Read the following dialogues. Mind the conversational units. Make up your own dialogues on analogy
a) - What can I do for you?
- Could you give me some information?
- Gladly.
(show the quickest way to the station; help me with the papers; go on business instead of me; examine the device thoroughly.)
b) - Do you see that large building on the corner?
- The one with the flag?
- That's right.
(that young tall man - at the window; the yellow building opposite the shop - with the big clock; the book on the shelf - with a green cover; that young chemist - talking to the professor.)
c) - Where is the police station?
- At the end of the street. Go straight ahead.
(the railway station, the bus-stop, the nearest underground station, Lenin street - round the corner, two blocks away from here, far away from here);
d) - Where is the hospital?
- The hospital is two blocks from here just before you come to the main highway.
(Opera and Ballet House; Central Department Store; the nearest cinema hall.)
e) - Where is a newspaper stand near here?
- There's one on the corner.
(a grocery shop, a post-office; a self-service canteen; a drugstore - on the opposite side of the street; a couple of blocks from here; at the end of the street; over there);
f) - Why don't you buy yourself a guidebook?
- That's not a bad idea.
(leave it till tomorrow; consult a radio engineer; gather the
necessary information first; ask our lab assistant for help)
3.14 Conversation: Asking the Way.
-Pardon me.
- What can I do for you?
- Could you give me some information?
- Gladly.
- I don't know this town and I can't find my way round.
- Well, it's quite simple.
- You see, I am a stranger here.
- In that case, I'll show you the town.
- I'd appreciate that a lot.
- Do you see that large building on the corner?
- The one with the flag?
- That's right. That's the Post Office. Opposite it, on the other side of the street...
- Where?
- Over there. Do you see that other building with the clock?
- Oh, yes, now I see.
- That's the City Hall.
- I see... By the way, what's the name of this street?
- Maple Street.
- Where is the police station?
- At the end of the street. Go straight ahead.
- What if I miss it?
- You can't miss it. It's a big building with an iron fence around it. Do you see that store?
- Which store? The one on the right?
- Right. The one with a large green globe in the window.
- Is it a barber shop?
- No, it is a pharmacy. The doctor lives right next door. His name is on the door.
- Does he have his office there as well?
- Yes, but he spends every morning at the hospital.
- Where is the hospital?
- The hospital is two blocks from here just before you come to the highway.
- How can I get back to my hotel?
- Go this way. You see it there, next to the movies.
- Yes. Now I understand.
- Why don't you buy yourself a guidebook?
- That's not a bad idea. Where can I buy one?
- In the station or at any newspaper stand.
- Is the station far from here?
- The station is at the end of Independence Avenue.
- Where is the newspaper stand near here?
- There's one on this corner.
- Thank you very much.
- You're welcome. I'm very glad to have been of any help to you.
- I was certainly lucky to meet you. You really know this town very well.
- No wonder. I'm the mayor.
3.15 Read the dialogue "Asking the way" and answer the following questions:
1. Why did the woman ask for help? 2. What buildings did the man show her first? 3. What explanations did the man make on the doctor's residence and his work? 4. Why was the man such a good guide?
3.16 Speak on:
a) why the lady asked for help. Make use the prompts in brackets (to find the way round; stranger; to appreciate; to get some information; the name of the street; to miss; to be lucky);
b) what information the mayor gave the lady when he was showing her around the town (the building with the clock; the building with a large green globe in the window; to live next door; to have one's office; two blocks a way; at the end of Independence Avenue; to be of any help)
3.17 Read the dialogue "Getting Home".
Joe and Susan a few days in Seattle last month. They left the car at home and stayed in a good hotel in downtown Seattle. They spent a lot of money. This is what happened the day they were leaving for home.
Susan: Why do we have to walk to the bus station? And where is it?
Joe: It's just down this street ... I think.
Susan: Look! There's a policeman! Ask him how to get there.
Joe: All right! Excuse me. Can you tell me how to get to the bus station?
Policeman: Yes. Walk down this street and turn left at the second traffic light. Then walk until you come to the river and ...
Joe: The river?
Policeman: Yes. When you come to the river, there's a bridge. Just walk across it. It's a narrow bridge, so watch traffic. Follow the signs that say "To Westside Bus Terminal". You can't miss it.
Joe: And is it very far? I mean how long does it take to walk there?
Policeman: About fifteen minutes, if you walk fast.
Joe: I see. Thank you very much.
Policeman: Not at all.
Susan: Fifteen minutes! And with these heavy, suitcases too! I think we ought to take a taxi!
Joe: Not at this hour! Look at the traffic, it's moving very slowly. We can get there just as quickly on foot.
Susan: Well, I can't possibly carry this suitcase any further.
Joe: Yes, I can. The suitcases aren't that heavy... hmm!
Susan: You see! They are heavier than you thought.
Joe: Perhaps it's not such a bad idea after all.
Susan: What isn't such a bad idea?
Joe: Taxi! Taxi!
Find the sentences used.
a) for asking the way; giving instructions how to find the way.