Being tactful when you're describing people

People can be sensitive about their body shape or age, so be careful when you're describing people. In particular, three words that can cause offense are "fat", "thin" and "old".

Using "a bit" or "a little" before adjectives can make what you say sound more tactful. For example, "He's a little heavy" or "She's a bit overweight" are less direct (and more polite).

Here are some alternatives to fat, thin and old.

Alternatives to "fat"
overweight / heavy / plump / a bit chubby (chubby is especially used for children)
curvy /curvaceous (for women) / statuesque (i.e. tall and well-built)
well-built / a big man (for men)

Alternatives to "thin"
slim = no fat, but not skinny
slender / petite (especially for women)
wiry = without an inch of fat

Alternatives to "old"
a pensioner / elderly (75+) / a senior citizen
middle-aged (50 +)

Dialogue2

A University Degree

Daughter: Uh, Dad. Are you going to miss me when I leave for college next week?

Father: Yahoo!

Daughter: No, Dad . . . seriously. I mean you're always talking about how much money you'll save on food, hot water, and gas while I am gone.

Father: Of course I will . . . no, uh, well, I'll miss you, of course. No, honestly, I'll miss and worry about you, and you've really tried to prepare yourself. You know, I'm proud of you for that. You know, getting a university degree is a real accomplishment.

Daughter: Exactly.

Father: But, let's go over the to-do list. Do you have everything ready? I mean, did you pay your tuition and housing fees by the deadline? [Yeap.] Because, you know, if you don't, you'll lose your class schedule, and you have to register all over again.

Daughter: Yeah, I paid for that a few days ago.

Father: Okay, did you sign up for the meal plan at the university so you don't have to eat instant noodles everyday?

Daughter: Yeap. But Mom said I could take some food from home to get me started.

Father: Uhhh, well, yeah. The oatmeal is in the pantry.

Daughter: Dad! Mom said I could take a bag of rice, some canned food, and . . .

Father: . . . and grandpa's old army rations.

Daughter: Ugh! Not that old stuff. Mom!

Father: Okay, okay. And you know you should set up an appointment to meet with your academic advisor to help you select future classes, right? [Yeah.] You know, business administration will be a great major for you.

Daughter: Well, Dad, uh . . .

Father: And future possibilities . . . a great salary, opportunities to make a difference in the community, and [Dad. I changed my major.] supporting . . .

Father: What? You changed you major . . . you switched majors!?

Daughter: Yeah. I really thought about it. After talking it over with Mom, I've decided to major in wildlife science.

Father: What? What are you talking about?

Daughter: Yeah. I want to degree in wildlife science. You know, analyzing, maintaining, and conserving national forests and wildlife.

Father: What? Uh, uhh . . .

Daughter: Dad. You can close your mouth now. I mean, I've ALWAYS been interested in working with nature; [Well.] You know that, and this field will give me the opportunity to live out my dream. [Well . . . ] I've also looked through the online university catalog, and I actually qualify for a two-year, full tuition scholarship.

Father: Wait. When did this all happen?

Daughter: I can even go on to graduate school and further my education . . . after Todd and I get married, of course.

Father: Graduate school . . . Todd? Wait, wait, wait!! Who's Todd? Ah, what's next?

Daughter: Thanks for the credit card. Mom said it was a present. And I just tried it out to make sure it worked, and I had no problem buying my new laptop computer. [Oh, I'm doomed!] Uh, Dad, where are you going?

Father: Uh, I've decided to enroll in night school to get another degree. That's the only way I'm going to pay for your college.

