you give me a recipe?

M: I'll send a selection tonight by email so you can choose one.

J: Thanks, Matthew, you're a real star.

M: My pleasure. And I can give you a hand if you want.

J: That would be great.

M: It's a date then.

J: Hi, Matthew, it's great that I bumped into you today. I wanted to ask you something.

M: Hi, Jill, I'll be happy if I can help somehow. What's up?

J: It's my mum's birthday next week, and I wanted to make a special surprise for her and cook something really delicious and unusual for her birthday dinner. You've travelled a lot and tried different cuisines. Can you suggest something?

M: I don't know. What would you like to try cooking? A first course, dessert?

J: Something not too complicated. I don't have much experience with cooking.

M: OK, you know, my grandma comes from Germany, she's become quite americanised, but she still cooks a lot of German national dishes, especially desserts.

J: German desserts? That sounds interesting. Can you name any?

M: Just a second, I'm trying to think. Well, for instance, apfelkuchen, which is a bit like our apple pie. There are other types of German pastures my grandma prepares, I think she can give you a recipe if you ask her.

J: Don't you think she might mind?

M: I don't think so. In fact, I think she'll be pleased. But I should warn you: I think it's not a piece of cake making those recipes, if you'll forgive the pun.

J: Well, you might be right. What should I do then?

M: One more idea is soup.

J: Soup? Nobody ever eats soup in my family.

M: Why not? Don't they like it?

J: I don't know, actually.

M: Soups are quite easy to cook and there are so many unusual ideas for making them. Hungarian cuisine, for example, has a lot of various soups.

J: Is Hungarian food considered good?

M: Actually, yes, Hungarian food is quite special, almost like French cuisine. Even exotic, I'd say.

J: Do you think I have all the necessary kitchen equipment and <...> to make soup?

M: A stove, a pot, a sharp knife, a spoon to stir it all. I think you just need the regular stuff. Have you got all that?

J: Of course. So can you give me a recipe?

M: I'll send a selection tonight by email so you can choose one.

J: Thanks, Matthew, you're a real star.

M: My pleasure. And I can give you a hand if you want.

J: That would be great.

M: It's a date then.

J: Irene, I'm bored. I thought I'd be enjoying some peace and quiet after another hectic week, but alas I'm just plain bored. I need something to do.

I: Well, I've got an idea, let's go to a concert tonight.

J: You know, Irene, I'm as crazy about music as you are, but if you're talking aboout going to a symphony orchestra concert or an opera, I'm out.

I: It's neither of those. Actually, I had a rock concert in mind.

J: I didn't know you liked rock music.

I: Well, I do. My father really loves rock music, and I'm definitely my father's daughter. He got an extensive collection of rock albums, you know, the classics, like Chuck Berry and Ray Charles.

J: As for me, I like country music, rock's just too loud for me. I find most rock songs deafening and meaningless.

I: Sorry, I just can't agree with you. The best rock songs are never meaningless. Take Tracy Chapman's songs. She's one of my favourites. She writes her songs herself, and they're not the usual mix of bouncy dance tunes and and meaningless lyrics. She writes about personal pain, politics and poverty.

J: OK, I'll give you Tracy Chapman. Her hit singles usually spend weeks on top of the charts both in the US and the UK. What I like about her is her simple and natural style. And I guess that's why she's so popular.

I: I'm with you there. In concert and in videos she never uses make-up, costumes or special effects. Just her voice and an acoustic guitar. So, you see, Jack, you do like rock music.

J: OK, I take my words back, sorry. I suppose you already know, Tracy Chapman's concert is going to be on TV next Saturday. Are you going to watch it?

I: I guess so. But I wish I could see the performance live. But it's probably too late to get tickets. It's going to be at the Kennedy centre for performing arts. Shows there always sell out.

J: You never know before you try. Why not call and ask?

I: OK, I'll do it first thing tomorrow. Shall I tell you if there are still tickets available?

J: Yes, please, I'd love to go if the price is reasonable.

I: OK, but in the meantime, what are we going to do tonight?

J: Oh, I don't want to bother going out. Let's have a quiet night in and rent a film.

I: Fine. Shall we order a pizza as well?

J: Good idea. Pizza and a movie, nothing better.

J: Irene, I'm bored. I thought I'd be enjoying some peace and quiet after another hectic week, but alas I'm just plain bored. I need something to do.

