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Learn how to talk about coworkers who annoy you and how to settle it in English.

Dialogue/Story

Since our office reorganization, I've been sharing an office with Isabel. We've been getting on each other's nerves.

Pete: Hey, Isabel, can you cut that out?

Isabel: Cut what out? I'm not doing anything.

Pete: You're tapping your pencil on your desk. It's driving me crazy.

Isabel: Okay, I will if you'll stop slurping your coffee.

Pete: I don't slurp my coffee. And plus, how can you hear it when you're shouting into your phone all the time?

Isabel: You've got to be kidding me! You're complaining about me talking on the phone when your friend Deepak stops by ten times a day to shoot the breeze? I can't stand that guy.

Pete: It's no skin off my nose if you don't like Deepak. Look, we have a lot of pent-up anger from working in these close quarters, and it's probably okay to let off steam once in a while. But, it's probably not a good idea to keep it up. I'm willing to forgive and forget if you are.

Isabel: Fine. Let's call a truce. I'll try to be more considerate and to keep the noise down.

Pete: Yeah, I'll try to do the same.

Topics

American Music: Country Music · Fourth of July celebrations · Questions and Answers

Key Terms

rural
banjo
cowboy
stereotype
crop
declaration
fireworks display
stripe
outdoors
corn on the cob
Tell me about it!
sarcastic
to throw in the towel
to stay with something

Learn how to talk to a professor during office hours about missed class work in English.

Dialogue/Story

[A knock on the door.]

Jeff: Come in.

Julie: Hi, Dr. McQuillan, I'm Julie Taylor. I'm in your two o'clock class on Thursdays.

Jeff: Hi, Julie. Have a seat. What can I do for you?

Julie: I wanted to come see you during your office hours because I missed class last week. I had a family emergency.

Jeff: I'm sorry to hear that. We went over a lot of material, so make sure you get the notes from another student in class.

Julie: Thanks, I will. Did you give any assignments?

Jeff: Yes, I assigned an essay on the topics in chapter three of your textbook.

Julie: Oh, I see. Are there guidelines for the essay?

Jeff: Yes, it should be 8 to 10 pages, and it's due in two weeks. Take a look at your syllabus. It has more details.

Julie: I will. Thanks a lot. I've also been meaning to talk to you about the trouble I'm having keeping up in class. I'm having trouble understanding the lectures. Is there anything you would suggest?

Jeff: Some students tape-record the lectures and listen to them afterwards. That seems to help.

Julie: That's a great idea. I'll definitely try that. I'm wondering if you give extra credit in your class.

Jeff: No, I don't give extra credit assignments. But if you're worried about passing, there are still two more tests to pull up your grade.

Julie: Yes, I'll study hard for those. Thanks a lot for your time.

Jeff: No problem. See you in class.

Julie: Okay, Professor McQuillan. See you Thursday.

Learn how to cash a check and make a deposit at the bank in English.

Dialogue/Story

The local branch of my bank is located just a few blocks from where I live. It's very convenient, since it has four ATMs open 24/7. Today I had to go make a deposit, but because I wanted to cash a check as well, I needed to go inside to talk to a teller.

Inside the bank, I got in line for the tellers. All of the tellers are behind a large piece of bulletproof glass, so you have to speak up when you are talking to them. When I got to the head of the line, the cashier asked, "How may I help you?" I said, "I'd like to deposit this payroll check into my checking account and cash this cashier's check." "Certainly," she said, "just endorse the back of both checks and put them in the tray." I said, "Sure. And can I get that in small bills - tens and twenties?"

I waited for her to process my checks. Then she said, "Here you are," and counted out the cash and put it in an envelope. "Thank you," I said, and walked away. Now that I have some money burning a hole in my pocket, I guess I'd better spend it!

Topics

American Movies: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial · The MacArthur Fellows Program · Questions and Answers

Key Terms

extra-terrestrial
alien
to be stranded
to lure
psychic
highest-grossing
foundation
genius
merit
no strings attached
percussionist
silversmith
important
significant
critical
tough
navel-gazing