Key Vocabulary

• yahoo (interjection): shouted when you are excited about something
  - Yahoo! I won two tickets to the concert.
• accomplishment (noun): something successful you do after a lot of hard work
  - The company recognized my father's accomplishments and gave him a promotion.
• tuition (noun): the money you pay to take classes and be taught
  - I had to work all summer at two jobs to earn enough money for college tuition.
• pantry (noun): a small closet or storeroom where food is kept.
  - My sister took a lot of food from the pantry before she left for college.
• rations (noun): an amount of food given out for each meal, particularly when there is not much available in times of war or emergency
  - The soldiers survived on rations during the darkest days of the war.
• talk it over (phrasal verb): discuss a problem or situation before you make a decision
  - You really need to talk it over with your parents before you decide to transfer to another school.
• analyze (verb): examine carefully
  - The rescue workers quickly analyzed the situation before they entered the building.
• maintain (verb): take care of something so it stays in good condition
  - You really need to maintain all of your hiking gear in good condition because you never know when you'll need it.
• conserve (verb): protect something from destruction or loss
  - If the missing hikers conserve their energy and food, they should be able to survive a few more days.
• live out (phrasal verb): do something you have planned or hoped for
  - Although my grandfather was quite old, he was able to live out his dream of graduating from high school, something he wasn't able to do 60 years ago.
• further (verb): help forward or promote
  - The university wants to further educational opportunities by providing additional scholarships.
• be doomed (verb): certain to die or be destroyed
  - My sister's plan to go to college was doomed from the beginning because she had terrible grades in high school, and she hadn't saved any money for tuition.
• enroll in (verb): go to or attend
  - More and more students are enrolling in computer science because they see a future in that field.

1. What will happen if the woman doesn't pay her tuition by the due date?
A. She'll have to pay a significant late fee.
B. She'll be required to register again for school.
C. She'll need to wait a semester to take classes.

2. What is the woman planning to take with her to school from home?
A. some food
B. warm clothing
C. her game system

3. Based on her major, where will she most likely work?
A. at a bank
B. for a school
C. in a national park

4. The father suggests a specific major based on the possibility of _______________.
A. earning a decent living
B. traveling to different countries
C. moving up in the company

5. The man is surprised by the fact that his daughter ________________________.
A. already has a part-time job at school
B. has earned a scholarship for the first year
C. is involved in a serious relationship

Dialogue 3

College Life

Maria: Oh, hi Dave. Long time, no see!

Dave: Hi Maria. I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd drop by.

Maria: Come on in. [Thanks.] Take a seat. Would you like anything to drink? I have Sprite or orange juice.

Dave: Sprite would be fine. Uh, so, how have you been?

Maria: Oh, not bad. And you?

Dave: Oh, I'm doing okay, but school has been really hectic these days, and I haven't had time to relax.

Maria: By the way, what's your major anyway?

Dave: Hotel management.

Maria: Well, what do you want to do once you graduate?

Dave: Uh... I haven't decided for sure, but I think I'd like to work for a hotel or travel agency in this area. How about you?

Maria: Well, when I first started college, I wanted to major in French, but I realized I might have a hard time finding a job using the language, so I changed majors to computer science. [Oh]. With the right skills, landing a job in the computer industry shouldn't be as difficult.

Dave: So, do you have a part-time job to support yourself through school?

Maria: Well, fortunately for me, I received a four-year academic scholarship [Wow] that pays for all of my tuition and books.

Dave: Wow. That's great.

Maria: Yeah. How about you? Are you working your way through school?

Dave: Yeah. I work three times a week at a restaurant near campus.

Maria: Oh. What do you do there?

Dave: I'm a cook.

Maria: How do you like your job?

Dave: It's okay. The other workers are friendly, and the pay isn't bad.

Key Vocabulary

• hectic (adjective): very busy
  - Life is always very hectic when you're trying to work and go to school at the same time.
• major (noun or verb): course of study
  - I'm thinking about majoring in computer science next year. (verb)
  - What is your major? (noun)
• land (a job) (verb): to secure, win, or get a job
  - It is becoming increasingly difficult to land a job in the field of language teaching.
• work (your way) through (school) (verb): think through, in this case, work while going to school to support yourself
  - Since my parents had no money, I had no choice but to work myself through school
  - Sometimes we just have to work through many new experiences before we understand the language and culture.