I: Well, I've got an idea, let's go to a concert tonight.

J: You know, Irene, I'm as crazy about music as you are, but if you're talking aboout going to a symphony orchestra concert or an opera, I'm out.

I: It's neither of those. Actually, I had a rock concert in mind.

J: I didn't know you liked rock music.

I: Well, I do. My father really loves rock music, and I'm definitely my father's daughter. He got an extensive collection of rock albums, you know, the classics, like Chuck Berry and Ray Charles.

J: As for me, I like country music, rock's just too loud for me. I find most rock songs deafening and meaningless.

I: Sorry, I just can't agree with you. The best rock songs are never meaningless. Take Tracy Chapman's songs. She's one of my favourites. She writes her songs herself, and they're not the usual mix of bouncy dance tunes and and meaningless lyrics. She writes about personal pain, politics and poverty.

J: OK, I'll give you Tracy Chapman. Her hit singles usually spend weeks on top of the charts both in the US and the UK. What I like about her is her simple and natural style. And I guess that's why she's so popular.

I: I'm with you there. In concert and in videos she never uses make-up, costumes or special effects. Just her voice and an acoustic guitar. So, you see, Jack, you do like rock music.

J: OK, I take my words back, sorry. I suppose you already know, Tracy Chapman's concert is going to be on TV next Saturday. Are you going to watch it?

I: I guess so. But I wish I could see the performance live. But it's probably too late to get tickets. It's going to be at the Kennedy centre for performing arts. Shows there always sell out.

J: You never know before you try. Why not call and ask?

I: OK, I'll do it first thing tomorrow. Shall I tell you if there are still tickets available?

J: Yes, please, I'd love to go if the price is reasonable.

I: OK, but in the meantime, what are we going to do tonight?

J: Oh, I don't want to bother going out. Let's have a quiet night in and rent a film.

I: Fine. Shall we order a pizza as well?

J: Good idea. Pizza and a movie, nothing better.

M: Hello, Peter. I haven't seen you for ages. How are you getting on?

P: Oh, hi, Mary, it's so nice to see you. You look great.

M: Thank you for the compliment. I'm not going to play it down, I've lost some weight because I've been going to the gym lately.

P: Well, you know, I think it's not about the weight, actually. I don't know. I can't put my finger on it.

M: I know. It's probably just a couple of kilos. I felt so proud, but actually, it's nothing to be boastful of. It's just that when I started going to the gym, my whole lifestyle changed. And I feel much healthier now. Much more energetic.

P: What do you mean your whole lifestyle changed?

M: My coach said I had been eating the wrong food at the wrong times of the day. I didn't use to have any breakfast and then I had snacks. Dieticians say a proper breakfast gives you enough energy till lunchtime and you don't consume junk food and you feel much better as a result.

P: Well, Mary, I know junk food adds weight.

M: Again, Peter, it's not only about weight. It's about how you feel. Junk food has a lot of bad ingredients in it. Your body will definitely be better off without it.

P: OK, you have a nutritious breakfast, is that all?

M: Of course not. Your breakfast must consist of carbohydrates, not fat or protein. It's wrong to eat eggs or dairy products for breakfast, can you believe it?

P: Never. All hotels serve eggs for breakfast.

M: Yes, they do, and it's not good for you. Eggs are good for dinner, though.

P: I see. It's difficult to understand you've been doing the wrong thing your entire life.

M: When I heard it fo the first time, I couldn't take it all in either, but when I started following this regime and it worked for me, I totally believed it.

P: I want to feel good too. What else did your coach advise you to do?

M: He recommeds going to sleep early and going to bed early.

P: Impossible for me. I'm 100% a night owl.

M: You might want to give it a try. It was not as hard as I thought it would be.

P: No, I don't think so. I say, Mary, can I join you in the gym? When are you going there?

M: Actually, I got a session scheduled for tomorrow. You'll meet my coach. I think you'll like him.

P: Settled, then. See you tomorrow.

M: Hello, Peter. I haven't seen you for ages. How are you getting on?

P: Oh, hi, Mary, it's so nice to see you. You look great.

M: Thank you for the compliment. I'm not going to play it down, I've lost some weight because I've been going to the gym lately.

P: Well, you know, I think it's not about the weight, actually. I don't know. I can't put my finger on it.

