American Situational Conversations



24. On the Highway 在公路上

The interstate highway system makes long-distance travel by car fast and convenient. Interstate highways are clearly marked with numbers: odd numbers mark north and south routes and even numbers mark east and west routes. Such toll roads as turnpikes, thruways and parkways are part of the interstate system. The speed limit on all highways is 55 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. Remember that 1 mile=1.6 kilometers.

1. A: We'd better stop and rest pretty soon.

   B: OK. I'll look at the map to see exactly where we are.

   A: Do you think we'll have any trouble finding a room for the night?

   B: I'm sure it'll be easy to find a place.

2. A: We have to watch for Interstate 87?

   B: Right! We still have a ways to go, though.

   A: How about staying at a hotel in a city tonight?

   B: It might be hard to find a good place to stay this late.

3. A: Let's stop soon. We've driven enough for one day.

   B: All right, but we still have a little farther to to.

   A: I think we should try to find a reasonable motel tonight.

   B: That shouldn't be hard to do.

4. A: Shouldn't we start looking for a place to stay?

   B: OK. Why don't you check the map to see where we are.

   A: I hope we can find a cheap place to spend the night, don't you?

   B: I don't think we'll have any trouble.

American Situational Conversations



25. At a Hotel 在旅馆

Hotel and motel rates vary considerably. In major cities and resort areas, it is advisable to have reservations.

1. A: Do you have any vacancies?

   B: Yes, we have a nice room on the fourth floor.

   A: How much is it?

   B: $45.00 a night, plus tax.

   A: Can I see it, please?

   B: Certainly. Would you come with me?

2. A: Do you have a single room for two nights?

   B: We only have a small suite.

   A: What's the rate?

   B: $50.00 a night, including breakfast.

   A: Fine. Could you show it to me, please?

   B: Of course. Just follow me.

3. A: Can I reserve a double room for next week?

   B: You can have a room facing the ocean.

   A: How much would it be?

   B: $55.00, including tax.

   A: Could I have a look at the room?

   B: Sure. Come this way, please.

4. A: Do you have a double room with twin beds?

   B: I can let you have a room in the new wing.

   A: What's the daily rate?

   B: $60.00 a night.

   A: Could you show me something less expensive?

   B: Yes, of course. Right this way, please.

American Situational Conversations



26. Finding a Room 找住房

In smaller cities and towns, it's usually quite easy to find a room to rent. This is especially true in towns where universities or college are located.

1. A: Do you take in students?

   B: Yes. If you don't mind sharing room, there's one available.

   A: How much is it?

   B: $30.00 a week.

   A: Do you think I could have a look at it, please?

   B: I'm on my way out now. Could you come back in an hour?

2. A: I've been told you might have a vacant room.

   B: Yes. I have a spare room.

   A: How much are you asking?

   B: $10.00 a night.

   A: Could I see the room, please?

   B: Sure. Come on in.

3. A: A friend told em I might find a room here.

   B: Yes. I'll have a room free next week.

   A: What do you charge?

   B: $25.00 a week, but you can't have visitors.

   A: Fine. Would It be OK to look at the room?

   B: Could you come back later? We're right in the middle of dinner.

4. A: I wonder if you can help me. I'm looking for a room.

   B: Yes. I've got a small room.

   A: How much do you charge?

   B: $35.00 a week, but don't allow smoking.

   A: OK. Can I see the room now?

   B: Would you mind waiting? I'm on the telephone.

American Situational Conversations



27. At a Bank 在银行

Banking hours are usually from 9:00 to 3:00, Monday to Friday. Sometimes you can't get service in a bank unless you have an account there.

1. A: I'd like to change these pesos, please.

   B: How do you want them?

   A: It doesn't make any difference.

   B: Did you want anything else?

   A: Yes, I'd like to open an account.

2. A: Would you cash these travelers checks, please?

   B: How would you like them?

   A: In ten dollar bill, please.

   B: Is there anything else?

   A: Yes, I'd like to know how to send money to France.

3. A: Could I change these pounds for dollars, please?

   B: Do you want small bills or large?

   A: It doesn't matter.

   B: Do you want anything else?

   A: Yes, I'd like to know the exchange rate for yen.

4. A: Could you change these for me, please?

   B: What would you like?

   A: Twenties and some smaller bills, please.

   B: Anything else?

   A: Yes. Could you tell me my balance? Here's my account number.

American Situational Conversations



28. In a Post Office 在邮局

Every mailing address in the United States has a "ZIP code" which should be used whenever possible. Post offices are generally open from 8:30 to 5:00 from Monday to Friday and until noon on Saturday.

美国每一个通信地址都编有邮政号码, 应该尽量加以利用。邮局的营业时间一般是星期一到星期五的上午8点半至下午5点半，星期六只营业至中午。

1. A: How much is an airmail letter to Japan?

   B: I'll have to check. Can I help you with anything else?

   A: I'd like a 20 cent stamp, please.

   B: There you are.

2. A: Could you tell me how much it would cost to send this to France by regular mail?

   B: I'll look it up. Is there anything else?

   A: Yes. I'd like five airmail stamps.

   B: Here you are.

3. A: How much would a post card to Brazil be?

   B: Let me check for you. Do you need anything else?