1. What does the man want to do after he graduates?
A. He wants to become a teacher.
B. He hopes to go on to graduate school.
C. He'd like to work at a hotel.

2. What is the woman majoring in?
A. history
B. French
C. computer science

3. How does the woman pay for college?
A. She has a part-time job.
B. She received a scholarship.
C. Her parents are paying for it.

4. Where does the man work part-time?
A. at a bakery
B. in a library
C. at a restaurant

5. What thing did the man NOT say about his job?
A. His co-workers are friendly.
B. He works long hours.
C. The pay is okay.

Dialogue 4

Nice to meet you

Teacher: Oh, hi. What was your name again. I can't keep straight all the students' names this being the second day of school.

Student: It's okay. I have a hard time remembering names myself.

Teacher: How, uh, Karen, right?

Student: No, it's Nancy. My mom's name is Karen.

Teacher: Nancy. Okay. I think I heard you were from England.

Student: Well, I was born there, but my parents are American. I grew up in France.

Teacher: Oh, a world traveller!

Student: But then we moved here when I was nine.

Teacher: So, what does your father do now?

Student: Well, he's a college professor, and he is in Scotland at the moment.

Teacher: How interesting. What does he teach?

Student: Oh, I haven't a clue. Nah, just joking. He teaches chemistry.

Teacher: Oh, chemistry, and uh, what about your mother?

Student: She works full time at home.

Teacher: Oh, and what, does she have her own business or something?

Student: Nah, she takes care of me.

Teacher: Well, being a homemaker can be a real hard, but rewarding job.

Student: I think so too.

Key Vocabulary

• keep straight (verb): remember clearly
  - You need to keep the facts straight if you want to pass the test.
• nah: no (informal)
  Do you want to come to the party?
  Nah. I have other plans that evening.
• homemaker (noun): housewife
  - His wife is a homemaker.

1. Where does this conversation most likely take place?
A. at a park
B. at a school
C. at a birthday party
D. at a music recital

2. What is the girl's name?
A. Kathy
B. Karen
C. Nancy
D. Nanny

3. Where does the girl probably live now?
A. in Scotland
B. in France
C. in England
D. in the United States

4. What does the girl's father do for a living?
A. He is a travel agent.
B. He is a professor.
C. He is computer programmer.
D. He is a French teacher.

5. What is one thing NOT mentioned about the girl's family?
A. why her parents lived in England for several years
B. where her mother works at the present time
C. where the girl grew up
D. how old the girl was when she moved to her present location

Dialogue 5

Where are you from?

Tom: Hi. I don't think we've met. My name's Tom.

Jenny: Hi, Tom. Nice to meet you. My name is Juanita, but everybody calls me Jenny.

Tom: Nice to meet you, Jenny. So, where are you from?

Jenny: Well, originally I'm from Argentina, but we moved to the United States when I was about five years old. My parents now live in Chile. That's where they first met. How about you, Tom?

Tom: I was born in Fresno, California, and we lived there until I was seven. Then, since my father worked for the military, we moved all over the place.

Jenny: Oh yeah? Where are some of the places you've lived?

Tom: Mostly, we were overseas. We spent ten years in Korea, Germany, and Okinawa, Japan, and then, we were transferred back to the States three years ago.

Jenny: Wow. It sounds like you've had an interesting life. So, what do you do now?

Tom: I'm a university student.

Jenny: Oh really? What are you studying?

Tom: I'm majoring in psychology. How about you? What do you do?

Jenny: Well, I'm working as a sales representative for computer company called CompTech downtown.

Tom: No kidding! My brother works there too.