M: I know. It's probably just a couple of kilos. I felt so proud, but actually, it's nothing to be boastful of. It's just that when I started going to the gym, my whole lifestyle changed. And I feel much healthier now. Much more energetic.

P: What do you mean your whole lifestyle changed?

M: My coach said I had been eating the wrong food at the wrong times of the day. I didn't use to have any breakfast and then I had snacks. Dieticians say a proper breakfast gives you enough energy till lunchtime and you don't consume junk food and you feel much better as a result.

P: Well, Mary, I know junk food adds weight.

M: Again, Peter, it's not only about weight. It's about how you feel. Junk food has a lot of bad ingredients in it. Your body will definitely be better off without it.

P: OK, you have a nutritious breakfast, is that all?

M: Of course not. Your breakfast must consist of carbohydrates, not fat or protein. It's wrong to eat eggs or dairy products for breakfast, can you believe it?

P: Never. All hotels serve eggs for breakfast.

M: Yes, they do, and it's not good for you. Eggs are good for dinner, though.

P: I see. It's difficult to understand you've been doing the wrong thing your entire life.

M: When I heard it fo the first time, I couldn't take it all in either, but when I started following this regime and it worked for me, I totally believed it.

P: I want to feel good too. What else did your coach advise you to do?

M: He recommeds going to sleep early and going to bed early.

P: Impossible for me. I'm 100% a night owl.

M: You might want to give it a try. It was not as hard as I thought it would be.

P: No, I don't think so. I say, Mary, can I join you in the gym? When are you going there?

M: Actually, I got a session scheduled for tomorrow. You'll meet my coach. I think you'll like him.

P: Settled, then. See you tomorrow.

S: Hi, Jim. How are you getting on?

J: Oh, hi, Sandra, it's so nice to see you. I'm OK, more or less.

S: You look so deep in thought. What's up? Can I help you with something?

J: Actually, that might be not that bad of an idea. You know, it's my sister Anna's birthday next week.

S: Don't I know it, we're best friends.

J: That's why I need your expertise. I really want to give her a good present, a really good one, but I don't know, what I can give her.

S: Right. So you've stopped quarreling over every little thing, I'm happy to hear that.

J: Yeah, you know, all these conflicts were because of me. I'm a stubborn guy, you know, but I have finally realised I've been doing the wrong thing and I just want to say sorry.

S: Why don't you just say so?

J: I have, it's just I wanted to do something more to make up for my behavior. You know, she's been grounded several times because of me, and staying at home for weeks is not a nice thing.

S: OK, it's a good decision anyway. So how much money have you got?

J: Enough. I'd been saving pocket money. Besides, you know I have jobs now and then and I get paid.

S: I see. Well, she's short on cosmetics and she'd be happy to get some. I can help you choose or you can just give her a gift certificate and she'll go shopping herself.

J: No, I don't think it's a good idea. It won't leave a lasting memory. Eventually she'll throw these things away because they've expired or just finished.

S: Hmm. So maybe you can give her a collection of her favourite films or books or CDs? That would be a memorable present.

J: Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. The only problem is I don't know which ones are her favourites and these shops don't have gift certificates as a rule.

S: You forgot about me. I can go shopping with you or I can write a list and you'll be fine shopping on your own.

J: I'd be grateful if you made up a list. Shopping can be time-consuming and you've already helped me so much. I don't want to take up more of your time.

S: It's not for you, it's for my best friend, remember? Besides, I need to go shopping anyway. I've got to buy a present too.

J: OK, I give up on that, when shall we go?

S: How about tomorrow night?

J: Sounds good to me. Give me a ring, OK?

S: Hi, Jim. How are you getting on?

J: Oh, hi, Sandra, it's so nice to see you. I'm OK, more or less.

S: You look so deep in thought. What's up? Can I help you with something?

J: Actually, that might be not that bad of an idea. You know, it's my sister Anna's birthday next week.

S: Don't I know it, we're best friends.

J: That's why I need your expertise. I really want to give her a good present, a really good one, but I don't know, what I can give her.

S: Right. So you've stopped quarreling over every little thing, I'm happy to hear that.

J: Yeah, you know, all these conflicts were because of me. I'm a stubborn guy, you know, but I have finally realised I've been doing the wrong thing and I just want to say sorry.

S: Why don't you just say so?

J: I have, it's just I wanted to do something more to make up for my behavior. You know, she's been grounded several times because of me, and staying at home for weeks is not a nice thing.

