American Situational Conversations
18. Taking a Taxi 乘出租汽车
Taxi fares vary from city to city. In some cities, taxis have meters that tell you the fare. For long rides, it is a good idea to ask in advance what the approximate fare will be. This is especially true if you're taking a taxi from an airport. You should tip taxi drivers about 15% of the total fare.
1. A: Kennedy Airport, please. I have to be there by 7:00.
B: I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best.
B: OK. That'll be $12.00, please.
A: Thanks a lot. Here.
2. A: Do you think you can get me to Union station by quarter after?
B: We shouldn't have any trouble if the traffic isn't too heavy.
B: You've got plenty of time. That's $7.65, please.
A: Thank you very much. Here's $10.00. Give me $1.00 back, please.
3. A: The Hilton Hotel, please. I have a 10.30 appointment.
B: You'll be there in plenty of time.
B: Here we are. $8.50, please.
A: Thank you. Here's $10.00. keep the change.
4. A: Grand Central Station, please. I want to try to catch a 6:00 train.
B: I think you'll make it if we don't get stuck in a traffic jam.
B: This is it. That's $9.15, please.
A: Here.
American Situational Conversations
19. At a Railroad Station 在火车站
Long-distance travel by train is not as common in the United Stated as it many other parts of the world. Most train travel is in the "Northeast Corridor" linking Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Special express trains called "Metroliners" travel between New York and Washington, D.C. All seats on these trains are reserved in both coach(2nd class) and club car(1st class). Long-distance trains also serve major cities such as Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Sleeping compartments are available on most long-distance trains and must be reserved in advance. Most trains are operated by AMTRAK, the national railroad corporation.
1. A: What time does the train for Boston leave?
B: 9:25 on Track 12.
A: When does it arrive?
B: It should be there at 11:45, but it may be a little late.
A: How much is a one-way ticket.
B: It's $32.00 coach and $50.00 club car.
2. A: Which train do I take to Philadelphia?
B: Track 4 at 9:30.
A: How long does it take?
B: It's due in at noon.
A: What's the round-trip fare?
B: It's $25.00 one way or $45.00 for a weekend excursion.
3. A: What track does the Metroliner leave from?
B: That's Track 1 at 9:45.
A: What time does it get in?
B: It gets in around 11:45.
A: What's the fare?
B: Coach is $32.00.
4. A: What time's the next train to Washington?
B: That's 9:26 on Track 16.
A: When does it get there?
B: It's scheduled to arrive at 11:50.
A: How much is it?
B: It's $30.00 one way or $55.00 round trip.
American Situational Conversations
20. The New York City Subway 纽约市的地铁
There are subway systems in several cities in the US. New York City has an extensive and rather complicated rapid transit system. Each train is designated by a letter or a number, but most New Yorkers refer to them by such names as the Broadway Local and the 6th Avenue Express. It is important to remember that both local and express trains operate on some lines. You must have a token or, in some cases, the exact change to get on the platforms. Subway maps are available at most token booths.
1. A: Which train do I take to Columbus Circle, please?
B: Take the uptown A train and get off at the next station.
A: And where do I get the train?
B: Just go down those steps.
2. A: How do I get to Rockefeller Center?
B: Take the RR to 34th Street, then change to the D train and go two stops.
A: Which platform is it on?
B: Go down the stairs over there.
3. A: Which line do I take for Greenwich Village?
B: You can take the D, the F or the A. Just make sure you're going downtown.
A: How do I get down to the trains?
B: Take the escalator and then go to the right.
4. A: Can you tell me the best way to get to Wall Street?
B: You want the 7th Avenue Express, the Number 2.
A: Which way should I go?
B: Go straight down those stairs and follow the signs.