1. What is the woman's name?
A. Julie
B. Jenny
C. Jane

2. Where is the woman from originally?
A. Argentina
B. the United States
C. Chile

3. About how old was the man when he returned to the United States?
A. 7 years old
B. 10 years old
C. 17 years old

4. What is the man studying?
A. physics
B. biology
C. psychology

5. What is the woman's job?
A. a sales representative
B. a computer programmer
C. a receptionist

Tell me about yourself

Hi. My name's Greg, and I'm originally from Denver, Colorado, but my family moved to Arizona when I was about 3, so I grew up there. I graduated from high school about three years ago, and I am currently attending a university in my city. I'm a junior, and I am majoring in economics with a minor in Spanish. I also work part time as a cashier at a grocery store. Life is really busy, but I enjoy hiking, reading, and hanging out with friends in my free time. When I graduate, I want to work for a company in this area.

• originally (adverb): in the beginning, in the first place
  - My mom is originally from a small town in Texas.
• currently (adverb): now, at this time
  - She is currently working as a server at a restaurant.
• attend (verb): go to
  - I want to attend a school near my family.
• junior (noun): third-year student
  - He is only a junior, so he has another year to graduate.
• major in (verb): have as one's main field of study
  - I'm thinking about majoring in restaurant and hotel management.
• cashier (noun): a person who receives and pays out money at a store
  - Kathy found a job as a cashier at a restaurant.
• grocery store (noun): supermarket
  - My brother works full time as the manager of a grocery store.
• hang out (phrasal verb): spend time with, socialize
  - We usually hang out with friends after school.

1. What is the man's name?
A. Craig
B. Greg
C. Gary

2. Where was the man born?
A. Arizona
B. Kansas
C. Colorado

3. Which sentence best describes his university studies?
A. He is a third-year student.
B. He is majoring in Spanish.
C. He really enjoys his studies.

4. Where does the man work?
A. at a bookstore
B. at a restaurant
C. at a supermarket

5. What is one thing the man likes to do in his free time?
A. reading
B. jogging
C. camping

Dialogue 6

Haven’t we met before?

Man: Hi. Uh, haven't we met before? You look so familiar.

Woman: Yeah. We met on campus last week, [Yeah!] and you asked me the same question.

Man: Oh, oh really? I'm really sorry, but I'm terrible with names. But, but, but . . . Let me guess. It's Sherry, right?

Woman: No, but you got the first letter right.

Man: I know, I know. It's on the tip of my tongue. Wait. Uh, Sandy, Susan. [Nope. So, was I that memorable?] Wait, wait. It's Sharon.

Woman: You got it . . . and only on the fourth try.

Man: So, well, Sh . . ., I mean Sharon. How are you?

Woman: Not bad. And what was your name?

Man: It's Ben, but everyone calls me B.J. And, uh, what do you do, Sh . . . Sharon?

Woman: I'm a graduate student majoring in TESL.

Man: Uh, TESL . . . What's that?

Woman: It stands for teaching English as a second language. I want to teach English to non-native speakers overseas.

Man: Oh, yeah. I'm pretty good at that English grammar. You know, verbs and adjectives, and uh . . . Hey, that's sound really exciting. And do you need some type of specific degree or experience to do that? I mean could I do something like that?

Woman: Well, most employers overseas are looking for someone who has at least a Bachelor's degree and one or two years of experience. [Oh!] And what do you do? Are you a student on campus?

Man: Yeah, but, uh . . . I guess I'm mulling over the idea of going into accounting or international business, but I guess I'm leaning now towards a degree in marketing.

Woman: Oh, uh, . . . Well, I have to run. I have a class in ten minutes.

Man: Oh, okay. And, uh, by the way, there's this, uh, dance on campus at the student center tonight, and I was wondering if you'd . . . you know . . . like to come along.

Woman: Oh really? Well, perhaps . . . .

Man: Okay, well, bye.

Key Vocabulary

• on the tip of one's tongue (idiom): to be at the point of remembering something
  - Oh, what is her name again? It's on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't remember it.
• memorable (adjective): worth remembering
  - College graduation was a real memorable experience for me.
• major (verb, also noun): have as your main field of study
  - My brother wants to major in education.
• overseas (adverb): in a foreign country
  - My family lived overseas for several years.
• mull over (verb): think over
  - My brother wants to mull over different job offers before he makes a decision.