S: OK, it's a good decision anyway. So how much money have you got?

J: Enough. I'd been saving pocket money. Besides, you know I have jobs now and then and I get paid.

S: I see. Well, she's short on cosmetics and she'd be happy to get some. I can help you choose or you can just give her a gift certificate and she'll go shopping herself.

J: No, I don't think it's a good idea. It won't leave a lasting memory. Eventually she'll throw these things away because they've expired or just finished.

S: Hmm. So maybe you can give her a collection of her favourite films or books or CDs? That would be a memorable present.

J: Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. The only problem is I don't know which ones are her favourites and these shops don't have gift certificates as a rule.

S: You forgot about me. I can go shopping with you or I can write a list and you'll be fine shopping on your own.

J: I'd be grateful if you made up a list. Shopping can be time-consuming and you've already helped me so much. I don't want to take up more of your time.

S: It's not for you, it's for my best friend, remember? Besides, I need to go shopping anyway. I've got to buy a present too.

J: OK, I give up on that, when shall we go?

S: How about tomorrow night?

J: Sounds good to me. Give me a ring, OK?

M: Hello, James. I haven't seen you for ages. How are you getting on?

J: Oh, hi, Mary, it's so nice to see you. I'm fine and what about you?

M: Thanks, I'm OK, but a little bit tired.

J: Tired? Have you been studying for that history test you told me about the other day?

M: No, it's not about that. I will still have to take it, though, but I think I'll be fine. I'm good at history.

J: So if it's not your revision, than what?

M: My room has just been repaired. My parents let me change the design as a birthday present. They paid for the new furniture, the workers, the whole nine yards.

J: Oh, Mary, your parents are so generous.

M: Yes, I'm very grateful to them.

J: So what did you change?

M: You know, James, it's hard to tell you in a few words. First of all, I decided my room should be painted beige.

J: That's quite fashionable now. I think I've read about it in some magazine. I imagine it must be looking great.

M: Well, the designer said it was not a good idea for my room because i have very little sunlight there, and beige looks dull if not accompanied by the sun.

J: How very interesting. So what colour did you choose in the end?

M: I chose light green with curtains of a darker green shade.

J: Sounds good to me. What about the furniture?

M: I went to dozens of shops, I think, and then I found what I needed in a very small place. My new furniture is very light, almost white. I used to have my room in really dark colours, so I was ready for some major changes. Then I bought some potted plants and a nice rug and that's it. But the whole process was very tiring and took a lot of energy out of me.

J: Yes. You had to take care of the tiniest details and consult the designer all the time.

M: That's OK. Now I have the room of my dreams. When I wake up in the morning and see all this beauty around me I can't believe it's all mine now.

J: If only I could see it.

M: Well, you have a chance to. I'm having a party at my place next weekend and you are invited.

J: Really? Thank you. What shall I bring for the party?

M: It's a <...> dinner, so you can bring some food or sweets. Or maybe some flowers.

J: Well, it's a housewarming party, so flowers are a must.

M: So, next weekend. I'll text you with details.

J: Fine. I'll be looking forward to it.

M: Hello, James. I haven't seen you for ages. How are you getting on?

J: Oh, hi, Mary, it's so nice to see you. I'm fine and what about you?

M: Thanks, I'm OK, but a little bit tired.

J: Tired? Have you been studying for that history test you told me about the other day?

M: No, it's not about that. I will still have to take it, though, but I think I'll be fine. I'm good at history.

J: So if it's not your revision, than what?

M: My room has just been repaired. My parents let me change the design as a birthday present. They paid for the new furniture, the workers, the whole nine yards.

J: Oh, Mary, your parents are so generous.

M: Yes, I'm very grateful to them.

J: So what did you change?

M: You know, James, it's hard to tell you in a few words. First of all, I decided my room should be painted beige.

J: That's quite fashionable now. I think I've read about it in some magazine. I imagine it must be looking great.

M: Well, the designer said it was not a good idea for my room because i have very little sunlight there, and beige looks dull if not accompanied by the sun.

J: How very interesting. So what colour did you choose in the end?

M: I chose light green with curtains of a darker green shade.

J: Sounds good to me. What about the furniture?

M: I went to dozens of shops, I think, and then I found what I needed in a very small place. My new furniture is very light, almost white. I used to have my room in really dark colours, so I was ready for some major changes. Then I bought some potted plants and a nice rug and that's it. But the whole process was very tiring and took a lot of energy out of me.

