Click on the audio buttons and listen to
this conversation between George and Mildred while you check
their comments with the audio transcription.
MILDRED:
Right, that's Kirsty. Now, who's next
on the list? Oh, Phyllis. What shall we get her? Oh, aren't
these statuettes nice?
GEORGE:
I'd rather we got
her something useful. She's got enough rubbish in that flat
already. What about an ashtray? Here, look, these are nice.
And cheap – she never spends much on us.
MILDRED:
That's enough about my relatives,
George. You know she's not as well-off as us.
GEORGE:
Well, what about this vase? Or one of
these bowls?
MILDRED:
Mmm, they're pretty. She could put
fruit in that. Yes, I think that'll suit her nicely. Well
done, George. Now, what about Simon? How about a tie?
GEORGE:
You know he never wears them. What
about one of these knives?
MILDRED:
It's time he learned to dress like the
rest of the world, George. I'm getting him a tie, one to
match the shirt I gave him for his birthday. And if he
doesn't like it, too bad.
GEORGE:
I wish you'd leave the boy alone,
Mildred. Let him do what he wants to do. He's got to find
his own way.
MILDRED:
One of us has got to make him see
sense, George. You'd let him do anything. He'll be dressing
up in women's clothes next. Here look, this one's nice.
GEORGE:
It's money down the drain, dear.
MILDRED:
Or this one, don't you think? Yes?
Right. That's Simon done. Now, let me see. Oh, that's it,
we've got presents for everyone.
GEORGE:
Good. Now let's pay for this lot and
get back to the hotel. There's a cut-price bar tonight.
MILDRED:
Oh, George, look at these rugs! Aren't
they beautiful!
GEORGE:
And a nice price too I should think by
the look of them.
MILDRED:
Here's the tag. Oh, well, I don't call
that dear. I can just see this in the bathroom. I'm sure
Simon would like it too.
GEORGE:
And how do you propose getting it
back? We're already over the limit. Take it in your hand
luggage?
MILDRED:
I'm sure we could have it sent. Shall
we ask if they can arrange that here?
GEORGE:
No. Come on.
MILDRED:
George!! Wait!!
GEORGE:
Come on! We can't afford it. Now,
where are the presents? See if you can get them wrapped
nicely. Then we won't have to do it.
Time for presents (II)
ACTIVITY 239:
Now, listen again to Mildred and George's
conversation. For questions 1-to-3, choose the answer (A, B, or C)
which you think fits best according to the conversation. Please,
note that answering these questions requires a certain amount of
inference. Then check the answers with alternative explanations.
1.
Where is this scene taking place?
A. in a gift shop B. in a hotel lobby C. in a post office
2.
What are the speakers doing?
A. buying holiday souvenirs B. comparing prices C. organising for goods to be sent
3.
What is the relationship between the speakers?
A.
brother and sister B. husband and wife C. two good friends
Time for presents (III)
ACTIVITY 240:
Finally, listen again to their conversation. For
questions 1-to-4, choose the answer (A, B, or C) which you think
fits best according to the conversation. Then check the answers with
alternative explanations.
1.
What did they buy for Phyllis?
A.
B.
C.
1.
What did they buy for Simon?
A.
B.
C.
3.
What do we learn about George's feelings?
A. He doesn't like Mildred's relatives. . B. He doesn't want to spoil Simon. C. He doesn't like to spend money.
4.
What do we learn about Mildred's behaviour?
A.
She's not an organised person. B. She wants to change Simon's behaviour. C. She doesn't trust George's advice.
Qué tacaño parece George !!!
En la próxima página Mr. Grammar explicará los usos de las
estructuras IT'S TIME, WOULD RATHER y HAVE DOMETHING DONE ...