. Where did the man and woman first meet?
A. at a party
B. at school
C. at a friend's house

2. What is the woman's name?
A. Sharon
B. Susan
C. Sherry

3. In what field is the woman majoring?
A. engineering
B. computer science
C. education

4. What major is the man considering most at this time?
A. international business
B. accounting
C. marketing

5. Do you think the woman is interested in going out with the man?
A. yes
B. no

Dialogue 7

College majors

Man: I wonder if this is going to be an interesting class.

Woman: Yeah. Me too. So, what's your major?

Man: Well, I've been batting around the idea of going into business, but I haven't decided yet. And my dad keeps telling me I have to choose a major, but I'm undeclared at the moment.

Woman: Ah, that's what happened to me my freshman year.

Man: Oh, so what year are you in school?

Woman: I'm a senior, and I only have to take 10 more credits to graduate. Yeah!

Man: Well. That must feel great to be almost finished with school.

Woman: You can say that again, but once I graduate, I have to start repaying a student loan, so I'm not looking forward to that.

Man: But didn't your parents help you out with your college tuition?

Woman: No. My dad said he wasn't made of money, so he thought I should earn my own education, so I worked like crazy in the summer and part-time during the school year to cover most of my costs. [Well, that's parents for you.] And, I received some financial aid and a scholarship one year, which really saved me. [Ah, that's nice.] But this past year, school has been more demanding, so I haven't been able to work as much.

Man: Well, you know, at least you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Woman: That's true.

Man: Well, have you lined up a job yet?

Woman: Not yet, but I'm trying to line up a few interviews at the job fair next month.

Man: Well, at least you have some ideas on your future. I mean, I'm taking a business class right now, and the teacher always lectures us by saying that life is difficult, and we should prepare for our futures by setting realistic goals. And the only place that success comes before . . .

Woman: . . . work is in the dictionary. {Yeah!?] Yeah. I've heard that all before. Let me guess. Is your teacher Paul Jones?

Man: Yeah. How do you know? I mean, did you have him too? I mean, the guy is, you know, he's just really . . .

Woman: He's my dad. Yeap.

Man: Your dad? I mean, I didn't mean anything by what I said. I wasn't bad-mouthing him or anything. I mean he's a good teacher and all. It's just that . . .

Woman: . . . he's a dad. That's what dads do. Lecture. He has about a thousand sermons on life, and he always shares them in his classes.

Man: Yeah. Well, um . . . , nice talking with you. I have . . . I have to go.

Woman: Same here. Bye. I'll tell Mr. Jones you said hello, and maybe we can study together at my house? [Nah, nah, nah . . .]

Key Vocabulary

• so: often used when changing the topic of the conversation
  - So, what do you want to do after you graduate?
• bat around (idiom): consider different choices, including the positive and negative points of each option
  - My daughter batted around a few ideas on where to travel over the holidays until she settled on Hawaii.
• you can say that again (idiom): used when completely agreeing with someone
  - So, you think the teacher is too difficult? You can say that again.
• help out (phrasal verb): help someone who is in need, especially when they have problems
  - Because my parents are old, I try to help them out whenever I can.
• see the light at the end of the tunnel (idiom): something that gives you hope for the future after a period of difficult problems or challenges
  - College life was difficult, but by my last semester, I felt more relaxed because I could see the light at the end of the tunnel: graduation was just around the corner.
• line up (phrasal verb): arrange
  - I need to line up an appointment with my school advisor by the end of the week.
• realistic (realistic): actually possible
  - My younger brother isn't very realistic; he thinks he can get a great-paying job right out of high school without any training.
• bad-mouth (idiom): criticize
  - He always bad-mouths people behind their backs. If you have anything to say about people, it's best to say it to their faces.
• sermon (noun): a talk with moral advice about life
  - The minister gave an interesting sermon at church this past week about serving others in need.