J: Yes. You had to take care of the tiniest details and consult the designer all the time.

M: That's OK. Now I have the room of my dreams. When I wake up in the morning and see all this beauty around me I can't believe it's all mine now.

J: If only I could see it.

M: Well, you have a chance to. I'm having a party at my place next weekend and you are invited.

J: Really? Thank you. What shall I bring for the party?

M: It's a <...> dinner, so you can bring some food or sweets. Or maybe some flowers.

J: Well, it's a housewarming party, so flowers are a must.

M: So, next weekend. I'll text you with details.

J: Fine. I'll be looking forward to it.

B: Hi, Toni. You look busy. Are you grading students' works?

T: Yes, Bill. I've got about 20 IELTS papers to check. I've done half of them, but I still have a lot to go.

B: How is it going so far?

T: Not so bad. I'm marking all of the writing sections first. Reports.

B: Any good?

T: Well, you know that's confidential information.

B: Reports are easy to write though. I would've thought that was what students found easiest. They are like narrative texts which you can't write if you don't have a vivid imagination.

T: Yes, I think you're right. But you'd be surprised at the silly mistakes students make sometimes.

B: For example?

T: Well, lots of people don't read the task carefully, so they end up writing a report about the wrong thing or they read the question too quickly, think they understand what they have to do, but miss out on a whole chunk of information.

B: Yeah, I know what you mean, my students do that in class. They don't realise how important it is just reading the task and thinking about it a bit. What it means, who the report is for, what style they should use. They are always in too much of a hurry to start writing.

T: Yes, I'm sure half the candidates hardly make an outline. It is easy to spot the ones who do. Their reports are much easier to follow, they include all the information and they are noticeably better written.

B: Really?

T: Yes, absolutely.

B: Is it OK if I share this tip with my students?

T: Of course. It should be obvious anyway. I'm sure you've told them before. And one more tip: I think it's a good idea to get your students used to be using some sort of a checklist after they had finished writing their repost. Or at least after they've written the first draft.

B: A checklist?

T: Yes, a list of things to check. Obvious things, but the ones which are often forgotten. Well, to check if the register is the right one, of course, so if the report is supposed to be formal, than it should be formal. No contraptions, no colloquial expressions. And then spelling and headings.

B: Yes, everyone makes spelling mistakes. And usually the same ones again and again. If you can identify your particular mistakes, then you can add them to your checklist.

T: Yes, that's true.

B: Thank you.

B: Hi, Toni. You look busy. Are you grading students' works?

T: Yes, Bill. I've got about 20 IELTS papers to check. I've done half of them, but I still have a lot to go.

B: How is it going so far?

T: Not so bad. I'm marking all of the writing sections first. Reports.

B: Any good?

T: Well, you know that's confidential information.

B: Reports are easy to write though. I would've thought that was what students found easiest. They are like narrative texts which you can't write if you don't have a vivid imagination.

T: Yes, I think you're right. But you'd be surprised at the silly mistakes students make sometimes.

B: For example?

T: Well, lots of people don't read the task carefully, so they end up writing a report about the wrong thing or they read the question too quickly, think they understand what they have to do, but miss out on a whole chunk of information.

B: Yeah, I know what you mean, my students do that in class. They don't realise how important it is just reading the task and thinking about it a bit. What it means, who the report is for, what style they should use. They are always in too much of a hurry to start writing.

T: Yes, I'm sure half the candidates hardly make an outline. It is easy to spot the ones who do. Their reports are much easier to follow, they include all the information and they are noticeably better written.

B: Really?

T: Yes, absolutely.

B: Is it OK if I share this tip with my students?

T: Of course. It should be obvious anyway. I'm sure you've told them before. And one more tip: I think it's a good idea to get your students used to be using some sort of a checklist after they had finished writing their repost. Or at least after they've written the first draft.

B: A checklist?

T: Yes, a list of things to check. Obvious things, but the ones which are often forgotten. Well, to check if the register is the right one, of course, so if the report is supposed to be formal, than it should be formal. No contraptions, no colloquial expressions. And then spelling and headings.

B: Yes, everyone makes spelling mistakes. And usually the same ones again and again. If you can identify your particular mistakes, then you can add them to your checklist.

T: Yes, that's true.

B: Thank you.