   A: Yes. I'd like a book of 20 cent stamps, please.

   B: Here you are.

4. A: How much more would it cost to send this special delivery?

   B: Just a second. I'll have to check that? Anything else I can do for you?

   A: Yes. I'd like to send a $20.00 money order.

   B: There you go.

American Situational Conversations



29. Getting a Haircut 理发

Many barber shops or hair stylists now cut both men's and women's hair. Prices vary considerably and it's sometimes necessary to make an appointment.

许多专理男发或女发的理发店现在男女发均理，理发的价格相差很大，而且有时候理发还需预约。

1. A: How do you want it?

   B: Cut it short all over.

   A: Would you like it washed?

   B: No, thank you. It's OK.

2. A: How would you like it?

   B: Trim the back, but leave it long on the sides, please.

   A: Do you want a shampoo?

   B: No, thanks.

3. A: How would you like me to cut it?

   B: Just a trim, please.

   A: Do you want it thinned?

   B: No, I don't think so, thanks.

4. A: What do you want me to do?

   B: Not too much off, please.

   A: Do you want a conditioner?

   B: No, that's fine, thanks.

American Situational Conversations



30. Shopping 购物

Clothing sizes are measured differently in the United States from the way they're measured in countries where the metric system is used.

美国服装尺寸的量法和使用公制单位的国家不一样。

1. A: Are you being helped?

   B: No. What do you have in brown suede jackets, size 40?

   A: The closest I have is a 38.

   B: Do you think you'll be getting any more in?

   A: No, but they might have them at our other store.

2. A: Is anybody waiting on you?

   B: No. I'm trying to find a green sweater in extra large.

   B: We have your size, but not in that color.

   A: Can you order one for me?

   B: Certainly. Just give me your name and address.

3. A: Is somebody taking care of you?

   B: No. I'd like a long-sleeved shirt in yellow, medium.

   A: I think we're out of your size.

   B: Well, can you get me one?

   A: I think so. Check back next week.

4. A: Is anyone helping you?

   B: No. I'm looking for a navy blue raincoat, size 36.

   A: I'm afraid we don't have any left.

   B: Will you be getting more in?

   A: Yes. Try us again next Monday.

American Situational Conversations



31. Planning an Evening Out (1) 计划晚间的外出活动

In the United States girls and boys usually begin to go out on "dates" when they are 14 or 15. Typical dates include going to the movies, going dancing or going to a party.

美国的男女孩子通常到十四,五岁时开始外出约会. 典型的约会是看电影,跳舞或参加社交聚会.

1. A: How would you like to go to a movie tonight?

   B: Thanks for asking, but I don't think so.

   A: Then what about trying that new Chinese restaurant?

   B: No. I'd rather stay home and watch TV.

2. A: How about going to see Maria tonight?

   B: Not tonight. Maybe another time.

   A: Come on! It would do you good to get out.

   B: No. I want to get to bed early tonight.

3. A: Let's go roller-skating.

   B: I really don't feel like it tonight.

   A: Well, would you like to do anything?

   B: No. If you don't mind, I'm just going to stay home tonight.

4. A: Why don't we go dancing?

   B: No. I'm really not in the mood.

   A: Then why don't we just go out and get something to eat?

   B: No. I want to stay home tonight for a change.

American Situational Conversations



32. Planning an Evening Out 计划晚间的外出活动

It's OK to make plans with friends at the last minute. It's more polite, however, to make them ahead of time.

临时作出计划约请朋友是可以的,但是提前安排好计划则更为礼貌.

1. A: How about going to hear a country-and-western singer tonight?

   B: I'd enjoyed that.

   A: I' pick you up around 8:00.

   B: OK. I'll see you then.

2. A: Do you feel like going to see Paul and Claire tonight?

   B: I'd like that very much.

   A: How does 7:30 sound?

   B: Fine. See you late.

3. A: Would you like to go to a party tonight?

   B: That sounds like a good idea?

   A: Would 7:00 be OK?

   B: That's fine. I'm looking forward to it.

4. A: Why don't you have dinner with me tonight?

   B: I'd love to.

   A: Let's say about 6:00?

   B: That's OK with me.

American Situational Conversations



33. Buying Theater Tickets 买戏票

Going to the theater is very popular and shows are often sold out far in advance. It is a good idea to buy your tickets in advance if you want to see a particular show. It is not necessary to tip the person who shows you to your seat in a theater.

人们很喜欢看戏,而且戏票常常是很早就预售一空. 如果你想看某一场演出,最好是提前买票. 没有必要给剧院领座的人付小费.

1. A: I'd like to reserve two seats for tomorrow night.

   B: Would you like orchestra seats?

   A: Isn't there anything less expensive?

   B: Not unless you want the matinee.

2. A: Can I still get tickets for tonight's performance?

   B: The front balcony is still availavle.

   A: Aren't there any other seats?

   B: No, I'm afraid that's it.

3. A: Are there any seats left for Saturday night?

   B: I still have a fiw seats in the mezzanine.

   A: I suppose there's nothing cheaper, is there?

   B: No. Nothing. I'm sorry.

4. A: Is there anything available for tonight?

   B: There are some seats in the rear mezzanine.

   A: Isn't there anything else available?

   B: No, the show is almost sold out.