1. Where does the conversation most likely take place?
A. in a college dormitory
B. in a university classroom
C. at the school's library

2. What year is the woman in college?
A. second year
B. third year
C. fourth year

3. Which statement is NOT true about her paying for college?
A. She is currently repaying student loans.
B. She has worked to earn college tuition.
C. She received a scholarship.

4. What is her future job situation?
A. She will work in her father's business after she graduates.
B. She wants to go on to graduate school the following month.
C. She hopes to have interviews with different companies soon.

5. What surprising information do we find out at the end of the conversation?
A. The woman is dating the man's business teacher.
B. Paul Jones, a college teacher, is the woman's father.
C. The man and woman are actually long-lost relatives.

Dialogue 8

Career Search

Ashley: Ryan. I just want you to know that I'm going to go to school to become an auto mechanic.

Ryan: Uh what? Does Dad know about this?

Ashley: Who cares? It's my life. I really enjoy working on cars.

Ryan: Oh, I get it. You want to study auto mechanics because of your new boyfriend. What's his name? Jimmy or something? Listen, auto mechanics is a man's job.

Ashley: No, you got it all wrong. [What?] First of all, his name is James, and second, he doesn't work at an auto shop anymore. He had a job there for five years, and he really liked his job because he learned how to identify problems and fix things. You, on the other hand, can't even change the toilet paper roll in the bathroom.

Ryan: Hey, that's not fair.

Ashley: And James is now back in college. He's majoring in nursing.

Ryan: Nursing? Nursing? That's a woman's job?

Ashley: I cannot believe I'm hearing this. A man can be a nurse, and they can do the job just as well as anybody else. Nurses, whether they are men or women, care for the sick, the elderly. Things like that.

Ryan: Uh.

Ashley: And are you saying that women can't be farmers, carpenters, or truck drivers?

Ryan: Well, most men do those jobs, so . . . Anyway, women can do them if they want. I just think that women are better suited to be secretaries, waitresses, piano teachers. You know.

Ashley: Man, you're stuck in the 18th century. No one will marry you.

Ryan: Oh, well, just forget this. But not to change the subject, but I'm having a problem with my car, and I was wondering if Jimmy, I mean James, could take a look at it.

Ashely: Forget it. Start pushing!

Ryan: Ah!

Key Vocabulary]

• auto mechanic (noun): a person who repairs cars
  - It took him two years of training to become an auto mechanic.
• get something (idiom): understand something
  - At first, I didn't understand the job very well, but I kept asking questions, and I eventually got it.
• elderly (noun): older people, seniors
  - The elderly often receive support from family and friends.
• carpenter (noun): a person who builds furniture and houses
  - My brothers work as carpenters for a construction company.
• be suited (verb): be appropriate
  - Because of his skills, he is very suited for a teaching job overseas.

1. What kind of career does the woman want to pursue?
A. She wants to become a sales associate for an auto company.
B. She is interested in repairing and maintaining cars and other vehicles.
C. The woman wants to major in mechanical engineering.

2. Right now, the woman's boyfriend is ___________________.
A. majoring in secondary education
B. pursuing a career in auto mechanics
C. getting a degree in a medical field

3. What does Ryan think about James' future career?
A. He thinks that there is no money in that profession.
B. He believes that James isn't qualified for the job.
C. He feels that James is pursuing a job designed for women.

4. Ryan suggests that women are more suited for jobs in _____________.
A. education and office work
B. farming and house cleaning
C. nursing and child care

5. At the end of the conversation, the man ends up ___________.
A. making his own dinner
B. taking care of his own car
C. apologizing to James

Dialogue 9

College Textbooks

Carl: Hey, Sis. Are you interested in buying some used books for school? You can really save some money that way.

Ashley: Well, what do you have?

Carl: Well, let's see. I have a science book called, Today's World, and I'm selling it for thirty dollars.

Ashley: Thirty? That's a little expensive for a beat-up book like that.

Carl: Maybe so, but I bought it for sixty. Plus, I wrote a lot of notes in the book that should help you with the class . . . if you could read my writing.

Ashley: What else are you selling?

Carl: Okay, I have English writing textbook for fourteen dollars, a math book for twenty-three, and a novel for only seven bucks.

Ashley: Uh, Hmmm.

Carl: It's up to you. You know, these things go fast. I mean you have to listen to my advice as your older brother.

Ashley: Psh. I'll take the English book and the novel. I need both of those for sure. I think I'll hold off on buying other books for now. [Okay.] Teachers are always changing their minds about textbooks. [Alright.] And, what are those books?

Carl: Which ones? Ah, ah, nothing. Never mind.

Ashley: Wait, wait, wait. Finding Your Perfect Someone. You're selling it for forty dollars? What's, what's this all about? And the price?

Carl: Well. You . . It's a . . . It's just a marital relations class. You know about finding a partner. You know, mom's always, you know, on me about that. What does it matter to you anyway?

Ashley: Forty dollars? That's a little expense.

Carl: Well, they guarantee results, but ah, never mind. You would never understand.

Ashley: What about this one? Introduction to Gourmet Cooking? Why did you take this class? You hate cooking.

Carl: Well, um, I have a friend who's into cooking, and she's [She?] . . . I mean, my friend's taking the class. I mean, ugh, does it really matter?

Ashley: A marriage class . . . a close female friend . . . a cooking textbook . . . I think I get the picture. Mom's going to be excited about this.

Carl: Ah, you got it all wrong. So, do you want to buy any of these textbooks or not?

Key Vocabulary

• sis (noun): informal for sister
  - Hey, sis. Do you want a ride to school today?
• beat-up (adjective): in bad condition
  - I don't care if the book is all beat-up as long as it is cheap.
• buck (noun): informal for dollar
  - You can save a few bucks if you buy used books from friends or online.
• hmmm: a sound that people make when they are thinking about what to say
  - Hmmm. That's a difficult question. Let me think about it.
• psh: expression of lack of respect
  - Did she really say that she studies really hard? Psh. She's always skipping class, so there's no way she is doing well in school.
• hold off on (phrasal verb): wait
  - My daughter decided to hold off on attending college this semester.
• never mind: don't worry about something
  - Well, never mind. I think I'll buy the book online instead. Thanks for offering to sell me your book.
• be on someone (phrasal verb): complain about someone or something that a person does
  - His wife is always on him for spending so much money on textbooks and then not attending classes regularly.
• be into something (phrasal verb): be interested in something
  - My brother is really into swimming. He goes to the pool everyday.
• ugh: expression of dislike or disgust
  - Ugh. I can't believe you didn't pass that class even though you spent so much money on books and tuition. I guess that's your fault because you never went to class much.
• get the picture (idiom): understand
  - Kathy says she doesn't want to go out with me, but I think I get the picture now. She's just not interested in me.

1. The man is selling his science book, Today's World for ___________.
A. $13
B. $30
C. $33

2. Why is the woman surprised by the price of the science book?
A. She thinks that the book is in pretty bad condition.
B. She feels that she can find the book cheaper on the Internet.
C. She says that the textbook is an old copy.

3. Which book does the woman NOT buy?
A. an English writing textbook
B. a math textbook
C. a novel

4. The man's textbook on marriage is called, Finding the Perfect _____________.
A. Friend
B. Partner
C. Someone

5. Why does the man want to study cooking?
A. He wants to learn to cook because he lives on his own.
B. He wants to major in hotel management in the future.
C. He has a friend who's taking the same class.

Dialogue 10

Student Credit Card

Man: Hi, Sis. I just came over to drop off the DVDs you wanted, and . . . Hey, wow!? Where did you get all of this stuff?

Woman: I bought it. So, what do you think of my new entertainment center? And the widescreen TV . . .

Man: Bought it?

Woman: . . . and my new DVD player. Here, let me show you my stereo. You can really rock the house with this one.

Man: But where did you get the dough to buy all this? You didn't borrow money from mom and dad again, did you?

Woman: Of course not. I got it with this!

Man: This? Let me see that . . . Have you been using Dad's credit card again?

Woman: No, silly. It's mine. It's student credit card.

Man: A student credit card? How in the world did you get one of these?

Woman: I got an application in the mail.

Man: Well, why did you get one in the first place?

Woman: Listen. Times are changing, and having a credit card helps you build a credit rating, control spending, and even buy things that you can't pay with cash . . . like the plane ticket I got recently.

Man: What plane ticket?

Woman: Oh yeah, my roommate and I are going to Hawaii over the school break, and course, I needed some new clothes for that so . . .

Man: I don't want to hear it. How does having a student credit card control spending? It sounds you've spent yourself in a hole. Anyway, student credit cards just lead to impulse spending . . . as I can see here. And the interest rates of student credit cards are usually sky-high, and if you miss a payment, the rates, well, just jump!

Woman: Ah. The credit card has a credit limit . . .

Man: . . . of $20,000?

Woman: No, no quite that high. Anyway, . . .

Man: I've heard enough.

Woman: Did I tell you we now get digital cable with over 100 channels? Oh, and here's your birthday present. A new MP3 player . . .

Man: Yeah. Oh, don't tell me. Charged on the credit card. Listen. Hey, I don't think having a student credit card is a bad idea, but this is ridiculous. And how in the world are you going to pay off your credit card bill?

Woman: Um, with my birthday money? It's coming up in a week.

Man: Hey, let's sit down and talk about how you're going to pay things back, and maybe we can come up with a budget that will help you get out of this mess. That's the least I can do.

Key Vocabulary

Listen to the key vocabulary and sample sentences:

• stuff (noun): miscellaneous items
  - His room is filled with stuff he bought on his credit card.
• dough (noun): informal for money
  - He didn't have enough dough to buy the TV, so he borrowed money from his brother.
• in the world: used to emphasize something you say
  - Why in the world would you buy an expensive TV if you didn't have enough money?
• rating (noun): a measure to show how good something is
  - You should look over the ratings for MP3 players before you buy one.
• over (preposition): during
  - You shouldn't travel over the weekend because the weather is expected to be terrible.
• spend yourself in a hole (idiom): spend too much that leads to heavy debt
  - Some people spend themselves in a hole because they can't control their shopping habits.
• impulse (noun): a sudden desire
  - You can let your impulses to buy stuff get in the way of good common sense and judgement.
• sky-high (adjective): very expensive
  - Prices for houses in this area are sky-high, so I'm going to look for an apartment for the time being.
• ridiculous (adjective): absurd, silly, without good reason
  - Spending more money than you earn is ridiculous and can lead you to major financial problems.
• pay back (phrasal verb): return money you owe
  - Could you lend me $20 if I pay you back by the end of the week.

1. According to the conversation, which item did the woman NOT purchase with her credit card?
A. a digital camera
B. a TV
C. a stereo

2. What is one reason to explain why the woman obtained a student credit card?
A. She wants to buy things at a discount using the card.
B. She hopes to establish a good credit rating.
C. She doesn't want to borrow from her parents.

3. What is one problem NOT mentioned in the conversation?
A. People generally have a difficult time getting out of debt.
B. Students often apply for more credit cards than they need.
C. The interest rates on student cards are very high.

4. What does the woman imply about how she plans on resolving her credit card problems?
A. She hopes that someone will give her the money.
B. She plans on getting rid of her student credit cards.
C. She is going to return the items she purchased on the card.

5. What is the man going to do for the woman to help her manage her money?
A. help her find a better paying job to cover her expenses
B. teach her how to prepare a financial management plan
C. show her how she can apply for low-interest student credit cards