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Joshua-Abok

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Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hey, how are you doing? #Person2#: Uh, I guess okay ... kind of. #Person1#: Yeah, Mom said Daniel isn't doing so well. What's going on? #Person2#: Well, uh, for some reason I always thought raising kids would be a lot easier than it is. #Person1#: Yeah, I know. Tell me about it. What's, what's the problem? #Person2#: Well, for about six months, he's been really down, and sometimes, I can't get him out of bed in the morning to go to school. He just seems so depressed. I just can't figure it out. #Person1#: So, this has been going on like half a year? #Person2#: Yeah, kind of on and off, but I don't know. I ... I just thought it would just kind of go away, and I just thought things would just get, I don't know, get better. #Person1#: Yeah, that's not, that's pretty worrrisome. Um, I mean, I've noticed he's not hanging out with Jared very much anymore. You know, is he ... what's he doing when he's up? #Person2#: Well, uh, a lot of the time he's not up. He just kind of uh, stays in bed. [ Really? ] I just can't figure it out. I don't know. #Person1#: Yeah, that's, that's a big problem. I can see why you're really worried about him. Have you considered taken him to see a therapist, or a psychologist, or anybody? #Person2#: Ah, no. I, I ... It's probably just a phase or something. I think some kids were picking on him at school, but I think that's stopped. He doesn't talk about it anymore, so I guess that's over. #Person1#: So, you're saying that he was like being bullied and stuff? #Person2#: Yes, yeah. But he didn't talk about it a lot. I thought it was just, you know, having some problems, and it just kind of would go away. #Person1#: Well, you know, I don't know about that with the bullying or whatever, but you know, this has been going on for a long time. You really need to seriously address it. #Person2#: I don't know. Uh, and well, his girlfriend just broke up with him, so I guess maybe that's had an impact on him. #Person1#: Yeah, it has. Uh, that explains a lot. Um, have you looked at his Facebook page lately? [ What? ] He posted some stuff, well, he was posting some stuff, I think it was last night around midnight, um, yeah, talking about how much life sucks, wishing he could just disappear. [ Oh! ] Um, you know, I can't remember exactly the words he said, but I know that it really, really worried me. Some of the things he wrote are signs of, they might be thinking about suicide. #Person2#: Ah, I, I, I just can't figure that out. I mean, kids sometimes just talk like that. I, I, I thought. I thought that was kind of natural. #Person1#: Yes, sometimes they do that. That's what makes it hard. Sometimes, kids just talk like that, but some of them are serious, and some of them end up talking their own lives. Some of them really do kill themselves. You know, you need to take this seriously. Six months (of being depressed) isn't normal. Six months isn't just to act like this isn't just a phase. It's, there's something going on. #Person2#: So, any ideas? I mean, what should I do? I'm just kind of at a loss here. #Person1#: Oh, you know. I was talking to a woman the other day about her daughter. Um, there are crisis numbers you can call. Also, you could go to the hospital; you can do to the emergency room, and they do assessments there. Psychological assessments. [ Okay. ] Um, you know, it might be kind of hard to get him out to the hospital, to get him out to go with you if you can't get him out to go to school, but you need to take this seriously. [ Yeah ... ] You could take him down to the hospital, down to the emergency room, so ... #Person2#: I don't know. #Person1#: You know, it's really important because you've got to get on top of it. He needs you; he needs to know that you really love him, that you're not just kind of ignoring this. #Person2#: You know, I recently noticed that that I just saw some marks on his arms the other day, and I didn't know. I asked him about it. Kind of looked like some scratches, or something, and ... #Person1#: I saw those too, and those aren't scratches. They're too deep to be scratches. He's doing self-harm, too. #Person2#: Oh, man. #Person1#: You know, um, these are really serious things, and he's crying out for help. He doesn't know how to handle what is going on in his life. He's really struggling. #Person2#: You know, about a month ago, there was another boy in school, I think it (he) was about his age that, uh, took his own life, and I am wondering if that's had an impact on him. #Person1#: Umm, don't you think it would have? #Person2#: Probably. I don't know how well he knew the boy, but uh, I don't know. #Person1#: Yeah, things like that do have an impact on kids, and you just can't run the risk. He might be mad at you for hauling him down to to the hospital, but you need help to find out what's going on, so that you can support him, and so you can make sure you are getting him all the help that he can have. These things are serious, and you don't want to look back later and say I wish I had done that. #Person2#: Right. Well, yeah, send me that information, and uh, I'll start looking at it. #Person1#: Alright, thanks. Man: Thanks. Summary:

#Person2# tells #Person1# #Person2#'s kid Daniel has been down for six months and sometimes #Person2# can't get him out of bed to go to school. #Person2# can't figure it out and suspects that Daniel was like being bulled and stuff. #Person1# says the stuff Daniel posted on his Facebook page might be signs of suicide, but #Person2# thought it was kind of natural for kids just talk like that. #Person1# advises #Person2# to take it seriously and take Daniel down to the hospital or the emergency room. #Person2# tells #Person1# about the suicide of another boy in school, which may have an impact on Daniel. #Person1# thinks Daniel is struggling and advises #Person2# to support Daniel and get him all the help that he can have.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hi. Thanks for coming to the interview today. It's nice to meet you. #Person2#: Well, thank you. #Person1#: To begin with, why don't you tell us a little about yourself? #Person2#: Okay. Um, yeah. I've always been interested in teaching in a language program like this, and uh, I graduated with a degree in English and psychology eight years ago, [ Oh, really, both? ]. Yeah, and uh then I landed my first job overseas in Japan. #Person1#: Oh, wow. That's pretty impressive. What did you do there? What kind of work? #Person2#: Well, I worked full time, um, for a private language school in Tokyo for the first two years, and then I found a job at a community college. #Person1#: Oh really? So, exactly what did you do in your work there then? #Person2#: Well, I taught English and, uh, culinary arts. #Person1#: You taught cooking classes? #Person2#: Well, well, I know it sounds like an unusual combination, but I completed a program in culinary arts before I got my, uh, English and psychology degrees. #Person1#: Oh, Wow. You've done a lot, haven't you? [ Yeah. ] So, what exactly, um, how did you teach and what exactly did you do? #Person2#: Well, um, many of my students wanted to become chefs in restaurants, or they wanted to start their own restaurants, uh, and in our area, there were many, uh, tourists tourist spots. A lot of tourists came to that particular area, and so with English, they would be able to communicate not only with suppliers, you know things that they need for restaurant's food and so forth, but also with their customers, and so I taught them English and cooking at the same time. #Person1#: Wow. That's, that's pretty impressive. That's interesting. [ ... and tasty. ] Oh, I bet. So, why did you return to the United States? How long have you been back? #Person2#: I've been back for, uh, probably about a year now. #Person1#: Okay, so what brought you back then? #Person2#: Well, one of my former students opened a sushi restaurant, uh, in town, and he asked me to work with him. #Person1#: Really? What's the name of the restaurant? #Person2#: Well, it's called Flying Sushi. Have you ever heard of it? #Person1#: Yes, I've been there. Their food is fabulous; it's top-notch. It's really hard just to get a reservation there. #Person2#: I know, and uh, well, I work there two weeknights, and uh, and then ... #Person1#: So, two nights a week you're working there still? #Person2#: Right, right, but then, but ... I want to return to teaching. I've also been working as a therapist at a treatment center for teenagers struggling with depression and other mental health disorders. #Person1#: Oh, wow, that would be a really interesting job. #Person2#: It is, it is. #Person1#: Wow. You have such a wide range of experience. Uh, you know, to be honest, we have fifteen people who are applying for this position. You've got quite a background, but why don't you tell me three reasons why you would be the best person for this job. #Person2#: Um, well, first of all, uh, I understand that different students have different learning styles, and for that reason, I have used iPads, video, music, cooking, drama, role plays, and games to reach every student. [ That's good. ] And second, I have a background in academic and psychological counseling and advising [ Uh, huh ] ... skills that are often needed, you know, in working with international students. #Person1#: Yeah, that could be really useful. #Person2#: Yeah, so you know, many of them struggle with, uh, emotional turmoil, you know, home sickness .... #Person1#: Yeah, coming to a new place ... #Person2#: Right, so making the transition can be very overwhelming, and uh ... #Person1#: Good. So, what would you say would be a third reason? #Person2#: And finally, I speak four different languages .... #Person1#: Four? Wow! What languages do you speak? #Person2#: Well, I speak Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese at an advanced level. [ At an advanced level? Wow. ] And I also speak Arabic at a high-intermediate level. #Person1#: That's very, very impressive. You do have an impressive resume. #Person2#: Thank you. #Person1#: Uh, what we're doing ... we're going to have two rounds of interviews, and we will contact you on Friday and let you know whether or not you'll be coming back for the second round of interviews. #Person2#: Okay. #Person1#: It's been really nice meeting you, and thank you for your time. Summary:

#Person1# interviews #Person2# who applies to teach a language program. #Person2# introduces first and #Person2#'s first job in Japan attracts #Person1#'s interest. So #Person2# describes the work of the job and how did #Person2# teach cooking classes. Then #Person2# tells #Person1# the reason why #Person2# returned to the United States. Finally, #Person2# tells #Person1# why #Person2# would be the best person for this job. #Person1# thinks #Person2#'s resume is quite impressive and admires #Person2# a lot. #Person1# will contact #Person2# on Friday.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hello. #Person2#: Hi. I'm calling about the ad for the apartment found in today's newspaper. #Person1#: Okay. #Person2#: I'm kind of desperate, and I need something right away. #Person1#: Okay. What would you like to know? #Person2#: First of all, how big is it? #Person1#: It's a two-bedroom apartment with a living room, dining room and kitchen, and one bathroom. There's also a place for a washer and dryer. #Person2#: Okay, and how old is the apartment complex? #Person1#: Well, let's just say it has a lot of history. To be honest, my great grandfather built it during the 1920s, but it's a very sturdy and sound structure. #Person2#: Oh, and ... so, is the apartment furnished at all? #Person1#: Oh, yeah. The apartment is partially furnished with a refrigerator, stove, and my grandmother's old dishwasher. #Person2#: Your grandmother's old dishwasher? Okay. What's the rent? #Person1#: It's $950 a month. #Person2#: Whoa. That is a little steep for me. #Person1#: But you could always split the cost with a roommate. #Person2#: Perhaps. Does that include utilities? #Person1#: Well, the rent includes gas and electricity, but not the phone bill. And the water pump is right out the back door. #Person2#: Water pump! #Person1#: Yeah. #Person2#: Oh, yeah. Well, can I rent month-to-month, or do I have to sign a lease for a longer period of time? #Person1#: We require a 6-month commitment for the apartment, and if you cancel the agreement anytime during that period, hey ... you lose your deposit. #Person2#: Oh, and how much is the deposit? #Person1#: It's $400, and, of course, this money is used to repair damage or general wear and tear on our apartment, like the leaks in the old roof from last year's snow storm. Man, that was ugly. Plaster falling down from the ceiling. And I didn't even know there was a rat's nest up there, but we got that taken care of. #Person2#: A what? Do I get my deposit back after I move out? That's assuming that I even move in. #Person1#: Generally speaking, we return the deposit, minus a small fee for, you know, cleaning the apartment for the next tenant, but if you trash the place, then don't expect to get anything back. #Person2#: Okay. Oh, um ... how close is the apartment to the university campus? #Person1#: It's about eight blocks from campus, but you can catch a number of busses right out in front. #Person2#: Oh, so, then, if there's a busy road out front, is it noisy? #Person1#: Well, there are always trade-offs: it's a little noisy with the road outside and the airport behind you, but the place is really convenient because there's a supermarket and shopping center right across the street. Just keep the windows closed and a pair of ear plugs handy, and you'll be fine. #Person2#: Okay, and one last question. Are there parking spaces for tenants? #Person1#: Yeah. The apartment has two covered parking spaces, which are really convenient during certain times of the year. #Person2#: Uh ... I don't know. Is it possible for me to drop by and visit the apartment tomorrow morning? #Person1#: Sure, but just remember we rent the apartment on a first-come, first-serve basis, so there's no guarantee it'll still be available then. #Person2#: Okay. Thanks. Um ... and where exactly is the apartment located? #Person1#: It's one block west of the waste water treatment plant. #Person2#: Ah .... Are pets allowed? #Person1#: Well, you can keep small pets like a hamster in a small cage, but we don't allow larger animals like dogs, cats, or snakes. Things like that. #Person2#: Um, I have a rat ... #Person1#: You don't have anything like that, do you? #Person2#: Well, I have a rat that I keep in a cage. Will that be okay? #Person1#: Well, as long it doesn't escape, I guess that's okay. #Person2#: And what's your name? #Person1#: It's Norman. Norman Bates. #Person2#: Alright, Mr. Bates. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye. #Person1#: Bye. Summary:

#Person1# calls Norman Bates to ask about the ads for the apartment in today's newspaper. Norman tells #Person1# the area and rooms of the apartment. It has a lot of history and is partially furnished. The rent is $950 a month, and #Person1# thinks it's expensive. Norman advises #Person1# to split the cost with a roommate and tells what's included in the bill. Norman requires a 6-month commitment for the apartment and tells #Person1# the deposit policy. Norman also introduces the apartment's distance to the university, its surroundings, parking places for tenants, and its exact location. Norman allows #Person1# to keep small pets.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Well, I'm sure all our listeners would love to be brought up to date on the latest in tiny televisions. #Person2#: It's an expanding market, that's for sure, and they seem to be getting smaller every year. #Person1#: Which countries are dominating the market? #Person2#: At the moment it's Japan, principally. In the spring of 1982 Sony introduced the Watchman? #Person1#: Is that the Walkman? #Person2#: No, the Watchman is a portable black and white TV set with a tiny screen and aerial. #Person1#: How big is the whole thing? #Person2#: Oh, I'd say about 35 cm by 12 cm and it weighs only a couple of kilograms. #Person1#: Was it a success from the start? #Person2#: Funnily enough, a Sony executive said that no one would want to watch a TV while walking around-and also a slightly larger model could be bought for half the price! #Person1#: Really? #Person2#: But, despite this pessimistic view, sales of this model far outnumbered projections. #Person1#: Well, you never can tell! How big was the initial production? #Person2#: The company started with 2,000 units per month and increased to 5,000 by the end of 1982, but they still couldn't keep up with the demand. #Person1#: So I suppose they upped the production levels even higher. #Person2#: It was much more radical than that! In the spring of 1983 Sony pulled out all the stops and launched the Watchman all over again with a new model. #Person1#: Oh, what's it like? #Person2#: Well, it's 20 per cent smaller and the price is 25 percent less... #Person1#: Mmmm. #Person2#: and the components were designed from scratch. #Person1#: And what about production levels? #Person2#: They quadrupled to 20,000 units a month just for the Japanese market! #Person1#: Wow! The Watchman certainly seems to have taken off. #Person2#: Indeed it has. #Person1#: And I believe there were other Japanese companies as well. #Person2#: Yes. At the end of 1982 Hattori-that's H-A-T-T-O-R-I--you know, the makers of Seiko watches-well, they unveiled an even smaller TV, around 3era, which is built into a wrist-watch. #Person1#: Incredible! #Person2#: It certainly is. The rest of the set is carried separately in your pocket and it's about the size of a packet of kingsize cigarettes. #Person1#: And how does it work? #Person2#: It has a liquid crystal display screen. The TV receiver and battery pack fit into your pocket, and they're connected by a cord to the watch. #Person1#: Is there a headphone? #Person2#: Oh, yes, that's plugged into the receiver as well. #Person1#: Seems a bit complicated, that one, with all the wires and bits and pieces. #Person2#: Yes, it does. #Person1#: Any other Japanese models? #Person2#: Yes, Casio-that's C-A-S-I-O. Their latest is a calculator-sized TV about one-third the bulk of the Watchman and with 1983 production figures of 2000 units a month. #Person1#: I see. #Person2#: And, according to a spokesman, they hope to match their calculator sales, which are about 25 million units per year. #Person1#: Very impressive. And no doubt other Japanese companies will jump on the bandwagon. #Person2#: Most likely. #Person1#: Now, could you tell us about other countries making these tiny TVs? #Person2#: Of course. From Sinclair in England there's one similar in size to the Casio, and their production levels were 1 million for 1983. #Person1#: Obviously they're planning on backing a winner! #Person2#: How right you are. A representative said they expect a mass-market response, not just a novelty item. #Person1#: And just which market are the manufactures aiming at? #Person2#: Mainly the commuters who spend hours going to and from work. These TVs will provide relief from the monotonous train and bus rides. #Person1#: Well, thank you for keeping us in touch with this extremely popular gadget. #Person2#: My pleasure, and happy viewing to all of you with those TVs. Summary:

#Person1#'s interviewing #Person2#. #Person2# thinks tiny televisions are an expanding market and Japan now is dominating the market since the appearance of the Watchman in 1982. #Person2# introduces its size and weight and the sales of this model far outnumbered projections. It is said that the production levels were even higher when Sony launched the Watchman with a new model in 1983. Then #Person2# introduces Hattori that unveiled an even smaller TV and explains how it works to #Person1#. After that, #Person2# talks about Casio and their calculator-sized TVs with 1983 production figures of 2000 units a month. #Person2# tells that Sinclair in England also made the tiny TVs and the manufacture aim at providing relief to the commuters on their ways.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hi and welcome to our new show, Exotic Animal Kingdom, a program geared toward introducing animals to the young and old. In today's show, our young, but experienced, guest will introduce us to the fantastic world of bearded dragons. Welcome, Joshua. [Thank you very much.] Now, Joshua, I must admit that a bearded dragon sounds something like out of a fantasy book. What exactly is a bearded dragon? #Person2#: Well, here. Why don't you hold on to Bert, [Oh ... Wow!] while I talk about him. [Okay] Bearded dragons actually originated from the deserts of Australia, and this is one of several species that survived in that climate. Today, beardies like this one are bred in captivity here in the US. #Person3#: Okay. And, so what are some of the essential things to know when getting a bearded dragon? I mean, can you raise one as a family pet? #Person2#: Bearded dragons make a great family pet and are very docile creatures. #Person1#: Yeah, this one seems quite friendly. #Person2#: You just need to know how to care for them. #Person1#: Well, what are some of the things you should keep in mind? #Person2#: First, you need to have the right supplies: some kind of enclosure ... #Person1#: Like, like a cage or something like that. #Person2#: Yeah. [Okay] A full spectrum fluorescent light bulb and a basking lamp [Okay], branches and rocks to climb on and bask on, a food or water dish, and something to line bottom of the cage. #Person1#: Okay, well, let's get down to some the basics. What are the dietary needs of a bearded dragon? It sounds like a very carnivorous beast. Perhaps, uh, they eat fiery Mexican tacos or something like that. #Person4#: No, bearded dragons are omnivores... #Person1#: Now, Omnivores? What exactly is that? #Person2#: Uh, creatures that eat insects, vegetable, and greens, the leafy parts of plants and their stems. #Person1#: Okay. You mean like, for example, carrots or something like that for example. [Yeah] Okay. #Person2#: Young dragons like Bert can be fed small crickets twice a day, along with some greens and shredded vegetables. [Okay.] And then as your dragon grows, you can increase the amount of greens and vegetables. [Alright.] And you can also dust the vegetables and insects with a calcium supplement to promote bone growth. #Person1#: Okay, and what about water? Uh, what kind of needs do they have for that? #Person2#: Well, since bearded dragons traditionally live in arid regions, they obtain most of their water naturally from what they eat, so you have to be sure to feed them plenty of vegetables that serve as good carriers of water. [Okay.] You also spray them occasionally with a water bottle or provide them with a shallow water dish. Whatever you do, but sure to keep the cage dry, [Okay.] or else mold and bacteria can grow that could make your dragon sick. [Okay.], and finally, you mentioned about lighting earlier. What do you need exactly to keep your beardie happy and healthy? #Person5#: Having a full spectrum light and basking lamp are pretty key to raising healthy beardies. First, they need the simulated sunlight from the ultraviolet UV bulb ... #Person1#: Now, is that the full spectrum light that you mentioned? Okay. #Person2#: ... to absorb rays [Okay.], vital to the production of certain vitamins, [Okay.] and the high body temperatures of a basking light to aid in the digestive process. #Person1#: Now, what kinds of temperatures are you referring to when you talk about the basking area? #Person2#: Like ninety to a hundred degrees. #Person1#: Okay, and I don't think they need sun tan lotion, right? [No]. Okay, uh, so, perhaps then, I could put my beardie in an aquarium and just set him by the window which gets direct sunlight? Would that work? #Person2#: Well, actually, you can even take them outside two or three times a week in the direct sunlight; however, putting them in a glass aquarium with exposure to sunlight won't be viewed as a replacement for direct light or a UV bulb because the glass only filters out the sunlight they need. #Person1#: Wow! I didn't know there was so much to know about raising a pet like that. Well, thanks very much for joining us today, Joshua. #Person2#: My pleasure. Summary:

#Person1# welcomes Joshua to the Exotic Animal Kingdom show. Bearded dragons originated from the deserts of Australia, and this is one of several species that survived in that climate. Joshua tells the audience that raising bearded dragons needs to prepare some kind of enclosure, a full spectrum fluorescent light bulb and a basking lamp, branches and rocks, a food or water dish, and something to line the bottom of the cage. Bearded dragons are omnivores and can be fed by insects, vegetables, and greens, the leafy parts of plants, and their stems. People should keep the cage dry. They need the simulated sunlight from the ultraviolet (UV) bulb and ninety to a hundred degrees of a basking light to aid in the digestive process.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hi, Tim. So, are you doing some last-minute shopping before the weekend? #Person2#: Well, actually, I'm looking for supplies to put together 72-hour kits for each member of my family. #Person1#: [A] 72-hour kit? What's that? #Person2#: Basically, a 72-hour kit contains emergency supplies you would need to sustain yourself for three days in case of an emergency, like an earthquake. #Person1#: An earthquake?! We haven't had an earthquake in years. #Person2#: Well, you never know; you have to be prepared. Hey, if earthquakes don't get you, it could be a flood, hurricane, snowstorm, power outage, fire, alien attack. [Alien attack!] Well, you never know. Think of any situation in which you might find yourself without the basic necessities of life, including shelter, food, and water, for over a period of time. #Person1#: Hum. So, what do you keep in a 42-hour, um, ... I mean 72-kit? #Person2#: Well, you should have enough food and water to last you three days, and you might want to pack a basic water filter or water purification tablets in case your only water source turns out to be a murky pool of bug-infested water. [Ugh!] Hey, sometimes you don't have a choice, and as for food, you should keep it simple: food that requires no preparation and that doesn't spoil. And no canned goods because they are often too heavy and bulky. [Okay, that makes sense.] And unless you have a can opener or the can has a pull-tab lid, you'll have to use a rock or something to open them. [Ah, instant mashed green beens.] Yeah, and oh, energy bars, beef jerky, and a mix of nuts, raisins, and chocolate are possibilities. #Person1#: Huh, the food might be nasty, but I guess you could survive ... barely. #Person2#: Well, the food doesn't have to taste bad; just select things that are easy to prepare, and you might want to include some basic comfort foods like a couple of candy bars. Then, you have to decide on the type of shelter you might need. #Person1#: A hotel sounds nice. #Person2#: Yeah, but that's really not an option. The reality is that you might have to evacuate to a shelter, possibly with hundreds or thousands of other people. #Person1#: That doesn't sound very fun ... everyone packed together like sardines in a can. Unsanitary conditions. Disease. #Person2#: Ah, now you're sounding paranoid, but if a shelter isn't available, you might be completely on your own, so I always pack an emergency sleeping bag or small, lightweight tent in the event that I have to survive on the street or in a park. #Person1#: Wow. #Person2#: And among other things, you should pack a flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, a small first-aid kit, personal items like a toothbrush or toothpaste ... Having a change of clothing is also important. #Person1#: What about money? I have a credit card. #Person2#: Right. Like that's going to help when the power is out. You'd better be prepared with coins and cash, and having small bills is a must. #Person1#: So, what do you do to communicate with other family members in case you get separated? #Person2#: Oh, in that case? I always pack two-way radios to communicate with the group. You can never depend on cell phones. [Okay.] Plus, you should decide on a meeting point in case your family gets separated. #Person1#: Well, that sounds like a detailed plan, definitely. #Person2#: Oh, that's not all. You never know what weather conditions you might encounter, so packing a rain poncho, a jacket, and something to start a fire with could be very useful. #Person1#: Like Matches? #Person2#: Matches? If You drop those in a puddle of water, you're toast. You need to pack at least three forms of fire starter: a magnifying glass, a high-quality lighter, and waterproof matches. #Person1#: Wow. I never thought about those either. So, what do you do if you have small kids? They'd probably go stir-crazy under such conditions. #Person2#: You're exactly right, so a little extra preparation for them is needed. If you have to evacuate to a shelter to wait out a disaster, kids soon will be bored out of their minds, so you have to pack small card games, paper, or something like pencils or crayons to draw with. #Person1#: You know, preparing a 72-hour kit makes perfect sense ... #Person2#: Yeah, but most people thinking about it after it is too late. Summary:

Tim tells #Person1# that he is putting together 72-hour kits for his family in case of emergencies. They discuss what to prepare for a 72-hour kit, like food, water, shelter, fire starters, things for little kids, etc. #Person1# thinks a 72-hour kit makes perfect sense but #Person1# seems to believe it unnecessary, but Tim insists on its importance.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Let's begin by having you tell me about yourself and your background. #Person2#: I have been working as a paralegal for the last 10 months through an agency that specializes in the legal field. My experience has been supporting attorneys in the field of labor law, where I have been able to apply my paralegal education. I was commended on my ability to take information and break it down into usable facts. I really love research and analyzing facts. My major in college was English, and as a result, my writing skills are my major strength. I am looking for a position where my research and writing skills can be used. #Person1#: What do you think are the key qualities needed to succeed in the paralegal profession? #Person2#: Flexibility would certainly rank high in this type of job. In my last position, I supported four lawyers, and it was not unusual for them all to give me high-priority items to do in the same day or week. There were days when I had to stop and prioritize my work just to get a handle on everything. I would discuss the urgency of their work with each of them so I didn't drop the ball. At the same time, I made sure each of them felt like his or her project was important on my agenda. I think communication is probably the next key quality. It really worked well when I talked with each of them, explained my situation, and got their input. #Person1#: Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work above and beyond your job description? #Person2#: There was a very important project that had to be researched and completed by the end of the week. Even though I worked extra hours every night for almost two weeks, my boss and I stayed until 2 a. m. for two nights before the final wrap up. It was very rewarding to have put so much effort into a project and see the really great results. My boss gave me a bonus for my extra effort. #Person1#: Tell me about a time when you had to research a case and encountered some obstacles you had to overcome. #Person2#: I remember a case that was filled with obstacles. The first thing I did was research through documents and past cases that had similar circumstances. I assembled the facts and then tried to put them together and analyze the next step. I was able to get some input from another lawyer I happened to see at lunch. Through some hard work and fact digging, I was able to find a way to overcome most of the obstacles. I took my findings to my boss and made some recommendations, which she and I discussed and eventually resolved. My boss was impressed with the work I had done. #Person1#: What are your strengths and weaknesses? #Person2#: My strengths are my caring about getting the job done. I am very results-driven and have been able to meet all my deadlines in past jobs. As far as weaknesses, I really enjoy my work, and sometimes I put in too much time. But I am aware of my tendency to overwork and have learned to pace myself more. #Person1#: Tell me about a time when you had a confrontation with a coworker or boss. #Person2#: I did have an issue with someone who was getting on my nerves. I asked her if I could talk with her one day, and we had a good discussion. It turned out she was not aware of the impact of her actions and that she really needed an explanation of the procedure. I took the time to explain the procedures, and there haven't been any problems since that day. #Person1#: When do you find a job satisfying? #Person2#: My biggest satisfaction is when I experience growth in a job. When I first started as a paralegal, I had a lot to learn. But through hard work, advice from some good mentors and continuing education, I have come a long way. I've learned to be flexible when possible and to deal with difficult people in a positive manner. #Person1#: How would your coworkers describe you? #Person2#: First, they'll say I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I really enjoy working with people. Secondly, they'll say I had great customer service skills. I put the customer first. And thirdly, they'll say that I know the law. I put a lot of effort into my education as a paralegal and take it seriously. #Person1#: Do you have any questions? #Person2#: Yes, I do. On a scale of one to 10, what would you say morale was in this company? Summary:

#Person2# has been working as a paralegal, where #Person2# has been able to apply #Person2#'s paralegal education, and #Person2# majored in English in the college. Then #Person2# thinks flexibility and communication are the key qualities to succeed in the paralegal profession and he gives explanations. After that, #Person2# talks about an important project that #Person2# had to work above and beyond #Person2#'s job description. #Person2# also tells about the case filled with obstacles, so #Person2# analyzed similar cases and get some input from another lawyer to overcome the obstacles. #Person2# thinks #Person2#'s strength is caring about getting the job done, and #Person2#'s weakness is that sometimes #Person2# put in too much time. #Person2# then shares #Person2#'s experience of having a confrontation with someone and #Person2# regards the growth of working experience as the biggest satisfaction. #Person2#'s co-workers think #Person2# is energetic and enthusiastic, and #Person2# had great service skills and knows the law.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hi. #Person2#: Oh, Hi. #Person1#: Are you new in the neighborhood? #Person2#: Oh, yeah. #Person1#: Welcome, welcome to the neighborhood. #Person2#: Oh. #Person1#: Hey, I'm Stacy. I live across the street. #Person2#: Oh, Hi, Stacy. I'm Mark. Mark Jones. #Person1#: Um. Looks like your moving. Do you need any help unloading your moving truck? I can have my husband come or my kids. #Person2#: Um, well, fortunately, the movers are going to do that, but you're welcome to, uh, help carry in a few things out from our car. #Person1#: Yeah, sure, I can get them. So, where are you from? #Person2#: Well, we're from originally from Chicago, but we just moved from a place called Springville. #Person1#: Oh, Springville, that's, uh. Isn't that the ... the north end of the state #Person2#: Yeah, just, yeah, not too far from here. #Person1#: How was your trip? #Person2#: Well, it went pretty well. We hired a moving company, something my company paid for, and it was simply more convenient than packing all our stuff, renting a truck, and then moving everything ourselves. #Person1#: That's nice. How does this moving company work then? Was it pretty good? #Person2#: Yeah. Well, in many cases, you can pack your own things and just have the company load the boxes and your other items on the truck, or they'll pack everything for you, and they can tow your vehicle behind the truck if you like, and they can even, you know, move heavy items like pianos. #Person1#: Wow, that's nice. So, did everything go as planned? #Person2#: Well, pretty much, except our cat disappeared #Person1#: Really? #Person2#: Yeah, about three hours before the movers left ... #Person1#: Did you ever find it? #Person2#: No, and uh, we're not sure if she ran away, got hit by a car, or what. #Person1#: Oh, that must be really hard on your family. Sorry to hear about that. #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: Yeah, that must be rough. #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: No sign of the cat? #Person2#: Not yet. #Person1#: Uh, I'm sorry. So, um, what do you do for a living? #Person2#: Well, I'm software developer. #Person1#: Oh, what do you do exactly in your job? #Person2#: Well, um, most of the time, I develop educational software for schools. #Person1#: Really? #Person2#: ... Yeah, and at the moment, I'm working on several educational apps for, you know, smart phones. #Person1#: Oh, that's ... that's great. #Person2#: Yeah, it's a really good job. And, so, how about yourself? #Person1#: Well, actually, I'm a high school history teacher. #Person2#: Oh, wow, you know, actually, I've created two apps on world history that you might be interested in. #Person1#: Serious? #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: Oh, that sounds great. I'd love to see them. #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: By the way, um, you know, we're having a barbecue at our place on Friday. #Person2#: Oh? #Person1#: Why don't you come over ... bring your family and get to know some of the neighbors? #Person2#: Well, let me talk to my wife, but just so you know, we have nine kids. #Person1#: Serious? Nine kids? Wow! #Person2#: Yes, so they might eat all your food. #Person1#: Well, that's no problem. That's a lot of kids, but it'll be fun. Hey ... #Person2#: What? #Person1#: No, just listen. #Person2#: Hey. #Person1#: Did you hear that? Listen, listen. It's coming from over there. It's in one of the ... there something in one of your boxes. #Person2#: No way. Yeah. #Person1#: That sounds ... That sounds like a cat. Is the cat in one of your ... Did you find ... Did the cat get in one of your boxes? #Person2#: I don't know. Let me look. Hey, let me move this box. Yeah. #Person1#: Wow! #Person2#: Oh, no. I can't believe it! I'm sure the family is going to be happy about this. #Person3#: I bet. Congratulations! Summary:

Stacy welcomes Mark Jones who just moved into their neighborhood from Springville. Mark had a moving company to help them and had a good trip here except that their cat disappeared. Mark tells Stacy he develops educational software for school and Stacy is a high school history teacher. Stacy invites Mark and his family to their barbecue on Friday. Stacy finds Mark's cat in a box.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hey, Brandon. #Person2#: Yeah. #Person1#: Um ... Um ... #Person2#: What? #Person1#: Well, I need to talk to you, and I'm not really sure how to do it. It's kind of difficult, but I kind of, I need to talk to you about something. #Person2#: Alright. Go ahead. #Person1#: Okay. You know, Stephanie. [Yeah.] You're dating my sister, right? Stephanie. [Yeah, yeah.] Um, I think she's back on drugs. #Person2#: What do you mean? I, I know she had a problem in the past, but she told me that that was over. #Person1#: Well, that's what she says, but you know, I know my sister pretty well; I think I know her better than just about anyone else, and I know you guys have talked about getting married soon, and [Yeah] ... I'm pretty sure she's using drugs again, and you really need to, you need to know this ... you really need to face the facts, and you're going to have to deal with this now. #Person2#: So, but, I ... again, how do you know? #Person1#: She's doing some of the same stuff, you know, um, like. Well, like. Listen, you know. Um, you've noticed she's been skipping work lately? #Person2#: Well, she said she's been having some health problems, so I just figured it was that. #Person1#: No, no, no. She's not. [ Are you sure? ] Yeah. It's, it's more than that. Like, a month ago, she asked me to lend her a thousand bucks to fix her car. #Person2#: Wow. Man. Um, I mean, she didn't tell me anything like that. I mean, her car is running fine, I think. #Person1#: Yeah, I know, it is. It's running fine. [ Oh, great. ] Exactly. She's lying a lot now, and she's, you know, she's trying to hide it, and she's good at hiding it. #Person2#: And, I let her borrow my car a couple days ago, and I had fifty bucks in there, and when the car came back, it was gone. She's ... I don't know how else it could have disappeared. [ Man. I can't belive this. ] I'm pretty sure she stole it. #Person1#: I know. Um, but she's hiding things, and she hides things from us, and okay, for example, like last week. I saw her with the two cell phones, and when I checked the texts on the one phone .... #Person2#: Wait, wait. Two phones? What do you mean? #Person1#: ....Yeah, umm. #Person2#: She only has one. #Person1#: No, she's got at least two phones, and when I checked the one phone, I saw some texts, and she was talking about, um, um, some drugs and needing to meet up with someone to buy them. #Person2#: Ah, man. #Person1#: I'm sorry, Brandon, um, I ... we need to, we need to confront her on this. You need to confront her on this. #Person2#: I don't know how to do this. I mean ... yeah, I don't know. #Person1#: I know, but you've got to. You, you can't ... the ... you know, you've got to do this if you want to try to hope that there's going to be anything to this relationship. It's, it's much better to talk to her openly about this now, cause, I promise you, the problems will just escalate, so ... #Person2#: But, she might blow up. #Person1#: She might, but hey, wait, listen. Why don't you guys come over for dinner and we can talk about it together? You know, um ... #Person2#: I just don't know. #Person1#: I know, and you're right, she might blow up, but if you don't do anything, I promise the problems are just going to get bigger. She's probably going to end up losing her job, she's probably going to get arrested, and she might even die. #Person2#: Man, you're probably right. I have to think about this and how to approach her. Alright. Let, let me thing about it, and I'll call you. [ Okay. ] Alright, thanks. #Person1#: Alright. Bye, Brandon. Summary:

#Person1# tells Brandon that his girlfriend Stephanie, who is also #Person1#'s sister, is back on drugs. Brandon doesn't know it and can't believe it. #Person1# tells Brandon that Stephanie has been skipping work lately and borrowed a thousand bucks from #Person1#. She also stole the fifty bucks in Brandon's car. Moreover, #Person1# saw the texts on one of Stephanie's phones about buying drugs from someone. #Person1# suggests Brandon talk with her.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hi. How can I help you? #Person2#: Yeah. I'd like to rent a mid-size car for three days. #Person1#: Okay. Let me check to see if we have one available. Hmmm. It's doesn't look like we do. We have a couple of economy, compact, and full-size cars available, or a nice minivan. #Person2#: Well, what is the main difference between these cars? #Person3#: The main difference is size. The economy car is the smallest, and it seats fewer passengers and can hold less luggage. [Okay.] How many people are with you? #Person2#: Just me and my son. #Person1#: Well, the economy car would work. We have one right out front. #Person2#: Where? That one? It looks more like a shoebox to me. I'm really tall and trying squeeze into that thing ... I don't think so. #Person1#: Well, if you need more room or comfort, I recommend the full-size car. It also has a nice stereo system, CD player, [Alright] safety rear door locks, and cruise control, and power locks and windows. #Person2#: Well, I'm not so concerned about how it's equipped. I just want to make sure it is comfortable to drive. And what is the daily rate for that anyway? #Person1#: Well, let's see here. Oh, yeah. It'll come to fifty-seven ninety-five a day. #Person2#: Wow, a little expensive. But what's the cost for mileage? #Person1#: Hey, all of our cars have unlimited miles, but of course, that doesn't include gas. #Person2#: Yeah, right. I bet that car probably eats up gas, and now that were in the middle of the vacation season, gas stations are gouging consumers with astronomical prices. #Person1#: Well, as they say, it comes down to the law of supply an demand. #Person2#: Well, anyway, can you install a car seat in one of those cars? I have a 3-year-old son with me. #Person1#: Sure, and that'll only be one dollar extra per day. #Person2#: I'll go with the full-size car. Wait, uh ... what does it look like? #Person1#: Uh, it's right out there in the parking lot. [Which one?] The one over there next to the sidewalk. #Person2#: Do you mean that old lemon with the missing hubcap? Ahhh. #Person1#: Sir, excuse me. We take pride in our vehicles. It's just that it's one of the last cars on our lot, but it runs like a dream. Don't let the exterior fool you. Hey, I'll even give you an extra fifteen dollars off the daily rate to show you we are serious about pleasing our customers. Will there be any other drivers? #Person2#: No, I'm the only driver. #Person1#: Okay. Would you like to purchase our daily car protection plan? #Person2#: What's that exactly? #Person1#: Well, the car protection plan is a complete insurance package covering damage to the vehicle, [Okay] injury or loss of life to you or your passengers [Oh]. It even includes incidental road damage caused by, let's say, a huge boulder rolling down the mountain and crushing your car. [Oh, uh, well ... ]. However, it won't cover loss of property due to theft. Too much crime in the area anyway. [What? Wh ... What about this crime? What, what?]. Don't worry about it. And the car protection plan is only seventeen ninety-five per day. [But you were saying?] And the nicest thing about this coverage is that you can rent the car without the worry and hassle of making a complicated claim in case you do have a problem. #Person2#: But wouldn't my own car insurance cover those problems? #Person1#: It might, but each insurance policy is different. With our car protection plan, however, you deal directly with us in case there is a problem [Well ... ], and we handle everything quickly, and you don't have to contact your own insurance company. Okay. Let me just confirm this. A full-size car with a car seat for three days [Yeah], plus the car protection package. Is that right? [That's right.] Okay, I'll have our mechanic, Louie, check the car over and pull it up to the door. #Person2#: Push it up to the door? I hope this car really runs. #Person1#: Well, in case it does break down on some out-of-the-way, deserted road, just call the toll-free number for assistance. They'll come to assist you within ... two business days. [Two business days!!!] Enjoy your trip. Summary:

#Person2# wants to rent a mid-size car but #Person1# doesn't have an available one. #Person1# introduces the cars of different sizes to #Person2# and recommends a full-sized car. After they discuss the cost, #Person2# chooses the full-size car and purchases the daily car protection plan in case of emergencies.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Let's begin by having you tell me about yourself and your background. #Person2#: I have been working as a paralegal for the last 10 months through an agency that specializes in the legal field. My experience has been supporting attorneys in the field of labor law, where I have been able to apply my paralegal education. I was commended on my ability to take information and break it down into usable facts. I really love research and analyzing facts. My major in college was English, and as a result, my writing skills are my major strength. I am looking for a position where my research and writing skills can be used. #Person1#: What do you think are the key qualities needed to succeed in the paralegal profession? #Person2#: Flexibility would certainly rank high in this type of job. In my last position, I supported four lawyers, and it was not unusual for them all to give me high-priority items to do in the same day or week. There were days when I had to stop and prioritize my work just to get a handle on everything. I would discuss the urgency of their work with each of them so I didn't drop the ball. At the same time, I made sure each of them felt like his or her project was important on my agenda. I think communication is probably the next key quality. It really worked well when I talked with each of them, explained my situation, and got their input. #Person1#: Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work above and beyond your job description? #Person2#: There was a very important project that had to be researched and completed by the end of the week. Even though I worked extra hours every night for almost two weeks, my boss and I stayed until 2 a. m. for two nights before the final wrap up. It was very rewarding to have put so much effort into a project and see the really great results. My boss gave me a bonus for my extra effort. #Person1#: Tell me about a time when you had to research a case and encountered some obstacles you had to overcome. #Person2#: I remember a case that was filled with obstacles. The first thing I did was research through documents and past cases that had similar circumstances. I assembled the facts and then tried to put them together and analyze the next step. I was able to get some input from another lawyer I happened to see at lunch. Through some hard work and fact digging, I was able to find a way to overcome most of the obstacles. I took my findings to my boss and made some recommendations, which she and I discussed and eventually resolved. My boss was impressed with the work I had done. #Person1#: What are your strengths and weaknesses? #Person2#: My strengths are my caring about getting the job done. I am very results-driven and have been able to meet all my deadlines in past jobs. As far as weaknesses, I really enjoy my work, and sometimes I put in too much time. But I am aware of my tendency to overwork and have learned to pace myself more. #Person1#: Tell me about a time when you had a confrontation with a coworker or boss. #Person2#: I did have an issue with someone who was getting on my nerves. I asked her if I could talk with her one day, and we had a good discussion. It turned out she was not aware of the impact of her actions and that she really needed an explanation of the procedure. I took the time to explain the procedures, and there haven't been any problems since that day. #Person1#: When do you find a job satisfying? #Person2#: My biggest satisfaction is when I experience growth in a job. When I first started as a paralegal, I had a lot to learn. But through hard work, advice from some good mentors and continuing education, I have come a long way. I've learned to be flexible when possible and to deal with difficult people in a positive manner. #Person1#: How would your coworkers describe you? #Person2#: First, they'll say I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I really enjoy working with people. Secondly, they'll say I had great customer service skills. I put the customer first. And thirdly, they'll say that I know the law. I put a lot of effort into my education as a paralegal and take it seriously. #Person1#: Do you have any questions? #Person2#: Yes, I do. On a scale of one to 10, what would you say morale was in this company? Summary:

#Person1# interviews #Person2#, who is looking for a position to use #Person2#'s research and writing skills. #Person2# majors in English and has been working as a paralegal for the last ten months. #Person2# thinks flexibility is the key quality of a paralegal. #Person2# gives examples of the time when #Person2# had to work above and beyond the job description, the time of encountering some obstacles when #Person2# had a confrontation with a coworker. #Person2# also talks about #Person2#'s strengths and weaknesses and how coworkers describe #Person2#. #Person2# finds a job satisfying when #Person2# experiences growth in it. #Person2# also asks #Person1# how #Person1# scales morale in the company.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: Ash: Thanks so much! I am feeling so much better. I'm gonna work on the next chapter as soon as I can. I'm hoping to actually work on it tonight, but I have to beta another story. Thanks again!!! Mollie: Please do! I love all your stories but this one cuts the cake. :) I'm glad to hear you're feeling better :D and have fun Beta-ing! :P Mollie: P.S. Can I ask dor a small-ish favour? Could you make Clara say (in that last chapter): "run you clever boy" or something like that? If not I get it :P Ash: I'm not sure if I can in the last chapter, BUT I was thinking about it...I might be able to make another itty bitty cameo with he...and I might be able to have her say it... I gotta think about how to incorporate it! Mollie: There is an option to edit chapters - it's really weird but manageable. Wither way, having Clara back would be exciting :D Ash: Yeah... I know how to do that. I just wasn't sure if it made sense for her to say "clever boy." But I'm gonna try to have her pop back in. Maybe in the last chapter. Want to make such a lovely reviewer happy :) Ash: Maybe this will make up for it until we get there? Ash: <file_other> Mollie: Hey!! I'm so sorry I didn't reply earlier - I had a couple of trips going on and literally no time to check the Internet!!! :( Now my Inbox is stuffed with emails that need replying -_- Mollie: Anyhoo, can I say how honoured I am that I got to see a sneak peek of the chapter (do you do this to all of your reviewers?? ;) ) and how much it made me want to read more! The chapter's lovely; I can't wait to see everyone;s reactions to Ian's presence in New York. :D Mollie: One technical issue though - how on earth are you going to explain Ian's incredible late workload? Sorry, i'm just being picky... :P Ash: I'm glad you like the preview! No I only give certain people previews. If their comments have really touched me then I usually try to show my thanks by sending a preview. Chapter 27 picks up a couple months after Ian and Roses reconciliation. Ian did work in certain parts, like all day in Little Talks and several others. But you are right that he is behind, and I will make a comment to address that! Gotta keep ya all happy!!! ;) Mollie: Out of curiosity though, are you ever going to have Ian tell Rose about switching realities experience?? Mollie: You could always have that as additional chapter, or you could have a chapter showing everyone's reactions to Ian and Rose being toegther (that would always be worth reading! :P) Either way, you have fun writing :D Ash: It's not my plan to have him reveal it. It was about the realization for Ian. About him seeing the truth that's always been there. I never felt that he needed to tell her about it. He just needed her. Mollie: Awww, that last line *Swoon* Mollie: But sure, it is your story :) You can do whatever you want :P Mollie: What I keep wondering is what will happen to Ian once he reached 2025 in his own timeline, how will he react ect. Sorry for bugging you like this, it's all very interesting :P Ash: I hope I didn't come across rude!!! I wasn't at all trying to do that!!! I've had that question before. It's all a bit timey wimey and weird. It's not like Quantum Leap where one replaces the original and the "original" is somewhere. Ash: It's more of he was given this gift of jumping forward, so see what his life is/what it could be. But he had to make the decision if he was going to follow through. Was he going to make it happen, or was he going to give up the one thing in his life that made it precious? Was he going to fight for Rose? Was he going to believe that she loved him and allow himself that love? Paradox-y yes. Does that help? Mollie: No, you didn't come off as rude - if anything, it made me think to myself: well done, you've just offended the author" :P Mollie: As for your explanation... er yeah kinda? I get why you did it for the plot (which also makes the plot more interesting), I'm just imaging Ian's reactions when he finally reaches 2025 and and thinks about how he woul have jumped timelines every day... am I making sense? Think of it as me creating a fanfic in my head of an actual fanfic :P Summary:

Ash is feeling better and he will work on the next chapter as soon as he can. He has to beta another story tonight. Mollie likes all of his stories.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: I don't know if we'll be able to spare a whole day at the Ocean Park. We've only got four days in Hong Kong, remember. #Person2#: Oh right, well, in that case, I'd advise you to get there early. It opens at 10 o'clock in the morning on weekdays. Look, I think I've got a plan of the place somewhere. Let me see.., yes, here we are. You can have this. #Person1#: Thanks. #Person2#: OK I'll show you. Let's start with the lower level. See? Here? You arrive by taxi or bus or whatever here, on the right, can you see? That's the bus terminal. And you go in through the main entrance. You could go to Water World first but I think you'd better miss that out as you're short of time, you said. You see the cable cars? Well, those long lines are the wires and the little circles are the cars going up and down to the next level. Well, walk past the cable car terminal, at the bottom of the plan, and bear right past the Waterfall Gardens. Actually, have a look in, there are ducks and other birds in the pool there-it's very pretty. Then you'll see some steps up on the left. Follow that path and you'll come to the Centenary Garden which is a good place to stop and take pictures if you've got your camera. Then carry on until you're almost at the Children's Zoo. Right. I wouldn't bother to visit the zoo if I were you, it takes quite a long time to walk round. But I do recommend the 'Touch and Feed' section opposite, as I said. It's great fun for small children. #Person1#: Ok, so we'll pay a visit there, and then what? #Person2#: You could come back a different way past the Chinese rock garden. Oh, that's lovely-do wander around if there's time. Then go down the steps to the Otter Pool-you can have a sit down there for a little while and watch the otters messing around in the water. Then back to the cable car terminal where you can catch a car to the upper level. The journey takes about ten minutes, I suppose, it's quite a long way. Now if you look at the other plan, the one for the upper level, you'll see where you arrive. #Person1#: Is this the terminal here in the bottom left hand comer? #Person2#: Yes, that's right. The fun fair is in the top left hand corner. Can you see? With 'The Dragon' I was telling you about, and 'The Octopus' and 'The Spider'. Do you think you'll want to go to that? #Person1#: Um, well, I think the children are a bit too young really, but they might enjoy watching other people. #Person2#: OK. Well, if you're feeling quite hungry by the time you arrive, which you probably will be, why not have a snack in the Chinese Restaurant next to the terminal? When you've finished your lunch, I would go to the Coral Reef first. It's that little building on the left hand side. 'That's where you can see fish and other underwater creatures in a kind of natural habitat. #Person1#: Right. That sounds interesting. #Person2#: It's lovely. After that, walk up to 'The Dragon' and watch people being really scared! Then you could come down to the Ocean Theater, which is just to the left of the center of the plan- and see a performance of dolphins or maybe the killer whale. You'll have to check the times for that. There's one at two o'clock, I think. I'm not sure about the high diving, but you may be able to see that as well. If there's time, you could also carry on to the fight and have a look at Wave Cove. And finally, if you're not too exhausted by then you could return to the lower level by using the famous escalator. You'd be finished by 3:30 or 4 at the latest. #Person1#: Right, well, thanks for all your advice. Urn, we'll send you a postcard! #Person2#: I'll look forward to it. Summary:

Since #Person1# just has four days in Hong Kong, #Person2# suggests #Person1# get to Ocean Park early. #Person2# also shows different levels of the park. #Person2# recommends the Waterfall Gardens, the Centenary Garden, the Children's Zoo, the 'Touch and Feed' section opposite at the bottom of the plan. #Person1# can come back a different way past the Chinese rock garden and visit the Otter Pool. If #Person1# feels hungry, #Person1# can have a snack in the Chinese Restaurant. Then #Person1# can walk to 'The Dragon', the Ocean Theater, and Wave Cove. #Person1# thanks for #Person2#'s advice and will send a postcard.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: What were the things in Britain that you found most strange when you first arrived? #Person2#: Well, the first thing is driving on the wrong side of the road..., that would be the- that was very strange because you have this automatic reflex when you go out into the street to look one way and a couple of times I did that and I almost got hit by cars and bikes and all, you know. It's dangerous. It really is dangerous. And you have to teach yourself to look the other way. #Person1#: Someone said that Britain and the United States are divided by a common language. Have you had any difficulties with the language here? #Person2#: Oh, yeah-tremendous amount of difficulty but I'm starting to pick it up now-all the lingo and slang and all those-but there's definitely a difference. #Person1#: Can you give me any example? #Person2#: Well, the big-I'd say some of the biggest ones would be the word 'queue' which means in America 'line'. I never heard the word 'queue' before. Um-what you call 'chips', I call 'French fries'. I never heard them called 'chips'. Urn-there's so many-urn-words that are different. Ah-' crisps' which mean ' potato chips' Yeah, that's - we call them 'potato chips' or 'chips' in America. You call them 'crisps' here. So when I heard the word 'chips', I was thinking of 'crisps' and not French fry-you know-it's very confusing but-urn-but just some of the expressions like-er-' mate' you know and 'love'. Those-you know--they're funny. You don't hear them. You don't hear them in America. #Person1#: What about with young people-with people your own age-I mean, do you notice differences there? #Person2#: I do notice some differences-er-I think-ah-I think the younger people in Britain are-they seem to be-much more radical than the younger people in the United States. I noticed that. Ah-the dress is different. You see a lot of-I see a lot of males here with earring in one of their-in one of their ears. You don't see that in America that much. Somet-maybe here and there, but not, not like you see it here. Ah-so many of the young people wear black-clothing-you know, I don't-you don't see the other colors. At home you see all different types of bright colors-and in England you see so much black. Especially on the women. #Person1#: You don't like that? #Person2#: Not really. It's just my own preference. I like-I'd rather see different colors here and there-not all-not all one color. Everyone looks like Madonna. #Person1#: When you say 'radical'-do you-are you just thinking of clothes or of anything else? #Person2#: Um-no, I think-er-radical as in going against the norms-could you say? Not only in clothing but I think in politics too whereas in America-er-you don't find that as much. Oh, also, another difference is the young-er-the younger people are-they're more politically aware on a larger level. See a lot of the-a lot of the Americans- they're aware of-er-government of the United States and maybe a few other countries but not as many countries in Europe or they just have a vague understanding of how those other countries are run-not as widespread. Whereas here, I think that they- er-the kids get to know about how different countries are run at a much younger level and they know all about the United States and how it's run. #Person1#: What do you think the reasons are for that? #Person2#: Urn-that's a good question-urn-well, I think that the reasons are-just because of the Press. You hear so much about America here that people are-they're into it-they want to know what it's about and how it's run. And so many of our policies in America affect Britain that they want to understand how policies are made and all that and seeing that that doesn't work on the other level like Britain's policies don't-I mean, they can affect us, but not to as great an extent and therefore you don't hear as much about Britain and people don't know as much about it. Summary:

#Person1# asks #Person2# about the differences between Britain and the United States. #Person2# says people drive on the wrong side in Britain and there are many differences between British English and American English, like 'queue' and 'line', 'chips' and 'crisps'. #Person2# finds that young people in Britain are much more radical and they wear black more often and they are more politically aware of on a larger scale and they know what's happening in other countries which might be because of the press.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Have you settled in? #Person2#: Yes, I feel quite at home now. I haven't got used to the food yet, but I'm enjoying the life on campus. #Person1#: Good. Now we'd better make sure you enjoy your studies. We offer a very wide range of options on the foundation course, as you know; but you can only take six modules -do you know what you want to do yet? #Person2#: Yes, more or less, but I'm not sure whether to do biological sciences or German. #Person1#: Well, that's quite a difference. You want to do computer studies, don't you? #Person2#: Mmmmm, yeh. #Person1#: Well, let's see-you elected to do physical sciences, basic electronics, art and design CAD-that computers and design-isn't it? #Person2#: Computer-aided design actually, 'CAD', but... #Person1#: Oh, right-anyway, CAD and..., and English. That's quite a range. Don't you want to do maths-or computer programming, for example? Why don't you choose to do art and design? #Person2#: Well, I'm interested in electronics-in computer-especially in writing computer games. I'd like to produce educational software, educational games, eventually. I've taught myself a lot of programming- I... I don't think I'd benefit much from a foundation level course. #Person1#: No... no, I see that-go on. #Person2#: So, er, I want the basics-the physical science and electronics I was hopeless at physics in school and we didn't have electronics-but I was good at maths-I don't think I need that. #Person1#: And the art and design? #Person2#: That will be good for my graphics-I need that to produce games-CAD too-I've never done CAD before. #Person1#: No-right-they've got some powerful packages in the computer graphics and CAD offices-you'll enjoy that. So... that leaves English. It's mostly English lit. I know your English is very good, but did you know you can take English as a foreign language as one of the modules in the foundation year? #Person2#: No... no, I didn't. That's great - if they've got classes at my level. I don't have any problem speaking-but my writing is terrible. #Person1#: Oh, I'm sure they have-go and talk to them in the EAP department-oh, and I suggest you join the study-skill classes, too. They will have sessions on report and so on. #Person2#: Great-I really need some help with my writing, especially spelling. #Person1#: Well, that would be in the EFL classes-study-skills would help more with how to structure your essays and so on... now, your last module... #Person2#: Yeh... well... I gave up biology at school to do physical-but I much prefer biology -I'd like to study some more While I can but German is very important in technical subjects, so I want to do that too. #Person1#: Well, you could do it as an option next year-you do know that? #Person2#: No, I don't-I mean, I didn't cheek. #Person1#: Yes... yes, I think that's the thing to do-concentrate on your English this year you could take Cambridge proficiency-and you'll need LELTS for the first year of the degree -start the German next year. #Person2#: Right-that sounds good. #Person1#: Good. Well, if you have any problems academic or otherwise, just come and see me. #Person2#: OK, thanks. #Person1#: I am on extension 7549. #Person2#: 7549. #Person1#: That's it-just leave a message if I'm not in the office-OK, if there is nothing else... #Person2#: No... no, that's fine, thanks. #Person1#: Good-bye for now, then. #Person2#: Bye. Summary:

#Person1# and #Person2# talk about #Person2#'s course choice. #Person2# wants to do computer science and thinks #Person2# cannot benefit much from a foundation level course such as computer programming because #Person2# has learned it. #Person2# thinks physical science and electronics, and the art and design would be helpful. #Person1# suggests #Person2# take study-skill classes and talk to the EAP department to help #Person2# with her writing. #Person1# also tells #Person2# to concentrate on English and talks to #Person1# if #Person2# has other problems.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hey, neighbor. How's it going? #Person2#: Fine. How about you? #Person1#: Okay. Huh, by the way, my wife and I are going out of town this weekend, and I was wondering if you could take care of some of our animals while we're gone. You know our dog, Jaws, don't you? #Person2#: Yeah. My leg still hurts from the last incident. #Person1#: Hey, he's just a playful little beast. #Person2#: Right. #Person1#: Hey, he likes to bark a little, and his bark is worse than his bite. #Person2#: Oh yeah. #Person1#: Just feed him a can of dog food a day, and make sure he has plenty of water in his dish. #Person2#: Oh. #Person1#: And then, take him for a walk around the block. #Person2#: Well, how about if I just throw a Frisbee over the fence to give him some exercise? Wouldn't that work? #Person1#: Ah, and then, he likes to watch the 3:00 soap opera on Channel 4.. #Person2#: What? #Person1#: ... and brush his teeth after you give you some doggie treats around 4:00. #Person2#: Man, you really pamper your dog. #Person1#: And, then brush his fur for about twenty minutes. He tends to shed this time of year. #Person2#: Ah, what? #Person1#: And then scratch him around the ears. Otherwise, he feels neglected. #Person2#: Is that it? #Person1#: Well, and then there's Claws. #Person2#: Claws? Who's Claws. #Person1#: Oh, he's the cat we adopted from the animal shelter, but he's a little temperamental. #Person2#: What do you mean 'temperamental'? #Person1#: Well, he has mood swings. #Person2#: Mood swings? #Person1#: Yes, but he's been doing better since he's been going to the animal therapist. #Person2#: A therapist? #Person1#: So, be sure to feed him a half cup of cat food two times a day. #Person2#: What? A therapist ... #Person1#: Right, and don't forget to put out on some soft classical music during his nap time at 2:40 p.m. But don't let him out of the house because he might run away and chase the neighbor's dog. #Person2#: You have some high-maintenance animals. #Person1#: Not really. And, don't forget to change the cat litter daily, or he might have an accident on the carpet. #Person2#: Oh, great. #Person1#: And finally, there's Buttercup. #Person2#: Buttercup? Who's Buttercu ...? I'm afraid to ask. #Person1#: Ah, she's a sweetie. #Person2#: What? #Person1#: ... if you know how to handle her right. #Person2#: Oh, great. #Person1#: Wait. Let me get her for you. Here you are. #Person2#: That's ... That's a snake ... #Person1#: Hold her. #Person2#: That's a big snake with big fangs. Does the snake go to a therapist, too? #Person1#: Of course not ... just an anger-management class. #Person2#: Oh! What? #Person1#: I'm joking. Buttercup is a very docile creature, and she never bites anyone she likes. If she doesn't, you'll know because she starts hissing and staring at you ... kind like what she's doing now. #Person2#: Well, I'm leaving. You must be going out of you mind to think I'm going to watch a zoo full of misunderstood animals. You'd better hire some professional help 'cause I wouldn't watch them even if you paid me a million dollars. Summary:

#Person1# requests #Person2# to take care of their animals because #Person1# and #Person1#'s wife are going out of town this weekend. #Person1# introduces the animals to #Person2#, including Jaws, their dog, who seems pampered, Claws, their cat, who is a little temperamental and has been going to the animal therapist, and Buttercup, their snake. After hearing #Person1#'s sophisticated requirements, #Person2# refuses resolutely.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hello, Freddie. #Person2#: Hello, Mary. How nice to see you again. How's everything going? #Person1#: Fine. Busy these days? #Person2#: Yeah. With lots of things to do. Would you like to join me for a drink? #Person1#: Ok, thanks. #Person2#: Any news recently? #Person1#: Oh, well, I read in the local paper the other day that the government is planning to build an airport here, you know that? #Person2#: I'm afraid not. #Person1#: Well, my real objection to this idea of a new airport is, is the whole thing is so wasteful, I mean, we know we are currently in fuel crises, we know that we've got to conserve oil and fuel and all the rest of it, and get here the government seems quite deliberately to be encouraging people to, ... to travel, to use and these jets use a hack of a lot of oil, I mean it takes a ton of oil, a ton of petrol before one of these big jets even takes off. #Person2#: Mm... #Person1#: It seems so completely short-sighted to me. Quite apart from all the ways to the land and so on, I can't see, I can't see the rationale behind really wanting an, an airport at all. #Person2#: Well, surely you must have to admit that the existing airport nearby are becoming swarmed. I mean, why should people, uhh... #Person1#: Well, they aren't being swarmed. #Person2#: Be treated like cattle when there is a chance of... a new airport here. #Person1#: But, but really people shouldn't be traveling that much, that's, that's why most of the journeys, I mean, they swamped because there is far too much unnecessary tourism and so on. It isn't necessary for people to travel so far or even so often. #Person2#: Well, you take the climate here in this country. Now just before Christmas, there was this dreadful cold spell, there was a tremendous increase in number of people who wanted to leave and spent Christmas and the New Year in a reasonable climate of sun and, and a certain mild climate. And, and in summer, the same situation occurs. It is unbearably hot here and people want to go somewhere cool. #Person1#: Well, yes, I can sympathize with that. But it is still not really necessary to do, well, as it isn't necessary to, to conserve fuel and it is necessary to, well, not to waste land. I mean land for a new airport could be used for far more important things which would benefit the people here far more. I mean it could be used for farming for instance. #Person2#: True. #Person1#: It could also be used for housing, or it could be used for parks, you know. People then could come and enjoy themselves without having to travel far. #Person2#: But, airports do bring some local advantages. They bring roads, there is obviously extra employment, for instance, new hotels, shops, restaurants will have to be built. This means more jobs for the locals and it is good for local economy. #Person1#: But you ask the people, you ask those who are now living near the airports, for instance, whether,whether they recon that airpotrs bring them advantages, although, all the airports bring in are noise and vast motorways, and the whole area is, is desolated, isn't it? #Person2#: But the airport infra, ..., infrastructure relies on housing and other facilities for the great number of people who would be employed in the airport, the pilots even, the stewardess, they have to live somewhere near the airport, right? #Person1#: Yeah, but it's, it's just so, so damaging to the whole area. I think, airports, from my point of view, the whole concept is outdated, really. Umm, with modern technology, we can make a lot of travel unnecessary, really. For example, it won't be necessary for businessmen to fly out to a foreign county to talk to somebody. They can just leave it to the telephone in the office, press the button, and say to the person they want to do business with. You see, business deals can be made without having to travel back and forth, right? #Person2#: Yes, you are right. But for a lot of people, personal contact is important. And this means travel, and means quick travel, air travel. And we just need a new airport. Summary:

Mary tells Freddie the government is planning to build an airport. Then Mary begins to talk about the disadvantages of it, such as wasting petrol and space. However, Freddie thinks building an airport has some advantages, such as providing jobs and that people need traveling.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: Victoria: I think it's actually great as a stand alone chapter, but a continuation in a new story would be awesome. XD Like a final show-down between the beardmen or something. :) xx It really made me laugh, it's a great idea. xxx Kitty: You know what? I've just come up with another idea to continue. And I can include yours to it. Brilliant! Thanks a lot!!! :D Victoria: Haha, you're welcome! :D I can't wait to read it. xx Let me know when it's finished? xx Kitty: Shall do! :D It might take me a while to sort out the details though, but all will come in good time :) Kitty: Out of curiosity, did you add my story to the community "The Best, funny and Romantic fanfiction"? Victoria: Haha, no I didn't. :L Congratulations! :) xx Kitty: You didn't?! Then who did? I guess I'll never know. Thanks, by the way. :) Victoria: It's a mystery. o.O And you're welcome. :) Kitty: Oh, I read some of your stories - not bad! I like 'Housemates' and 'The Vagabond Opera' (found them interesting) :) Kitty: Also, because I'm in a promoting mood, I figured you might like my other story: "Don't you dare!" That is, if you want to read it :) Victoria: Oh noees, I hate those fics. D: I'm currently trying to co-author with a friend, but it's her birthday today, so we haven't got much done. :P Still, it's a lot better than the crappy fanfiction I've got up here at the moment. xx Victoria: I'll give it a read right now. :) xx Kitty: Ooo - What are you writing about?? Miraculous ladybug figs or something else?? Good luck with the writing! :) And enjoy! :P Victoria: Haha, it's a Harry Potter fanfiction set in the 1970s. :) xx And thank you. xoxo Kitty: Oh cool!!! Alert me when it's complete?? xxx :D Victoria: Sure. :) We're aiming for 50,000 words, and so far I've got 5,000 words down, so the first chapter should be posted very soon. xx Kitty: Is this with the Marauders?? Or am I wrong?? Well done at getting 5000 - that's quite an achievement!! xx Victoria: Thanks :) The most words I've written for a story is 9000, so I'm pretty concerned. D: No, it's Harry travelling back in time. We wanted to write something with lots of hippies and stuff. XD There's the Marauders in it, though. So far I've just been writing the prologue and stuff. xx Kitty: Ah okay. Does Harry meet his parents or should I just wait and see? ;) 9000 compared to my short capters (them most I've ever written was 859 words) is a lot - at least to me :) xx Victoria: Haha, yes he does. ;) I'm not good with sticking with things, so I just tend ot give up halfway through. :P I love your short stories, they're so good. Victoria: But my co-author is killing me! So far, she has done a spectactular zero words. I'm busting my ** off over here, and I've a ton of History exams and crap to prepare for. She's just had her birthday, so I can't really complain, but I've nearly got 7000 words now and my brain seriously hurts. D: Victoria: Lol sorry, I just needed somewhere to winge. :P xoxo \o/ Kitty: Awww that's okay, feel free to complain about anything here any time. :) I know the temptation of giving up, especially when I want to add another story which is kinda unrelated. :) You don't suppose we could co-write sometime? Maybe after your exams? (Oh, and good luck with them!!! :D) Victoria: Sure. :) I need a break from this storyline, so if you fancy we could start developing a plot right now. xx Summary:

Kitty and Victoria write fanfiction. Victoria is working with her friend on a Harry Potter story set in 1970s. She'll co-write something with Kitty after her exams.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but would you have time to answer a few questions? #Person2#: What's it about? #Person1#: We're doing some market research for a new television channel starting in two years' time. #Person2#: OK, why not? #Person1#: Lovely, we'll just work through this form. And if we could start with some personal background information. #Person2#: Sure. #Person1#: Right, if I could just have your age... #Person2#: 35. #Person1#: Right, great. And your job? #Person2#: Systems analyst, but for the form I don't know whether it would count as professional or business or what. #Person1#: What do you think? #Person2#: OK, it's more like business. #Person1#: Fine. And would you mind my asking about your salary? Or we can leave it blank. #Person2#: No, I don't mind. It's 40,000 a year. #Person1#: Thank you. Right... about your current watching habits..., what would you say is your main reason for watching TV? #Person2#: Well, at work I tend to read for information and what have you, so I'd say that with TV it probably just helps me relax and unwind. #Person1#: Fine. And how many hours a day on average do you watch TV? #Person2#: Not a lot really... I should say just over an hour. #Person1#: So what are the two main times of the day that you watch TV? #Person2#: Well, a little around breakfast time and then it tends to be really late eleven or even midnight- when I've finished work. #Person1#: And what sort of programmes do you go for? #Person2#: Some news bulletins but I also really like to put my feet up with some of the old comedy shows. #Person1#: Fine. And turning to the new channel..., which type of programmes would you like to see more of? #Person2#: Well, I certainly don't think we need any more factual programmes like news and documentaries. I think we need more about things like local information..., you know, providing a service for the community. And in the same vein, perhaps more for younger viewers..., you know, good quality stuff. #Person1#: Ah ha. And if you had to give the new directors some specific advice when they set up the channel, what advice would you give them? #Person2#: I think I'd advise them to pay a lot of attention to the quality of the actual broadcast, you know, the sound system. People are very fussy these days about that and in general I think they ought to do lots more of these kinds of interview, you know, talking with their potential customers. #Person1#: Oh, I'm glad you think it's valuable! #Person2#: Certainly... yeah. #Person1#: Good. OK, this will be a commercial channel of course, but how often do you think it is tolerable to have adverts? #Person2#: Well, out of that list I'd say every quarter of an hour. I don't think we can complain about that, as long as they don't last tot ten minutes each time! #Person1#: Quite. And would you be willing to attend any of our special promotions for the new channel? #Person2#: Yes, I'd be very happy to, as long as they're held here in my area. #Person1#: OK, I'll make a note of that. And finally, may we put you on our mailing list? #Person2#: Well, I'd prefer not..., except for the information about the promotion you mentioned. #Person1#: Can I have your name and address? #Person2#: Of course ... here's my card. #Person1#: Oh, lovely..., and thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing you. #Person2#: Yes, indeed. Urn, thanks. Summary:

#Person1#'s doing market research for a new television channel, and #Person1# interviews #Person2# about some questions. First, #Person1# learns about #Person2#'s basic personal information, including age, job, and salary. Then #Person1# asks #Person2# the reason for watching TV, frequency of watching TV, and the types of programs #Person2# watches. Finally, #Person2# gives the specific advice of paying attention to the quality of the actual broadcast to the new directors when they set up the channels. #Person2# is willing to attend #Person1#'s special promotion for the new channel.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: We all know that poetry is not everyone's cup of tea. But according to Dr. James Stewart. #Person2#: Hello! #Person1#: Hello! If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, poetry may be the solution to your problems. Dr. Stewart, how does poetry help? #Person2#: Em, OK! Look, let me give you an example. A patient came into our clinic last month. He was a middle-aged businessmen, and he was feeling, well, like most middle-aged businessmen, really stressed and with his life out of control. He talked to me about it, and, well, I was convinced that medication just wouldn't help him. Then I read him a poem called Leisure by WHDavis. Do you know the one? It begins, er... #Person1#: I do, yes. #Person2#: What is this life, er, so full of. It is so or if... #Person1#: I think it's if. #Person2#: If full of care, that's it, yes. We have no time to stand and stare. Well, you know the one. The next time he came to see me, he told me that, well, it was a sort of turning point for him. The poem made him think about the quality of his life and the need to find a balance between his work and his social life. Er, you see, because the idea was expressed poetically, he felt that he could identify with it, and actually feel the message in a way that he wouldn't if he simply discussed it with me. And we just had the usual kind of conversation about it. #Person1#: Yes, I see. #Person2#: You see, reading poetry to patients seems to make them calmer. Encouraging them to write it has an even more dramatic effect, actually. Era, there.., there are something about the process of expressing confused thoughts and feelings and emotions in writing that actually helps people or suffering from stress and anxiety. This happens especially if the words are written in a poetical way with a sense of rhythm rather than in prose, you see. Er, now, for a long time, we've been asking patients to write diaries to put their feelings into words. But it turns out that writing poetry seems to work much better for many patients. #Person1#: Right, and have you found that other doctors and therapists have made the same discoveries? #Person2#: Yes, many of my colleagues have successfully used poetry with patients suffering from anxiety or depression or even eating disorders. I mean their patients said that, that reading poetry made them feel less stressed. You know, almost as many said that writing it has the same effect. You see, some said that writing poetry reduced the pain they felt when a friend or a close relation had died extraordinarily! #Person1#: Yes, it certainly is! #Person2#: Era. Others thought that it enabled them to reduce or stop taking antidepressants or tranquillizers. And writing poetry helps them to provide a sort of outlet for their emotions. #Person1#: Em, that's fascinating! Can you give any explanation as to why poetry might be calming in this way? #Person2#: Well, it's only a guess. But I say that the calming effect of poetry is related to an interplay between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, the.., you probably know the left half is the one which analyzes and responds to language while the right one visualizes images and responds to rhythm. Now, I believe that poetry may activate the system at the base of the brain where thoughts meet emotions, you see. #Person1#: Do you think that people need a doctor to prescribe particular poems for particular conditions? #Person2#: No, no, no. I think poetry can help everyone to feel calm and less stressed. People who read poetry tend not to be anxious and stressed, probably because they are in touch with their emotions. I mean they certainly don't need a doctor to tell them which poems to read. #Person1#: Thank you very much, Dr. Stewart. #Person2#: You are welcome. Summary:

Dr. Stewart thinks poetry may be the solution to people's problems when they suffer from anxiety or depression. He gives an example that he read a patient a poem called Leisure by WHDavis, and the patient realizes finding a balance between work and social life. Then Dr. Dtewart explains encouraging patients to write poetry has dramatic effects because the process of expressing confused thoughts and feelings and emotions in writing helps people or suffering from stress and anxiety. Besides, Dr. Stewart tells that other doctors and therapists have made the same discoveries. Finally, he gives an explanation of the calming effect of poetry, and he thinks there is no need to prescribe particular poems for particular conditions.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Ooo, this is so exciting. So, where do you want to get married? I know, I know, I know. Um, up in the mountains. You know, that beautiful waterfall? Why don't we get married by the waterfall? #Person2#: Uh, I don't know. #Person1#: Oh, come on. It would be great. It's so beautiful, and it's peaceful, and it's really romantic. Come on. #Person2#: I don't know. You know I'm allergic to 32 types of wild flowers ... #Person1#: You'll be okay. Take an allergy pill. #Person2#: ... and I might break out in a terrible rash. #Person1#: You'll be okay. Come on. Well, let's .... I'm sure we can come up with something nice. Come on. Let's think about it. #Person2#: Wh .. wh ... wh ... We could get married in my parent's backyard. [ What? ] Yeah. We just need to move the dogs for a few hours. #Person1#: No! Don't even think about it. Their backyard is really tra ... tra (She means to say, trashy). It's ... it's in bad shape. And their house is like, right next to the freeway. It's only half a block from the freeway. It's so noisy. Come on. There is a real nice reception hall only a couple miles away. We can do that. You don't have to worry about your allergies. #Person2#: Ah, that sounds expensive! #Person1#: It's not that expensive ... just a little bit. And then, and then, look. We can have a catering service come, and they serve shrimp and lobster tails, and when my friend got married, they had the best desserts. Come on, and then, you know, for our breakfast, our wedding breakfast, we could go to that Japanese restaurant ... I can't remember. What's it called? #Person2#: You mean, Samarai Sushi? #Person1#: Yeah, Samuri Sushi! Their food is so good. Come on, come on. #Person2#: That sounds so expensive. #Person1#: But it's okay. It's worth it. Come on, Ron! Come on! #Person2#: How about my mother's tuna fish sandwiches instead? #Person1#: Ronald. We can spend a little bit more money than what you keep in that old stupid jar on your desk. Come on. #Person2#: Well, I was trying to save money for the honeymoon. #Person1#: Well, yeah. [ Yeah. ] Well, okay. Well, I've been thinking about too. I've been thinking about it for weeks. #Person2#: Me too. Now look, look at this Web site. We could go to Salt Lake City, Utah. #Person1#: That would be so cool! They have the best snowboarding and skiing, and their snow. It is the best snow. This time of year would be perfect. They have some really, really nice hotels. Oh, Ron, we're going to love that. That would be wonderful. I love skiing. #Person2#: I .. I ... I was thinking about visiting some of the local art and natural history museums instead. [ What? ] Snow skiing just isn't my thing. #Person1#: Oh, Ron. Come on. #Person2#: You ... you know. I don't do well in the cold. #Person1#: Brother! #Person2#: Oh, yeah! [ What? ] That's a good idea. Let me call my brother. [ No way! ] He lives there, and he probably could let us stay at his house. #Person1#: For our honeymoon!?!?! #Person2#: Oh, yeah! [ No! ] Wait, wait! Where are you going? Come back. Did I say anything wrong? Summary:

#Person1# suggests getting married in the mountains but Ron is worried about his allergies. Ron suggests his parents' backyard. #Person1# refuses and suggests a reception hall instead and wants to go to a Japanese restaurant for their wedding breakfast. Ron thinks it's too expensive and wants to save money for their honeymoon. #Person1# wants to go snowboarding and skiing but Ron was thinking about museums and wants to stay at his brother's house. #Person1# leaves angrily.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Han Maimed, What's your plan for the weekend? #Person2#: I plan to travel around Harvard University and know more about it. To tell you the truth, I plan to apply for Harvard after graduation from high school. It's better to get to know it. What about you? #Person1#: I get together with my Christian brothers on Saturdays. #Person2#: Oh, my God! John, I didn't know you are religious. You just look like a scientific kook, like Leonard in the Big Bang Theory. #Person1#: Come on, Han Maimed, don't make a fuss. A lot of Americans, including many scientists, believe in religion. #Person2#: But I'm really surprised. I thought science and religion are not compatible, are they? #Person1#: Yes, they are compatible. Actually, the U. S. is both the most developed and the most religious country in the world. #Person2#: I've heard about it a little bit before, but I don't understand. How can people believe in God since they know God doesn't exist? #Person1#: That's a little complicated. You'll get to know it when you are acquainted with the U. S. history later on. Religion was and is a part of American people's life. Guess what? Even Harvard University, which is a highly academic institution, is in a sense the product of religion. #Person2#: Really? #Person1#: Absolutely! It was founded by a group of Puritan immigrants from England. #Person2#: Why was it founded by the Puritans? Where were the atheistic educators? #Person1#: Because most of the first English immigrants who came to the United States were Puritans. #Person2#: How come? I mean why most of them were religious people? #Person1#: That's because in the 16th and 17th century, there was a series of religious reforms in England. Many religious separatists were persecuted and fled to other countries. #Person2#: So, you mean people didn't enjoy religious freedom in England? #Person1#: Yes, that's why Puritans moved to the New World, where they believed they could establish a heaven for Puritans. Later on, it was these Puritans who founded Harvard College. #Person2#: Why did they want to found a college? #Person1#: Many Puritans had received classic style of higher education in Oxford University and Cambridge University back in England. They hoped that their descendants could receive this kind of education as well. #Person2#: Oh, I see. #Person1#: Actually Harvard was first named'New College', without a formal name. #Person2#: When did it begin to be called Harvard University? #Person1#: In 1639, it was renamed after its major benefactor John Harvard. Interestingly, JohnHarvard himself was a clergyman. #Person2#: It seems that Harvard was predestined to be influenced by religion. #Person1#: Therefore, it's not exaggerate to claim that had there not been religion, there would note Harvard. #Person2#: Wow, I didn't know that religion had played such an important role in Harvard history. #Person1#: Religion has been playing an indispensible part in Harvard history as well as the U. S. #Person2#: I finally begin to get to know Harvard. It seems that my knowledge of Harvard is rather poor. I have a lot work to do before applying for Harvard. #Person1#: Remember that Harvard is a part of the United States. So you have to know the U. S. history and culture if you want to have in-depth knowledge of Harvard. The two are closely related. #Person2#: That's right. I have a lot to learn from you. #Person1#: You can ask me any question at any time. Summary:

Han Maimed plans to travel around Harvard University for the weekend because he plans to apply for it. He is surprised at the fact that John is religious. They agree that science and religion are compatible. John explains to Han Maimed that most of the first English immigrants who came to the United States were Puritans, so religion was and is a part of American people's life. John also tells Han Maimed that Harvard was founded by Puritans and was predestined to be influenced by religion. He advises Han Maimed to know the U. S. history and culture if he wants to have in-depth knowledge of Harvard.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: William: Hello Hobbs! A new update on our whereabouts. Just moved over to Merida after a long drive from Cancun. Empty roads giving you a weird feeling. We had all possible difficulties finding our airbnb accommodation as its address was like Marida, Caucel, Avenida 68, Puerta Sisal, Calle 31, Avenida Caucel 68, Calle 3/2419 B. After much asking around, as we don't have a navigation system here, and consulting our paltry maps, we gave up and phoned our host who navigated us to the house, which turned out to be located in a semi-fenced residential area outside the city. Quite a pretty and comfy place for that and entirely for us alone. William: <file_photo> William: So we finally had a goodnight's sleep, did some sightseeing in the capital of Yucatan today and are looking forward to reconnoiter the area tomorrow. William: <file_photo> Hobbs: Hi there! Many thanks for the details. Caucel rings a bell with me. Is it to the west of the city itself? A fairly new development? William: That's it. Brand new and still being developed. Following a wide and brand new avenida today, we ended up with this. <file_photo> And dense vegetation beyond! Hobbs: Looks like Mexico to me. But they'll pick up the continuation once they needed it. Practically minded as they are. And how did you like the city itself? William: We got stuck on the Plaza Mayor, this being Sunday. It was turned into a market square with stalls offering local food, craftsmanship products and household goods, surprising un-touristy. In front of Palacio del Gobierno, a supreme show of dancing in local costumes. William: <file_photo> Hobbs: Did you manage to get to the balcony of the Palacio on the first floor and get some photos from there? William: But of course! William: <file_photo> William: Theresa tried to prevent me from trespassing but you know me. Even managed to get to the loo there! Hobbs: Good boy! And how about the cathedral? Casa de Montejo? Is it still accessible or is it only a bank? William: Both, and Theresa intends to visit the cathedral again to take some more photos. I didn't find it that impressive, apart from the west facade of course. A small part of Casa de Montejo on the ground floor is a museum now, interiors with period furniture plus a small modern art gallery, quite pleasant though over-airconditioned, but the rest is a bank, I think. Hobbs: If I remember correctly they bought the building some time ago and financed its restoration. To have a good overview of the city, you should try a ride on an open double-decker bus. William: Planned for a day to come. Tomorrow we want to go to Sisal and drive along the coast to Progresso. Hobbs: You'd better stay in Sisal, enjoy the beach and absolutely try one of their fish restaurants. As far as I remember the road leading eastwards peters out after a few kms and you are nowhere. Years back with my team we mapped the ruins of Xcopte temple east of the road but it took us a strenuous march and even worse kayaking. I don't think it's been made open to sightseeing. I'd give it a miss anyway, nothing spectacular. William: Thanks for the tip! We are planning though to drive down and visit Uxmal. Is it worth it? Hobbs: Absolutely! It is a must. Huge, well preserved, with a totally unique - oval - pyramid, el Piramide del Adivino. Plan one whole day for this site. It is exceptional. One of my favourites in this part of Yucatan. William: We will! I'm developing a slight liking for Maya architecture :-) Hobbs: I bet you are! Anyway please keep me posted about your travelling there. William: Sure. Your tips are invaluable to us. You'll hear from us soon! Summary:

William and Theresa have just moved to Merida. They had problems getting there. They like their accommodation and they enjoy their sightseeing in the capital of Yukatan. They are planning to go to Sisal and Uxmal.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Uh, could I borrow a few bucks until payday? I'm a little strapped for cash. #Person2#: Uh, yeah, I guess, but I'm pinching pennies myself, and you still owe me $20 from last week. And mom and your friend Ron said you borrowed money from them this past week. [Oh, yeah.] How ARE things going anyway? #Person1#: Well, not very well. To be honest, I'm really in the hole, and I can't seem to make ends meet these days. #Person2#: What do you mean? I thought you landed a great job recently, so you must be loaded. #Person1#: Well, I do have a job, but I've used my credit cards to pay off a lot of things recently, but now, I can't seem to pay the money off. #Person2#: Uh, do you have a budget? I mean, how do you keep track of your income and expenses? #Person1#: Well, when my money runs out, I come to you. Of course. [Great!] No, but I guess I should have some financial plan. #Person2#: Well, let me see if I can help you. How much money do you spend on your apartment? #Person1#: Uh, I pay $890 on rent for the studio apartment downtown ... not including utilities and cable TV. But the place has an awesome view of the city. #Person2#: Uh, $890! Why are you paying through the nose for such a small place when you could find a cheaper one somewhere outside of the downtown area? #Person1#: Yeah, I guess. #Person2#: Okay. How much money do you spend on food a month? #Person1#: Hmmm. I'm not really sure. I think I spend around $600. [$600?!] Well, I go out to eat at least four times a week, so those expenses add up. I just don't enjoy eating alone, and I don't have a knack for cooking like you do. #Person2#: Well, I can understand that, but perhaps you ought to buy some microwaveable meals you could prepare at home. #Person1#: Well, I guess I could. #Person2#: And entertainment? #Person1#: Well, I spend a few dollars here and there on basketball and movie tickets, a concert or two, and ballroom dance lessons. #Person2#: Uh, exactly how much do you spend on all of these? Just a 'few' dollars? #Person1#: Well, oh ... about $400 or so. #Person2#: Or so? No wonder you're having money problems. You can't just blow your money on things like that! And what about transportation? #Person1#: Oh, I commute to work everyday in my new sports car, but I got a great deal, and my monthly payments are only $450. Come outside and take a look. We can go for a spin! #Person2#: No, I've heard enough. You've got to curb your spending, or you'll end up broke. I suggest you get rid of your credit cards, cut back on your entertainment expenses, and sell your car. Take public transportation from now on. #Person1#: Sell my car?! I can't date without a car. What am I going to say? 'Uh, could you meet me downtown at the bus stop at 7:00?' Come on! #Person2#: And you need to create a budget for yourself and stick to it, and start with paying off your bills, starting with me. You owe me $50 dollars. #Person1#: Fifty dollars! Wait, I only borrowed $20 from you last week. How did you come up with $50? #Person2#: Financial consulting fees. My advice is at least worth $30! Summary:

#Person1# wants to borrow a few bucks from #Person2#. #Person2# asks how #Person1# spends the money and suggests #Person2# find a cheaper place, get rid of credit cards, cut back on the entertainment expenses, and sell the car and asks #Person1# to pay $30 for financial consulting.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: I think we should do the floors before we work on the curtains and walls. #Person2#: Why? It doesn't make sense. If we do the floors first, and then paint the walls, we will get paint all over our new floor. #Person1#: Hmm. Maybe you're right. But I can't stand all this green carpet in here. And besides, I know how to paint. I will just cover everything with drop cloth. I won't get anything on the floor. #Person2#: Are you sure? #Person1#: Yes, I'm sure. I've done a lot of house painting in my life. And my mother was very picky. If I got even a tiny drop of paint on her furniture, she would get furious. So I learned to be very careful. #Person2#: Alright. Then maybe we can do the floor first. These wood floors under this carpet are beautiful. And me too--I can't wait to get all this old carpet out of here. But how can we get it out? Do we need to call helpers? #Person1#: Absolutely not. We can remove the carpet ourselves. Carpet is held down with carpet nails. You just need to pull it hard and it comes up. #Person2#: Great. Then, after we remove the carpet, we need to restain all the wood floors. Right? #Person1#: Yes. But we should hire someone for that. That will probably be expensive. And it has to be done right. #Person2#: And then, after the floors are done, we can start to move our furniture in. #Person1#: Sure. If we can get an appointment with someone to do the floors, we should probably be able to have the furniture in here after a week or so. I can get all the carpet out this weekend. #Person2#: So, after the floors are done, and after the furniture is in, we need to redo the curtains and paint all the walls and ceilings. #Person1#: I'm the painter. You can be in charge of going to curtain shops to choose curtains. That will probably be pretty expensive too. Having good curtains made isn't cheap. #Person3#: You mean we can't just buy curtains already made? #Person2#: Absolutely not. The windows must be measured, and then the curtains need to be made professionally. So that will take a while. Maybe a month or so. #Person1#: While the curtains are being made, I can start having people look at the kitchen. I can't stand that old kitchen. I won't be able to cook in there. I don't want to use that electric stove. #Person2#: We will need to find an interior decorating company do redo the kitchen. I believe in Portland there are shops that specialize in kitchen renovation. I will look in the Yellow Pages. I'd like a kitchen of colors. #Person1#: I agree. The colors must be soft and pleasant. You should feel comfortable when you cook our dinners. #Person2#: Me? Cook our dinners? Hah! You will be cooking, dear. You will cook. #Person1#: No, I don't think so. I'll be too busy having tea in our new tea room. #Person2#: Well, I suppose we'll have to hire a cook then. So you won't be able to afford any #Person1#: And you'll have to sell your motorcycle. And your cameras. Right? #Person2#: Maybe I'll cook once or twice a week. How is that? #Person1#: Four times might be enough. Not once or twice. Summary:

#Person1# wants to do the floor first, but #Person2# disagrees because the painting will drop on the floor later. Yet #Person1# is experienced and confident. They'll remove the carpet by themselves and then hire someone to restain all the wood floors, and get the furniture in about a week. #Person1# asks #Person2# too have the curtains made. Meanwhile, #Person2#'ll get someone to renovate the kitchen. Then they argue over who cooks the meals and they both think the other one should do it.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Honey. Do you know what time Katie will be home? #Person2#: Uh, she should be here any minute. She took the car to pick up something from the store. #Person1#: Okay, I was just a little worried that ... Man, what was that? Oh, no. The car! She drove over the mailbox and hit a tree in the front yard. Ah, the car! #Person2#: Well, just don't stand there blabbing all day. Let's go out and see if Katie's okay. #Person1#: Ah, my car. #Person2#: Honey, are you okay? #Person3#: Oh, mom. I'm so sorry. I can't believe this is happening. #Person1#: Oh, my car! #Person2#: Forget your car! #Person1#: Driving with the cell phone. I know. #Person3#: It wasn't that at all. Don't jump to conclusions. #Person1#: Oh, yeah. #Person3#: Dad ... uh, mom. It's not like that at all. I mean, as I was pulling into the driveway, something rolled from under the seat and got stuck under the brake pedal ... the gas pedal ... I, I don't know, and I couldn't stop the car. And then I accidentally hit the gas when I wanted to brake, and I hit the mailbox. #Person2#: Uh, I think I know what the problem was. Honey, did you put those golf balls away like I told you? The ones YOU put under the driver's seat ... the ones I told you would get in the way. #Person1#: Man, I thought I got those. #Person3#: Plus, Mom, the windshield wipers on the car didn't work, so I couldn't see very well in the rain. #Person2#: Didn't you get those fixed? #Person1#: Uh, I've been meaning to get those repaired. #Person3#: And mom. I was going to use the car this weekend to go camping with my friends, but now my plans are ruined. My friends are going to hate me. What am I going to do? #Person2#: Hon, yeah, what IS your daughter going to do? It appears that it's mainly your fault for the accident and that she's in such a jam. #Person1#: My fault? Hey, why don't you just invite your friends over for pizza? I'll buy. #Person3#: Mom, we've been planning this weekend for months. I need a car. #Person2#: Hon. #Person1#: What? I mean, man, what a predicament! That's tough. #Person2#: I think what your dad is trying to say is that you can take his new Jeep. #Person3#: Yeah, awesome. #Person1#: What? #Person3#: Yes! #Person1#: Wait, not my new Jeep. I don't even have 500 miles on it. #Person3#: Four-wheeling through the mud, over big rocks and in deep ruts in the road ... if there IS a road. #Person1#: Ah. #Person2#: You love your daughter, don't you? #Person1#: Ask me after she returns from the trip. #Person3#: Ah, Dad. I'm going to call my friends to let them know of the good news. Thanks, Dad, I knew I could count on you. #Person1#: Yeah, but make sure wrecking the car doesn't become a routine activity. #Person3#: Dad! Summary:

Katie drove over the mailbox and hit a tree. Katie's mom and dad argue about the reasons, and they find out the fault is mainly on Katie's dad because he put golf balls under the driver's seat and didn't repair the windshield wipers. Katie's mom persuades Katie's dad to lend Katie his new Jeep for going camping with Katie's friends. Katie's dad doesn't want to lend the new car to Katie at first but finally agrees.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: What companies are stockholders in this company, do you know? #Person2#: Yes, the main stockholder is International Business Machines Corporation, namely, IBM for short. #Person1#: What section would you like to work in if you enter this company? #Person2#: I wish to work in the planning department. #Person1#: What type of work will you expect to do at first? #Person2#: I expect to operate computers. #Person1#: What are your plans for the future? #Person2#: I wish to move up to higher positions with acquisition of more experience in the future. #Person1#: How long does it take to get here from your home? #Person2#: It's a twenty-minute bus ride. #Person1#: How long do you think that we can depend on your working here? #Person2#: I'll work here as long as you expect me to. #Person1#: You are single now, but what will you do when you get married? #Person2#: I'Ve thought about that a lot. I know that many women take a job, planning to make a career of it, and then they change their mind. But I am hoping to make it my lifetime work. So if I get married, I will find some ways that I can continue my work. #Person1#: Do you think you will want to continue working here even after you'Ve had a child? #Person2#: I think so. #Person1#: What ideas do you have if we employ you? #Person2#: Ever since I was a young girl, I'Ve been clever with my hands. I'Ve always enjoyed doing detailed work. If I could use that ability to make your products a little better and to benefit the company, I would be happy. #Person1#: Do you have any particular conditions that you would like the company to take into consideration? #Person2#: No, nothing in particular. #Person1#: If you are employed by us, how are you going to do your part of the work? #Person2#: I'll first get further information about our goals, ways, counterparts and management, etc. . Then I'll make my plan. And then I'll go with all my effort to see it is realized. #Person1#: If you fail to do your work well, what are you going to do? #Person2#: I'll report it honestly. I'll give a correct analysis. I may quit the job - and pay compensation. But I have my way to judge whether I fail. #Person1#: What do you think if you do not have much spare time on this job? #Person2#: People are supposed to work hard within regular work time, especially when it is an important work that is highly paid for. I don't mind work over spare time if it is paid for. #Person1#: What are your expectations from working on this job? #Person2#: Getting more experience with a widely-known company like yours. Using my speciality in marketing and management. And getting advancement in salary and position. Show my enterprise, confidence and character in passing. #Person1#: If you were choosing a person for this job, what kind of individual would you select? #Person2#: I would select the individual that has the most qualifications among all the applicants. He doesn't have to be the person if we have to fill the vacancy. But he has to be the best, even if we have to pay him higher. #Person1#: If we do not employ you, what are you going to do? #Person2#: I will feel it is a pity. But I will not feel so bad. I will go for other interviews until I am employed satisfactorily. Hopefully before I find another position, you will call me back. Summary:

#Person1# interviews #Person2# and she answers #Person1#'s questions accordingly. #Person2# tells the interviewee her expected section, plans, the time it takes from her home to the company. #Person2# also shows her determination to work for the company even if she gets married or has a child. She will fulfill her duties. She is even willing to work over spare time if the work is paid for. Besides, #Person2# also gives her opinions on the standards of a competent person for this job and the plan if she does not get employed.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Sally, come downstairs, please. Look at this job advertisement. #Person2#: (from a distance) I'm coming. Walt a moment. (nearer) Eric, I'm here. What's the matter? #Person1#: Look, Sally. Here's a job advertisement. 'Start a new life with Exco Exports Ltd. as personal assistant to our managing director!' Perhaps it's the job you want. #Person2#: Personal assistant to the managing director? Yes, it is! Eric, would you like to read it for me? #Person1#: It's my pleasure! Now, listen--'We will give the right person $ 3,500 pa for a 45-hour week, free training, the chance to join a pension scheme, 3 weeks' holiday per year and a company car! Canteen facilities are also available.' #Person2#: It sounds not so good. Only $ 3,500 every year. I think the salary is fairly low. The working hours seem too long, you see, a 45-hour week. Oh, my dear! And the holidays are short too, only 3 weeks. #Person1#: But you're interested in this type of job. Since you have no job now, you can treat it as one of your choices. #Person2#: Hm, you are right. OK, I'll write down the address. Eric, please repeat it to me. #Person1#: 'Box 4032, London'. #Person2#: Good, the company's in London. I don't want to work out of this city. #Person1#: Look, there is another point maybe you will be attracted by. #Person2#: Yes. Ah, just now, auntie Jenny called me. #Person1#: Really? What did she say? #Person2#: She told me there's a job opening for a secretarial position in her company. She asked me to apply for it. #Person1#: Sounds good. Would you like to try? #Person2#: I am interested in the work, but you know, her company is in the city of Edinburgh. So I thanked her and wrote down the address only. #Person1#: How kind she is! #Person2#: Yes, she is very kind... Oh, she invited us to her villa to attend her birthday party this Saturday. #Person1#: Sure we are going to attend it. But what present should we take? How about a bottle of wine, or... #Person2#: Eric! Look, here's another job advertisement. #Person1#: What is it? #Person2#: Listen: 'Join one of the world's fastest growing companies: Exco Imports Lid.' #Person1#: How about the work? #Person2#: (go on) 'We are looking for a personal assistant to help our managing director.' #Person1#: Another personal assistant to the managing director. #Person2#: 'We can offer: $ 6,500 pa, 6 weeks' holiday, and a 35-hour week! And we have a supersocial club, too! Interested?' Yes! I am interested! #Person1#: Where is the company? #Person2#: 'Ring Carrie Jones on 01 734 6387 Now? It's in London. Oh, Eric, I am so happy. It's the right job I want. #Person1#: It seems everything is wonderful. #Person2#: That's right. I'll call the person now! (dialling sound) Good morning! Is that Ms. Carrie Jones? I am Sally Brown... Summary:

Eric finds a job advertisement looking for a personal assistant to the managing director and tells Sally Brown about it. Sally thinks the payment is low and the working hours seem too long. Sally tells Eric auntie Jenny called her to ask Sally to apply for a secretarial position in her company and invite them to attend her birthday party. Her company is in the city of Edinburgh but Sally wants to work in London. Then they find another job advertisement which meets all Sally's expectations, so Sally phones the person immediately.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hey. What's this on Facebook? It says ... Are you getting married? #Person2#: Yeah. Didn't you know that? #Person1#: No. Why didn't you tell me about it? It says you're getting married next week. #Person2#: Yeah, and I'm bringing her over to mom's house tomorrow. You'll love Jasmine. #Person1#: Jasmine? #Person2#: Yeah. Here's her picture on Facebook. #Person1#: Oh. Wow. #Person2#: What? What do you mean? #Person1#: Dad is not going to be impressed. #Person2#: Why? #Person1#: She's got, like a lot her tattoos and a nose ring, and uh, I'm sorry. The family is going to be really surprised. #Person2#: Ah, she's so, well, so sensitive and caring. #Person1#: Um, well .... #Person2#: What? #Person1#: Have ... have you taken any marriage prep classes? #Person2#: Ah, who needs that anyway? I know all about women. #Person1#: Yeah. Right, like .... What have you had? Like ten girlfriends in the last six months? #Person2#: Well, that's different! #Person1#: Uh, listen. Obviously, you need to improve your communication skills, and the best thing at this point .... if you're really set on marrying Jamie... #Person2#: Jasmine ... #Person1#: Okay, I'm sorry, Jasmine, anyway, um, you really should take a marriage prep class. #Person2#: What? What you are talking about? I know all about love and romance. #Person1#: Uh. Right .... #Person2#: What? What do you mean? #Person1#: Look. Okay. It's more than that. What do you know about, say, personal finance? #Person2#: Well, you know ... #Person1#: I mean, how are you going to manage your money together? Are you going to have a joint bank account? Whose salary is going to pay the bills? #Person2#: Ah, no problem. No problem. We have that figured out. My paycheck is going to be automatically transfered to her overseas bank account. #Person1#: Oh. #Person2#: What? #Person1#: Uh, where exactly is this account? What's the name of the bank? #Person2#: Ah, I don't know. Jasmine's going to take care of that. #Person1#: Oh, boy. Right. Um, well, what about children? Are you guys going to have any kids? #Person2#: Well, I want a large family, so eight kids would be just about right. #Person1#: Wow! What does Jasmine say about that? #Person2#: Ah, well, she doesn't want any kids, but I'll change her mind once we get married. #Person1#: Right. #Person2#: No problem. #Person1#: Okay, what about housework? How are you going to handle that? #Person2#: Well, Jasmine won't mind doing it. #Person1#: Did she said that? #Person2#: Well, not exactly. We've been just so busy planning out our honeymoon, that we just haven't worked out, you know, these small details. #Person1#: Great! You know what? By the time you learn her last name, I think things are going to be over between the two of you. #Person2#: No, you just want and see. Summary:

#Person2# is going to marry Jasmine but #Person1# hasn't heard about that. #Person1# suggests #Person2# take marriage prep classes and finds that #Person2# hasn't really figured out how to manage the money, how many children to have, and how to handle the housework with Jasmine and thinks their marriage will not succeed, but #Person2# is confident about himself and the marriage.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hi. How can we help you today? #Person2#: Yeah. I'd like to get my hair trimmed a little. Nothing fancy. Just a basic trim. #Person1#: Well, can we interest you in today's special? #Person2#: Um ... Nah, nah ... #Person1#: We'll shampoo, cut, (and) style your hair for one unbelievable low price of $9.99 (nine ninety-nine). Plus, we'll give you a clean shave and a back massage to help you relax. #Person2#: Well, I don't know. I don't have much time, and ... #Person1#: Best service in town! #Person2#: Well, okay, I'll have the complete service today, but as I said before, I just want to get my hair trimmed. A little off the top and sides. That's all. I mean, that's all. #Person1#: No problem. Relax. You're in good hands. Okay, here we go. Now, how does this thing work? #Person2#: Huh? Wait. You know what you're doing, right? #Person1#: Relax, sir, relax. I've been doing this for ten [cough] [Ten what?] Sit back and relax. So, what do you do for a living? #Person2#: I'm a lawyer, specializing in workplace accidents, and I'm in town for a very important job interview, and ... #Person1#: Oops. #Person2#: What do you mean oops. Hey, can I see a mirror? #Person1#: Nothing to worry about, sir. Relax. I'm just making some adjustments to the hair trimmer. There we are. Okay ... #Person2#: Ouch. That hurt. That really hurt! What are you doing anyway? #Person1#: Nothing to worry about, sir. Relax. #Person2#: That's what you just said a minute ago, and look at all of my hair on the floor. And how much are you really cutting off? And where's a mirror? #Person1#: Oh. And time for the shampoo. Just lean back, and we'll wash your hair away. #Person2#: You mean what's left of it? #Person1#: Relax. [Your favorite word ...] Relax. #Person2#: Hey, hey, and you got shampoo in my eyes. I can't see. Where's the towel? #Person1#: Relax, sir, relax. I'm almost finished. #Person2#: Yeah, just wait till I get finished with you! #Person1#: Okay, okay, now let's dry your hair, put a little styling jell in it, and now style it with a blow dryer, and brush. voila! #Person2#: Hey, what happened to my hair? You butchered it! And what's left of my hair turned purple. What kind of prank are you trying to pull here anyway? Are you even a licensed beautician? #Person1#: Well, sir. We offer a money-back guarantee on all our work, so if you're not completely satisfied ... #Person2#: Satisfied? I'm anything but satisfied. I want to talk to the manager ... now! #Person1#: I'm sorry, but he's on vacation, and he left me in charge, so if you ... #Person2#: How in the world am I supposed to go to my job interview looking like this? Forget it, forget it. Is there anyplace in this town that can give a decent haircut and fix this damage? #Person1#: Well, my brother works next door, and he offers a complete package for .... #Person2#: I know, nine, ninety-nine. I've had it. Forget I even asked. Summary:

#Person2# wants #Person1# to get his hair trimmed a little. #Person1# persuades him to have today's special but #Person1# does the haircut terribly and #Person2# is unsatisfied.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: Diana: Hi Chris! Karen told me that you know someone from AIESEC Chris: Hello Diana! Good to hear from you! Chris: Not only I know someone from AIESEC, but I'm working with them myself :) How can I help you? Are interested in one of the projects? Diana: Great! Thanks for replying so quickly :) Diana: I was browsing your website and looking for different opportunities. I am particularly interested in Asia and Northern America, my only problem is that I don't speak other language than English Chris: Ok, it doesn't necessarily mean that you won't be eligible to participate in projects in other countries. Especially in Asia we have a lot of opportunities for people who would like to teach English Diana: That's great news! Won't it be a problem that I'm not a teacher? I don't have any experience Chris: It all depends on what you would like to do, are you interested in being a volunteer or in something paid? Diana: I'm interested in travelling that's for sure, so I really want to go somewhere. If you have something that will allow me to get paid for my work and will be in line with my experience, that'd be absolutely wonderful. Diana: I'm open for being a volunteer as well - the only problem's that I may not be able to afford to pay for the accommodation. Chris: Most of the organisations we're cooperating with cover the cost of the accommodation of our volunteers. You usually pay for a plane ticket and food. Certain organisations offer pocket money Diana: Yes, I saw one really interesting offer from Japan. They're looking for someone who could teach English in high school, although they listed some nationalities - didn't mention British, quite surprising in my opinion. Does it mean that I can't apply? Chris: Could you please send me a link? We have a lot offers and it'd be easier for me to advice you if I know the offer Diana: Sure <file_other> Chris: Thanks! Chris: Okay, so, I think in this case it shouldn’t be a problem. You may not be regarded as a preferred candidate, but I don’t think that you’re not eligible. Also, if you’re really interested, I’ll gladly contact the organisers and ask if they are interested in your profile. Diana: That would be amazing! Thank you Chris! Chris: If this one doesn’t work out, and please, be aware that we’re in touch with people all over the world so it may happen that you won’t get the job you applied for, are you interested in another position? Diana: I think I’ll be happy to participate in any project in Japan (as a volunteer or not), unless it’s related to computers, IT, technology, etc. as I have absolutely no clue about that stuff Chris: And what about North America? You mentioned that you may be interested in this as well Diana: Yes, I think it’s pretty much the same as with Japan. I’m not too keen on being a teacher at a camp, but everything other than that would be great Chris: Got it! I will look for something suitable. May you send me your CV? Diana: <file_other> Chris: Thanks! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask :) Diana: Thank you! I really appreciate your help Chris. The whole idea is brilliant, but I admit it’s a bit overwhelming and confusing especially as you’re new to the whole thing Chris: No worries, I've heard that a lot and we're doing everything we can to facilitate the process and make it more user friendly Chris: We also highly recommend everyone to visit us in one of our offices, so if you live in London, I'll be happy to meet you Diana: Perfect! Summary:

Chris is working with the AIESEC. Diana is interested in AIESEC's projects in Asia and Northern America. She sent Chris an offer in which they are looking for an English teacher in high school in Japan. Chris will contact the organisers on behalf of Diana and will let her know what their answer is.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hi. Welcome back to Susan's Gardening Show. I'm Susan, and we're ready to take our next caller. We have Mark from Seattle. Are you still there, Mark? #Person2#: Uh. Yeah, but maybe not for long. #Person1#: So, how can we help you today? #Person2#: Okay. Uh, my wife is really into gardening, and about five years ago, she received a beautiful climbing rose bush ... I think an Agatha Christie [That's a nice one.] from her mother who has passed away. Anyway, the rose plant seems to be on its last leg. #Person1#: Really? Nomally, that rose is really quite hardy [I know.], and it's very disease-resistant, too. [I know.] #Person2#: Yeah. Well, this situation ISN'T normal. You see about a week ago, I was doing some yard work, and I was using some weed killer [UH-oh.], yeah, to try to get rid of some terrible weeds and ... #Person1#: Did you spray the roses? #Person2#: Uh, well, not exactly. I set the spray container down near the roses while I was trimming a bush, and the container must have gotten knocked over, and the weed killer soaked into the ground near the roses. #Person1#: How much weed killer are you talking about? #Person2#: Uh, about six or seven quarts (about six liters or 1.6 gallons), I think. [Oh, that's a lot.] You know, I mean when you put ... #Person1#: And the roses? What do they look like now? #Person2#: Oh, Dead, real dead. Dead as a doornail dead, but my wife hasn't seen them yet. #Person1#: Really? What have you done? Blindfolded her? #Person2#: Well, I've kept her away from that side of the house where the roses are, but she is bound to see them at some point. #Person1#: Yeah, yeah. You've got a problem. #Person2#: I mean, is there anything I can do to revive them? #Person1#: Not unless you're a magician. #Person2#: Well, can you recommend a quick-growing variety that can take its place? #Person1#: Marc. I'm sorry. You've made a mistake ... A big mistake. #Person2#: ... except that my wife warned me this could happen ... Oh, man. #Person1#: Oh, shoot. Listen. You made a blunder. A big mistake. A really big mistake. But unless your wife goes on vacation for a couple of years, you're not going to be able to replace the roses that fast. #Person2#: So, any recommendation? I mean, what do I do? #Person1#: You need to talk to her. #Person2#: Are you kidding? You don't know my wife. #Person1#: I'm sorry. Look. You've waited long enough. Don't let the grass grow around your feet. Say something, but be sure to hide the garden shears before you do. Kneel down; ask for forgiveness now. #Person2#: But that's what I did when I killed her prized apple tree last year. #Person1#: No way. Really? #Person2#: Oh, man. Oh! She's coming in from outside [Oh, no, oh no.]. #Person1#: One final word: Hide the weed killer. [But ...] Thanks, Mark. That's all the time we have for now. Let's move on to the next caller. Summary:

Mark's wife has a rose bush. The rose bush seems to be on its last leg. Mark does not spray the roses and soaked the weed killer in the ground near the roses. The roses are dead. Susan suggests Mark talk to his wife because there is no time to replace the roses. Mark killed his wife's apple tree last year. Susan suggests Mark hide the weed killer.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Mary, you know I've been thinking about applying for a job in Germany. Well, I've got the details about different jobs and I'd like your opinion about which would be the best one to go for. #Person2#: Where are the jobs? #Person1#: One's in Munich, one's in Frankfurt and the other one's in Hamburg. #Person2#: Munich's supposed to be a very nice place. #Person1#: Yes it is, and it's also in a beautiful part of Germany, not far from the Alias. #Person2#: That would be great for the kids--they'd love to be able to go skiing at weekends! #Person1#: But, one problem with Munich is that it's growing very fast. That means the cost of living will probably be very high. #Person2#: It's a higher salary than the job in Frankfurt but lower than the one in Hamburg. The Hamburg job has the most responsibility. From the point of view of career progression that would probably be the best job for me. Hamburg's the closest to Britain, too, so it would be easy to come back for long weekends and holidays. #Person1#: That's right, and there's a regular ferry service which would save quite a bit on fares. #Person2#: What about the cost of living in Germany as a whole? How does it compare with Britain? #Person1#: Well, it's definitely higher than over here, but salaries are substantially higher, so we'd certainly be better off than we are now. #Person2#: And what about accommodation? #Person1#: Well, actually, flats are much cheaper to rent in towns like Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg than they are here in London, so we'd be able to afford to live in a nice, spacious flat, I'd think. #Person2#: Mmm, that'd be nice! And do you know what the cultural facilities are like in these cities? #Person1#: In fact, they're quite good in all three. But, of course, Munich has an international reputation as a cultural center. #Person2#: Another thing we'll have to consider, of course, are the educational possibilities. How long would you want to go to Germany for? #Person1#: I think a maximum of five years. I think working overseas will be good for my career and, of course, it'd be a good experience for you and the kids, too! #Person2#: So we'd be there long enough to enable John to complete a university course. #Person1#: Well, yes we would, unless of course he preferred to go to a university in the UK. But, yes, if he did want to go to university in Germany, there'd be no problem as each of those cities have their own universities. Munich, in fact, has the second largest university in Germany. #Person2#: Well, it seems to me the choice must be between Hamburg and Munch. Hamburg has the advantage of being the closest to Britain, so coming home would be relatively easy and inexpensive. Munich, on the other hand, sounds like the most interesting place from a cultural point of view. #Person1#: I agree with you. Personally, I favor Munich because it's so near to the Alps. We all like sliding and we could go skiing at weekends in the winter. #Person2#: I think you're right. I had thought Hamburg might be preferable because it's the closest to Britain. But we'll only be abroad for five years, and if we're going to be away, let's choose the most attractive place we can. #Person1#: Right. That's agreed. Now all I have to do is get the job! Summary:

#Person1# asks Mary's opinion about different jobs that #Person1# has been thinking about to apply for in Germany. They compare different aspects, like the salary, accommodation, cultural facilities, and educational possibilities, of the three cities which #Person1# may go to. Since Munich is a cultural center and Hamburg is near Britain, it is hard to make the decision. Finally, #Person1# decides to get the job in Hamburg after hearing Mary's suggestion.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: Tessy: Good morning Harry! Just thought I'd drop you a line before disappearing to the other side of the world. At the moment I'm on the train to Frankfurt airport, then off to Cuba for 5 weeks. Can't wait to be there! Harry: A very good morning to you dear Tessy! How nice you are in touch. So travelling again? Gosh, you've got stamina! Tessy: I wonder myself. Truth to tell I'm slightly apprehensive. Never been to Cuba. Have you? Harry: No, I'm not that adventurous but Maya was. Last summer with her boys. And I think she was very enthusiastic.But I remember no details. Why don't you ask her? She may have a tip or two. Tessy: A bit too late now :)) but I will definitely contact her. Still she can give me a few good tips. Do you remember if internet is really such a disaster there? Harry: Oh yes, it is. She was gone for 2 weeks and I heard from her twice: from the Havana airport when she arrived and on leaving. Tessy: I see! My Super Mario boss is expecting me to be online all the time - just in case. LOL Harry: What a charming person. Have you told him to fuck off? Tessy: More or less. And hey how are you? Tied down to the ground? Harry: I hate winter for that reason. But still had a fantastic flying season this year. Can't complain really. We've been thinking about a skiing holiday though at Xmas. Tessy: Smashing! Where to? Harry: Actually that's an adventurous part - to Israel. They seem to have some incredible slopes with topnotch infrastructure. A bloke from Notts Club was there last year and couldn't praise it too much. Tessy: Funny enough I remember seeing their skiing brochures when we were there back in 2000. Sooo long time ago. By now it can be only better. Wouldn't it bit more on a pricey side? Harry: We'll manage 2 weeks. And it can't be more expensive that Austria.Not to mention Switzerland. They're gone mad there, with all those Chinks and Russkis. Nobody else can afford it any more. Tessy: Apart from royals in Kitzbühel :)) Harry: Molly has found out about a package, with the flight, full board, accommodation. You only have to pay your ski passes. Tessy: And that's where they are making their money! And on apres-skis! Harry: I can easily give a miss to a fancy apres-ski! Have you had any bookings? They surely have nice all-inclusive places in Cuba. Tessy: Not at all! Otherwise prices are exorbitant. But those affordable ones always have horrible write-ups. Yes, I've booked all my accommodation. Airbnb, I like to support the locals :) Harry: Very noble of you. But it's a bit of a tossup: you can get a superb flat or land in a rubbish hip. I definitely prefer hotels. Tessy: I AM more adventurous. Anyway it is safe, Cuba is said to be very safe even for woman travelling alone. Harry: And ravishing blonde on top of it! But be careful. Tessy: STB you are. Harry: What the hell is STB? Tessy: Swet Talking Bastard. Anyway it was great to chat with you. I think we're approaching Frankfurt. So see you in January! Tessy: And have a fantastic skiing Xmas! Harry: Happy and safe trails Tessy! Summary:

Tessy is going to Cuba for 5 weeks. She's staying in airbnb. Tessy is worried about the Internet connection, because her boss might contact her anytime. Harry wants to go to Israel for skiing holiday during Christmas. Tessy and Harry are going to meet in January.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: Ida: Hey! I need a little bit of your help. :D I was in Hamburg for almost 5 months and I wanted to post a short text for all my friends and peoplewho made me feel better in a new place. It will be public so I dont want to make grammar or vocabulary mistakes :P I'd be thankful if you saw it and improve it as a native speaker :) Nancy: Hey! Of course - no problem :D Just send me what you wrote and I'll look through it ;) Nancy: How are you btw? Ida: Its time to say good bye! During my Hamburg experience I had fun, I worked hard and I took a lot of walks in the harbour. I also realised that #Fischbrotchen and milkshake are not a perfect match. But most of all - I met incredible, inspiring and freindly people who gave me the best memories. Thanks for everyone, who made me smile! + special thanks for my sister who survived 5 months with me and my Netflix obsession. Ida: Thanks a lot: Here it is (some cheesy jokes included, but I didnt want to sound too pompous XD ) Ida: I'm fine, tomorrow I'm leaving Germany ;) But i miss France actually :D What about you? Still studying in Bordeaux? ;) Nancy: Hey, I couldn't answer you straight away - here are my corrections: Nancy: It's time to say... It's = it is; Its = possessive form of it, meaning "of it". 2 examples - 'The building was missing its windows.' and 'it's a lovely day outside!' Nancy: "Goodbye", not "good bye" ;) Nancy: This is such a petty thing for me to correct, but here goes - "During my Hamburg experience , I had fun..." (what can I say? Commas are important too :P ) Nancy: I took a lot of walks *on* the harbour - just like you would say: "I took a walk on the beach" not "in the beach" Nancy: Milkshakes - plural (especially since you next write: milkshakes *are* not "is") Nancy: Thanks everyone who made me smile - the "for" isn't needed, if anything, "thanks to everyone" is preferred. And *a* special thanks *to* my sister - again, "to" not "for" Nancy: And that's about it :P Hopefully this makes sense ;) But other than some really minor mistakes, I would say that you're in pretty good shape language-wise Ida: I had a great teacher ;) Ida: Thank you very much! <3 Even in French I double-check what I write if it goes public XD Nancy: You're very welcome :) To answer your earlier question, I'm doing okay - it's been a bit bsy at the moment, but nothing I can't handle :P WHat have you been doing in Germany? Ida: I did an internship at About You! Do you know this company? It's pretty new in Europe. So I was taking care of the french market Ida: Do you have exam session? o.O Nancy: That's great Ida! I haven't heard of it, but it sounds like you learned a lot and had fun :) Nancy: Unfortunately, yes :/ First exam's next week! (yikes!) Ida: Good luck! You'll do great! Nancy: Thanks :) So, what's next on the cards for you after you return to Bordeaux? Ida: About you is an online shop,just like Zalando XD So i bought thousends of new clothes Ida: Next semester ill focus on my uni. I have to make 2 semesters i one - so 17 exams in June... :O Nancy: Oh gosh! Good luck with that!! (But think of all the shopping you can do afterwards ;) ) Summary:

Nancy helped Ida with her leaving message to her friends who helped her settle in Hamburg. Ida did an internship at About You and will return to Bordeaux soon.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: Robin: Appologies, it really irks me Olive: Fair enough :P So what else do people do that "irks" you? Robin: at work? general bitchiness and a lack of common sence, having to clean up after the previous shift because "it's not my job" even though when i do the shift its my job Robin: ironing as well, now i was brought up wash clothes, hang them on the line let the wind air them and gravity dop creases outt, then ron them, i got chewwed out because i told the lass on nights there were shower curtains on the line, she throws a wobbler about hos its always been my job and she does more work than me and stewart, it was 5 curtains and she'd have finished all her jobs thor the shift in an hour and a half easily Olive: You really hate your job, don't you... :( Olive: Do any other employees feel that way though? Robin: the jobs not bad its just some of the people i work with, yes me and stewart are in the same boat Robin: he's former rhodesian counter terrorist police, also did firearms for movies like the expendables with schwartzneiger Olive: And he hates it too? Robin: has the same irks, sometimes the job is ace, the guest can be great and being aknowleged by them either with a card or tripp advisor is ace Robin: i just hate what amounts to sexism Olive: Sorry mate :( Wish i could help Robin: i'm alright - just nice to chat with someone from time to time... Robin: Like apparently the cleaners and female night staff have been placing rubbish on the floor to see if I've hovered up, the woman on nights wasn't impressed when I hadn't ironed wet shower curtains fresh out of the wash. She's the one who apparently "does more than we do on shift" yet she wont do paperwork that she'd throw her dummy out if it hadn't been done for her Robin: And my manager supports her whole heartedly Olive: Fun fact - the cleaning ladies tick was something that mistresses would do in Victorian times to make sure that the servants were doing their job properly. Olive: One such trick involved hiding a coin, under a rug - if the servant gave the money back, she was trustworthy. If the servant took the money, the mistress would know. And if the servant missed the coin completely, she clearly wasn't doing her job. Olive: Now that I've gotten that (interesting, but completely useless) fact out of the way, I think the only thing I can say is: hang in there. Or better yet - don't give them (aka your boss) a reason to fire you. Olive: Right now, you're in a tough situation because you need the job more than they need you - so, even though it's unfair (and I completely agree with you btw), the only way to win the war is to not let them get you down. Olive: Man... I suck at giving advice. Robin: Completely useless information is always useful for pub quizzes, flattered, deffinatly go with flattered Olive: What about the remainder of my answer... ? Robin: the advice is good, and your right I just need to push through it, as for military I've not a clue, run with the pups try and rehabilitate my joints and see if theres any career I can do, although im also looking at museum's as a possible career Olive: That could be fun - it's interesting, right? :D Olive: Have you tried getting a job there? Robin: Looking online atm but I haven't seen much Summary:

Robin had an argument with a female colleague at work. He works with Stewart, ex-policeman, that has the same problems. Female night staff and cleaners put the rubbish on the floor to check if he hoovers it. She doesn't do any paperwork. The manager supports her. Robin needs this job.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Uh, Dad. Are you going to miss me when I leave for college next week? #Person2#: Yahoo! #Person1#: 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. #Person2#: 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. #Person1#: Exactly. #Person2#: 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. #Person1#: Yeah, I paid for that a few days ago. #Person2#: Okay, did you sign up for the meal plan at the university so you don't have to eat instant noodles everyday? #Person1#: Yeap. But Mom said I could take some food from home to get me started. #Person2#: Uhhh, well, yeah. The oatmeal is in the pantry. #Person1#: Dad! Mom said I could take a bag of rice, some canned food, and ... #Person2#: ... and grandpa's old army rations. #Person1#: Ugh! Not that old stuff. Mom! #Person2#: 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. #Person1#: Well, Dad, uh ... #Person2#: And future possibilities ... a great salary, opportunities to make a difference in the community, and [Dad. I changed my major.] supporting ... What? You changed you major ... you switched majors!? #Person1#: Yeah. I really thought about it. After talking it over with Mom, I've decided to major in wildlife science. #Person2#: What? What are you talking about? #Person1#: Yeah. I want to degree in wildlife science. You know, analyzing, maintaining, and conserving national forests and wildlife. #Person2#: What? Uh, uhh ... #Person1#: 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. #Person2#: Wait. When did this all happen? #Person1#: I can even go on to graduate school and further my education ... after Todd and I get married, of course. #Person2#: Graduate school ... Todd? Wait, wait, wait!! Who's Todd? Ah, what's next? #Person1#: 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? #Person2#: 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. Summary:

#Person1# and #Person1#'s dad talk about the needed preparation before #Person1# heads for college next week. Then #Person1# tells #Person1#'s dad that #Person1# has decided to change the major to wild science and #Person1# is about to get married. #Person1# 's dad is shocked.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Mr. Brown, I'd like to talk with you about something that is getting to be a problem. I'd like, if possible, to see it settled at this meeting. #Person2#: What is it, Mrs. Wang? #Person1#: It's about the quality of 300 cartons of dried mushrooms. They reached us two weeks ago, and were immediately examined after they arrived. To our astonishment, about 20 % of them were moldy and in many cartons there were even small brownish bugs crawling in and out of the half eaten mushrooms. We can't accept them in this state. They are unfit for human consumption. And the Medical Officer of Health has issued a Stop Notice on them. #Person2#: Is that so? So far we haven't had any complaint of this kind. Our mushrooms have enjoyed a good reputation for their superior quality for years. We are really at a loss to understand why your lot was found moldy and wormeaten. Have you any evidence? #Person1#: Certainly. Here's a survey report by a well-known lab in London, whose testimony is absolutely reliable. #Person2#: Though everything may be as you say, there are many factors involved. What's more, your surveyors have not mentioned any cause for the damage. #Person1#: The mushrooms were packed in small one pound plastic bags, sixty of these bags to a carton. It is stated on the surveyor? s report that external conditions of goods at the time of survey are all sound and intact. So it is obvious the cause of the damage is that the mushrooms were not completely dried before packing. #Person2#: As you know, before shipment, the Commodity InspectionBureau inspected the goods in question. They concluded that the goods were well dehydrated from fresh and choice material and up to standard for export. #Person1#: I think the Inspection Bureau at your end, when effecting inspection, only selected a few package at random these happened to be up to the standard. The part that was not dried properly, most probably, escaped their attention. As the amount in question is only 20 % of the whole shipment, I think it is only reasonable that you should compensate us for the loss. #Person2#: The inspection certificate, which is based on a random selection of 20 % of the consignment as we've agreed on beforehand, is considered final and binding upon both parties. We do not accept any claims for compensation for loss incurred in transit, because you bought the goods F. O. B. Houston and on shipping quality, not on landed quality. Your claim, in our opinion, should be referred to the insurance company, as the mishap occurred after shipment. #Person1#: We've already got in touch with the underwriter. But they have refused to accept any liability. They attributed the accident to the effects of dampness during the long sea voyage. #Person2#: That's a matter over which we could exercise no control, then. I'm afraid I have to insist that you approach the insurance company for settlement, that is, if you have covered this risk in your coverage. #Person1#: To my regret, we failed to cover contamination. This is an unfortunate oversight on our part and a lesson to us. #Person2#: Otherwise the insurance company would no doubt have entertained your case. #Person1#: Well, live and learn. It seems we'll have to waive the claim. Summary:

Mrs.Wang tells Mr. Brown 20% of the dried mushrooms offered by him were moldy and some of them were even worm-eaten. Wang's surveyor says it's because some of the mushrooms were not dried enough before packing, so Wang wants Brown to compensate for the loss, while Brown refuses since Wang bought the goods F. O. B. Houston and on shipping quality, not on landed quality. Brown insists that Wang approach the insurance company, but Wang failed to cover contamination in the coverage, which is a lesson to her.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Dad, can I go to a movie this week with Shannon? #Person2#: Here. Try this. It's called a book. [Ah, Dad!] Moby Dick. An American classic. [Dad!] Okay. Let me look at the schedule here. Hmm. When are you thinking about going to the movie? #Person1#: Uh, we're thinking about seeing a movie on Wednesday after school. #Person2#: Well, that's not going to work. You have piano lessons after school and then you have to babysit for the neighbors until 9:00. #Person1#: What about Monday? #Person2#: Monday's out. You haven't practiced your clarinet at all ... for an entire month, so you have to catch up on that. And, don't you have an essay due in your English class on Tuesday? #Person1#: Oh, I forgot about that [Yeah], and anyway, I was going to finish that during first period at school. [Great. I've never heard of a three-sentence essay.] So, what about Tuesday? #Person2#: Uh, you have soccer practice from 4:00 until 5:30, and after that, you have to do your homework. #Person1#: Ah, you can help me with that. Oh, I forgot you don't know how to do geometry. So, can I see the movie on Thursday? #Person2#: Well, remember the science fair at school is on Friday, right? Is, is your project finished yet? #Person1#: Umm, what about Friday night? I checked the paper, and there's a midnight showing. #Person2#: Uh-uh. Forget that idea. #Person1#: And Saturday? #Person2#: Well, you have to do your chores in the morning before noon. [You can help me with that.] Oh no. And then, we have to clean out the garage. You said you'd help. [No, you volunteered me.] Well, that should only take a couple of hours. [Dad, you're ruining my social life.] And then, after that, we can go to the movie. #Person1#: We? #Person2#: Yeah, We. Mom and I and you and Shannon. #Person1#: Uh, Dad, actually. We weren't planning on company. #Person2#: Now, let me check the paper for showtimes. [The movie plays at three oh five, five, seven fifteen, and nine.] You already checked, I see. #Person1#: Yeah. So is it okay? Can I go see the nine O'clock showing? #Person2#: The five o'clock showing! #Person1#: How about the seven o'clock showing? #Person2#: And why are you so concerned about the show time? #Person1#: Well, I don't know if I'll get all of my chores and homework done before then. #Person2#: Sorry, but I want you to get to bed early that night, and so, I can drop you off at the movie theater about 4:30 so you'll have time to get tickets. #Person1#: Uh, Dad. Can I have money for the movie? #Person2#: Sure, just go into the family bank vault behind secret mirror in the hall and take a few hundred. [Dad!]. Look. I can only spare a few dollars, so you'll have to come up with the rest, okay? #Person1#: Okay. Thanks, Dad. Summary:

#Person1# wants to watch a movie with Shannon this week but #Person2# tells #Person1# about #Person1#'s schedule of each day in a week and what #Person1# has to do and study. Then #Person2# agrees that #Person1# can watch the movie on Saturday evening at five o'clock and tells #Person1# to get money from the family bank vault for buying the movie tickets.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hey, Dave. Can we talk for a minute? #Person2#: Sure about what? I'm kind of busy, but yeah ... #Person1#: Well, ....um, well, I'm not sure what to say, but um ... #Person2#: Come on. come on. #Person1#: Well, ... #Person2#: What is it? I've never known my sister to be at a loss for words. #Person1#: Well, you know Dave. I've got to be honest. I'm getting really, really concerned about your drinking. #Person2#: What are you talking about? #Person1#: Well, uh, it's ... #Person2#: Can't a person just have a few drinks without people getting on their case? I mean, first, Dad, then you! #Person1#: Dave, Dave. No seriously. Listen, Dave. You're my brother. I love you, but you've had two DUIs, you lost your last job because you showed up drunk, your girlfriend's going to dump you because you're drinking too much. Dave. #Person2#: You don't understand. I have it under control. #Person1#: Dave, you don't. #Person2#: That was the old me. #Person1#: Dave. You got your last DUI three weeks ago. You can't keep doing this. Dave, you're going to kill someone. #Person2#: I thought ... #Person1#: You might kill yourself. #Person2#: I thought siblings there, were there to support each other, and that's not what you're doing right now. #Person1#: Dave. I love you, and I'm trying to help you. I really care about you. And these friends that you hang out with ... they're not friends. A friend is a person who is honest and frank with you, not these so-called buddies you've got that encourage you to go and buy booze for any old party. #Person2#: You just know them like I don't. I mean ... #Person1#: I know them well enough. Come on. Wake up. These guys are dragging you down. #Person2#: I've had enough. #Person1#: No, no. Listen. The truth hurts; it stings. Listen. I know. I've seen what's happening to you, and look, there's ... #Person2#: You don't understand. #Person1#: You know what? AA. Alcoholics Anonymous. You can go there and you can meet with other people, and they can help you be sober. #Person2#: That's for people who have problems. #Person1#: You've got problems, Dave. AA. There's no membership fees, anyone can attend, the meetings are very confidential. I'll even go with you. I'll help you. What do you say? Come on. #Person2#: Right. Like I said, I'm in control. I just need more time to deal with this. It just takes a little bit more time. #Person1#: Dave. How long? You can't do this alone. You're not doing it. #Person2#: No, I'm done. You'll see, you'll see. #Person1#: Dave, No. I can't ... it'll kill me if there's another DUI, an accident, something, I'm really worried, Dave. #Person2#: I'm done, I'm done. I don't want to talk about this anymore. Summary:

#Person1# tries to persuade Dave not to drink with his friends anymore and to go to Alcoholics Anonymous because #Person1#, as Dave's sister, is worried about him after he had two DUIs and lost his last job and his girlfriend. Dave refuses #Person1#'s suggestions and doesn't want to talk about it anymore.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Mr. Jones, shall we now discuss the packaging? #Person2#: Very well. You know, we have definite ways of packaging garments. As to blouses, we use a polythene wrapper for each article, all ready for window display. #Person1#: Good. A wrapping that catches the eye will certainly help push the sales. With competition from similar garments producers, the merchandise must not only be good value but also look attractive. #Person2#: Right you are. We'll see to it that the blouses appeal to the eye as well as to the purse. #Person1#: What about the outer packing? #Person2#: We'll pack them 10 dozens to one carton, gross weight around 25 kilos a carton. #Person1#: Cartons? #Person2#: Yes, corrugated cardboard boxes. #Person1#: Could you use wooden cases instead? #Person2#: Why use wooden cases? #Person1#: I'm afraid the cardboard boxes are not strong enough for such a heavy load. #Person2#: The cartons are comparatively light, and therefore easy to handle. They won't be stowed away with the heavy cargo. The stevedores will see to that. Besides, we'll reinforce the cartons with straps. Silk blouses are not fragile goods. They can stand a lot of jolting. #Person1#: Maybe you are right, but the goods are to be transhipped at Hamburg or London. If the boxes are moved about on an open wharf, the dampness or rain may get into them. This would make the blouses spotted or ruined. #Person2#: No need to worry about that. The cartons lined with plastic sheets are waterproof, and as the boxes are made of cardboard, they will be handled with care. #Person1#: Well, I don't want to take any chances. Besides, cartons are easy to cut open, and this increases the risk of pilferage. #Person2#: Tampering with cartons is easily detected. I should say that this rather discourages pilferage. #Person1#: Maybe so, but I'm afraid that in case of damage or pilferage, the insurance company will refuse compensation on the ground of improper packing, or packing unsuitable for sea voyage. #Person2#: But cartons are quite seaworthy. They are extensively used in our shipments to continental ports. There are never any complaints from our clients, and our insurance company has also approved such packing for W. P. A. and T. P. N. D. #Person1#: If you could guarantee compensation in case the insurance com - any refuses to honor a claim for faulty packing, we would be quite willing to accept cartons. #Person2#: I'm sorry, but we can't take on any responsibility that is beyond our functions and powers. We'll make sure that the packing is seaworthy, but we can't commit ourselves to being responsible for every kind of mishap. #Person1#: I can understand your position. Perhaps I'm asking too much. #Person2#: We'll use wooden cases if you insist, but the charge for packing will be considerably higher, and it also slows delivery. #Person1#: Well, I'll call you immediately for instructions on the matter. #Person2#: Please do. I'll be waiting for your reply. Summary:

#Person1# and #Person2# both think an attractive wrapping helps the sales. #Person2#'ll pack blouses in cartons but #Person1# is worried they might not be strong enough, might be pilfered, or can't be insured so #Person1# prefers wooden cases. #Person2# explains that cartons are quite seaworthy and discourages pilferage but #Person2# can't guarantee the compensation. #Person2# says wooden cases are more expensive and #Person1#'ll contact #Person2# soon.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: I think you know already that I want to discuss the represention for your alarm clocks. #Person2#: Yes, Mr. Bergeron. You mentioned that in your letter. To tell you the truth, your proposal surprised us. #Person1#: Is that so? Anyhow I want to go over the details with you in person, so you can give my suggestion thorough consideration. Our firm specializes in this line of business. We have six sales representatives, who are on the road all the time, covering the whole of the European market. #Person2#: Do you sell direct to shops? #Person1#: Yes, we specialize in handling clocks and watches of all sorts. We have well established channels of distribution and we canvass the retailers direct, without any middlemen. #Person2#: Do you keep a stock of these things? #Person1#: In some cases, such as the wristwatches, which always have a steady market, we keep a stock in London and act as distributors as well as agents. Generally, however, we pass on the orders of our clients to the manufacturers for supply. We are paid for our service, of course. #Person2#: That is, your commission. #Person1#: Yes, our commission is very reasonable. We usually get a 10 % commission of the amount on every deal. #Person2#: Our agents in other areas usually get a 3-5 % commission. #Person1#: The European market is not familiar with your products. You have competitors from Japan and other continental countries. At the beginning of our campaign, there is sales resistance to overcome, we must send out salesmen to do a lot of traveling and spend a considerable amount of money on advertising in news - papers and TV programs. A 10 % commission will not leave us much. #Person2#: According to your estimate, what is the maximum annual turn - over you can fulfill, in round figures, of course? #Person1#: We will always do our utmost to enlarge the business, as our remuneration increases with the turnover, but we will not be able to guarantee anything, at least not to begin with. #Person2#: We appreciate very much your intention to push the sale of our products. But our suggestion to you, Mr. Bergeron, as a preliminary step, is to do a little research into the market... #Person1#: Do you mean to say you refuse us the agency? #Person2#: Mr. Bergeron, you leave us no alternative. We can not give you an exclusive agency of the whole European market without having the slightest idea of your possible annual marketing turnover. Besides our price is worked out according to the costing. A 10 % commission means an increase in our price. We must have the reaction of the buyers in this respect. #Person1#: Oh, that's just too bad. I intended to make great efforts in selling your products. #Person2#: Well, we can still carry on our business relationship without the agreement. To start the ball rolling, we will provide you with price lists, catalogues and some samples. Only when you have a thorough knowledge of the marketing possibilities of our products, can we then discuss further details. #Person1#: Ah, Mrs. Miller, but in this case am I covered? #Person2#: Oh, yes. We will give you a 5 % commission on every transaction. #Person1#: All right, but I'll be back again for the Autumn Fair. And then I hope we can see eye to eye about our commission and the terms of the agency. #Person2#: Very good. We will discuss the matter again at the next Fair. Summary:

Mr. Bergeron wants to get the European market sales agency of Mrs. Miller's clocks and wants a commission of 10%. Mrs. Miller thinks Mr. Bergeron's team has no idea about the annual turnover so she refuses Mr. Bergeron's suggestion but will still carry on their business relationship without the agreement and will give Mr. Bergeron a 5 % commission on every transaction. They will discuss the matter again at the next Fair.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Mrs. Miller, you are an old friend of ours. In order to encourage future business and as a gesture of friendship, we are prepared to cut our price by 5 %. Will that satisfy you? #Person2#: That's great. Thank you for making this concession. I accept. #Person1#: Now I repeat, 5, 000 transistor sets, specifications as shown in our catalogue at $ 20 each C. I. F. Los Angeles. #Person2#: Good. Now that the price is decided on, we can discuss the packaging. #Person1#: As to packaging, we'll pack them two dozens to one carton, gross weight about 25 kilos a carton. #Person2#: Carton? #Person1#: Yes, corrugated cardboard boxes. #Person2#: Could you use wooden cases instead? #Person1#: Why use wooden cases? #Person2#: I'm afraid the cardboard boxes are not strong enough for ocean transportation. #Person1#: Cartons are comparatively light, and there fore easy to handle. They'll not be stowed away with the heavy cargo. Besides, we'll reinforce the cartons with metal straps. #Person2#: All right. Carton or no carton, the packaging must be waterproof as well as strong enough to stand shock and rough handling. #Person1#: You needn't worry about that. Cartons are extensively used in our shipments to foreign countries and there have never been complaints from our clients. Now, as regards payment, we have agreed to use dollars, am I right? #Person2#: That's right. As soon as I get home, I'll see about the opening of the letter of credit. #Person1#: Please open the letter of credit 15 to 30 days before the date of delivery so that we'll have enough time to make all the necessary arrangements. Another thing, the L / C should be valid until the 15th day after shipment. #Person2#: No problem. That can be done. I understand you'll ship the goods before the end of May? #Person1#: Right. We'll ship the goods according to the agreed time schedule. Last, but not least, the inspection is to be carried out by Houston Commodities Inspection Bureau, which is final and binding on both parties. #Person2#: Yes, we agreed to that. We have great confidence in your inspection institution. Through years of dealing with you, we've convinced of your commercial integrity. #Person1#: Thank you. You can rest assured that we'll do everything possible to prevent de festive commodities from going abroad. However, if there should be any disputes, we wish to have them settled through friendly discussions. #Person2#: Exactly. That's what we have done in the past. #Person1#: Well, it seems we have covered everything. We'll have the contract ready in a couple of days. #Person2#: Can you speed it up and let me have it today? I'm leaving tomorrow. I've been here for almost a month now, you see. My corporation is urging me to return. I've booked the ticket for tomorrow afternoon's flight at 3. #Person1#: Let me see. If we can't get the contract ready by then, we'll send it to you by airmail for your signature. #Person2#: That's fine too. Summary:

#Person1# offers to cut the price by 5% and Mrs. Miller is satisfied with this. They discuss the way of packaging and the opening time of the letter of credit. #Person1# will ship the goods according to the agreed schedule and Mrs. Miller has confidence in #Person1#'s inspection institution. Mrs. Miller requests #Person1# to let her have the contract today since she's leaving tomorrow. #Person1# will send the contract to Mrs. Miller by airmail if it's not ready by then.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Guess what, Mom. I got it. #Person2#: Great. That's super. #Person3#: What's going on? So, what did you get me? #Person1#: Nothing. I got my driver's license. Okay. Bye. #Person3#: Wait, wait, wait. Where are you going? #Person1#: Mom said I could take the car to school this morning, and ... #Person3#: Hold on here. I've prepared a few rules regarding the use of the motor vehicles in this house. #Person1#: Like what? #Person3#: Let me get my notes here. #Person1#: Dad! That looks like a book? Mom, Dad's being mean to me. #Person3#: Okay, let me get my reading glasses here. Okay, here we are. Rule number one: No driving with friends for the first six months. #Person1#: What? #Person3#: Teenagers often lack the judgment to drive responsibly, especially when several teenagers are involved. I mean they speed, they joyride, they cruise around town way past midnight. #Person1#: But that's not me! Do I really need this lecture? This is such a drag! #Person3#: Furthermore, who really needs a car when a pair of shoes will work? I mean, life was different when I was your age. In fact, I used to walk to school ... #Person1#: Yeah, yeah. I know. Both ways uphill in ten feet of snow. I've heard this story many times. #Person3#: Yeah. Oh, where were we? Oh yes. Rule number two: You always must wear your seat belt and obey the rules of the road. #Person1#: Duh. I wasn't born yesterday. #Person3#: Okay, rule number three: You can't drive long distances at night because you might get drowsy and drive off the road. But driving to the movie theater is fine. #Person1#: But the movie theater is right across the street from our house. #Person3#: Exactly, so you can just park in the driveway and walk there. #Person1#: Mom! Dad's being unreasonable. #Person3#: And rule number four: You should never use a cell phone while driving. That could cause an accident. #Person1#: But YOU do. #Person3#: That's different. #Person1#: How's it different? You even need my help to turn your cell phone on. #Person3#: And rule number five: Remember that I love you, and I'm just a protective father who wants his daughter to always be safe. #Person1#: Does that mean I can take the car now? #Person3#: Well, I don't know. #Person1#: Please dad, please. You're the best dad in the whole wide world. #Person3#: That's not what you said earlier. #Person1#: Hey, having the car keys in my hands changes my whole perspective on life. #Person3#: Well, okay. I guess if I'm considered the best dad in the world for five minutes, then I'll accept that. #Person1#: Yeah. #Person3#: Okay, but drive carefully and don't forget to fill up the car with gas before you come home. [Bye. Love ya guys.] Okay. Hon, do you think I did the right thing? #Person2#: Yeah. She has to grow up sometime. Summary:

The daughter gets the driving license and her mom allows her to drive to school. Her dad has prepared five rules of driving to obey, including not driving with friends for the first six months, wearing seat belt and obey the rules of the road, not driving long distance at night and not using cell phone while driving. Her dad loves her and is just being protective.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Hello. Can I take your order? #Person2#: Yes. I'd like a large pepperoni pizza with mushrooms and green peppers. #Person1#: Would you like anything else? #Person2#: Well, wait. Uh, can I make that a half-and-half pizza? #Person1#: Sure. What would you like on each half? #Person2#: Uh, what toppings do you have? #Person1#: Well, we have Italian sausage, ham, mushrooms, onions, pineapple, black olives, green peppers, bacon, tomatoes, shrimp, clams, and squid. #Person2#: Shrimp, clams, and squid!? What kind of pizza is that? #Person1#: Uh, the manager spent some time overseas [Oh.], and thinks his new seafood pizza will be a hit with customers, but to be honest, the 'Swimmer's Special,' as he calls it, is an acquired taste. #Person2#: Uh, I'll pass on the 'Sink or Swim' special, but I'll have pepperoni and mushrooms on one half and green peppers and Italian sausage on the other. Oh, and could I get extra cheese on that pizza? #Person1#: Alright. Would you care for any bread sticks or beverage with your order? [Well ... I don't know.] Actually, we have a Friday night special going on right now [Oh!], and if you order any large pizza and drink, we'll throw in a free order of bread sticks, plus a three dollar coupon for use with your next pizza order. #Person2#: Huh, sure, why not. And what drink comes with the pizza? #Person1#: Either apple or orange juice. #Person2#: I'll take orange juice. #Person1#: Okay. Your total comes to fifteen nineteen, which includes tax. [Okay.] And could I have your name? #Person2#: Uh, yeah, Jay Han. #Person1#: Huh? Did you say 'Jay Hand'? #Person2#: No, it's 'Han.' Actually, it's a Korean name, but many people have difficulty making it out. Hey, maybe I SHOULD change my name to 'Hand.' #Person1#: Ah, names are important; don't change it. [Okay.] Oh, and your address and telephone number? #Person2#: It's 1340 South 16 East, and the phone number is 340-1870 (three-four-zero-eighteen, seventy). #Person1#: Okay. Let me repeat your order. A large half-and-half pizza. [Okay.] One half with pepperoni [Yeah.] and mushrooms and the other with Italian sausage and green peppers. [Yeah.] Orange juice and your free order of bread sticks. Jan 'Han,' not 'Hand,' [Yeah, that's right.] at 1340 South 16 East, 340-1817. Is that correct? #Person2#: Everything except for the phone number. It's 1870, not 1817. #Person1#: Alright. Thanks for your order. It should arrive at your doorstep in 30 minutes or less, or you'll receive a free small pizza with your next order. #Person2#: Great. Thanks. Summary:

#Person2# orders a half-and-half pizza on the call. #Person1# recommends a Friday night special to #Person2# in which #Person2# can get a free small pizza and a three-dollar coupon with the next order. #Person2# will receive the pizza in 30 minutes or less.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: Brenda: Hello bro, you've got an invalid sister. I fell in the bathroom and badly hit my side. Can hardly move now. Andy: Good gracious! How did you manage that? Brenda: The floor was wet after I had a shower and I wanted to shake the rug, moved too fast, slipped, and hit with a thump my left side below the breast against the edge of the bathtub. Took my breath away for a sec. I even yelled or groaned or gasped. Anyway I was on the floor, shocked. Absolutely shocked. I thought, so that's how it happens. But I managed to get up and didn't realise the pain until I stretched to put my nighty on. Oh bro... Horrible.... Andy: You could have killed yourself. Where are you now? Brenda: In bed. But I can hardly move. It's very painful all over the body. SHIIIIT! Andy: Maybe you should call in an ambulance? Are you sure you haven't broken something? A rib? Brenda: No, then I'd be howling with pain. It's just the impact of the fall that has, I don't know, damaged the tissue. Whatever I have here. Fat I suppose. It has to heal by itself. Andy: Can you breath normally? Brenda: Yes. I can't take a deep breath though. Andy: Can you touch your bruised side? Is it swollen? Red? Brenda: I can touch it, not press of course, but stroke. No, it isn't swollen. The skin is as usual, no discolouration. But this will come later, I suppose. Andy: Not necessarily. It might as well remain unaffected. I mean the epidermis, the skin itself. Though I'd expect it to develop a bruise. Andy: Are you coughing? Coughing blood? Brenda: God! No! I'll see how I feel in the morning. I just need a rest. I feel so rotten, bro... Andy: My worry would be that you've damaged something inside you. You know, split spleen, punctured lung.That sort of thing.You just watch your body. Brenda: Yes, I will. I understand what you mean. I thought so as well. Just see how I feel tomorrow morning. Fucking hell! I can hardly pull myself up. Andy: If I were you, I would go and see the doc first thing in the morning. Brenda: And he'll send me to have an x-ray. I can't bear the thought of driving or even walking. Andy: Well, he can come to your place and you'll be driven to hospital in an ambulance. Brenda: You stop scaring the shit out of me! I am not that invalid. It's just bloody painful but I think I'm in one piece. Andy: I don't know Brenda. One shouldn't take it too light those falls. You may still be in a state of shock and are underrating your condition. Will you phone me first thing in the morning please? Still from bed? Luise is gone by 7:30, so you won't be waking anyone up. Brenda: OK brother. I will give you a call. Of course if I'm still alive. Andy: Sister!! Anyway I wish you a good night's sleep. Have a good rest! Brenda: Thanks bro. Sleep tight too. Brenda: And don't worry about me. Summary:

Brenda fell in the bathroom and badly hit her site. She is now in bed with a lot of pains. She can't take a deep breath. Her brother, Andy, is afraid she damaged something inside her body and tells her to watch it. He wants her to call him in the morning to report how she feels.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: Joona: Hey you two wonderful people, like I said to Kamil already let me know if there's something that you really, really want to do once you're in NY Kamil: I am getting panicked before Boston Kamil: so I just want to survive it first Kamil: but then maybe some art Moma, ESB, maybe ellis island? the statue? but maybe you have some suggestions? Kamil: oh, and the famous beach place? Kamil: Anca? any ideas? Kamil: but we don't need to see all at once. We also need hints how to do it all cheaply 😂 Joona: Coney Island? The beach with the amusement park? It's cool, it's just off-season right now, so it's quite empty and eerie 👻 Joona: Ok, I'll think about cheap possibilities and ideas 🙂 Plus you'll nail Boston! (It's also an awesome city!) Kamil: i think so! Kamil: hmm, it's so much to see, but I would also rely on your opinions :) you've been there for a while Anca: Oh god Joona, how nice to care for us lost people, facing the ultimate metropolis for the first time Anca: If Kamil is afraid of Boston, I am afraid of being send back by the homeland security, as it happened to me in the UK before taking the Italian citizenship, so I still can't quite believe that I will get to New York 😅 Anca: But, just in case, I would like to do Moma and the empire state building, I am not sure about a show on Broadway. And I would like to see coney island out of season, as you might have noticed already, we like absurd things 😅 Anca: And the Brooklyn Bridge but I don't know, do these things need to be arranged, or one can just go? Moma for example, or the esb? Joona: Well, maybe planned is a better word for it 😀 Like if you want to see a show on Broadway, queuing for cheap tickets is a special process. And Guggenheim, for example, is pay-what-you-wish on Saturday evenings, Whitney on Friday evenings - MoMA sadly is always the same price but I'll make some kind of list of things 🙂 Anca: So yes, we need some plans! Anca: Oh thank you 😍 How is the weather? Decent? Joona: At the moment it's cold and first snow came last week Anca: In Bucharest as well Joona: But decent, beats rain Anca eui: So nothing shocking I suppose Joona: No, just keep an eye out for the forecast before you leave to Boston as 1) it can change really quickly here 2) Boston can be extremely cold with the wind and all Anca: So probably colder than NY? Ok, we will try to arrive there prepared Joona: 😂 Anca: Ok, for now both cities are warmer than Bucharest. But the cold doesn't scare me too much Kamil: I will buy new shoes😂 but that's great you know when and where are free options!🤩 Kamil: a real NYC-know-how Joona: What can I say, I'm stingy 😏 and want my free culture 😀 Kamil: perfect! so are we! Summary:

Anca and Kamil are travelling to Boston and New York for holiday and need recommendations. Anca and Kamil are interested in culture and want to see some New York landmarks. Joona recommends some tourist attractions and gives tips on how to get into museums more cheaply.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: And how would you describe yourself, Miss Tao? What kind of person are you? #Person2#: Well, as I mentioned before, I think I am easy-going. I enjoy working and talking with people and I'm a responsible person. #Person1#: Did you have any difficulty getting along with fellow students or teachers? #Person2#: No. Not at all. I'm quite easy-going. #Person1#: What's your strong points? #Person2#: Oh, I'm very responsible, I can make fast decisions, and I do not need much supervision. I enjoy completing challenging tasks. #Person1#: What do you dislike most about your job? #Person2#: Probably routine, dull work. Oh, I am much more enthusiastic if I'm given a challenge and responsibility. #Person1#: What kind of relationship do you think should exist between a supervisor and employee? #Person2#: A friendly one. I think an open, friendly, honest relationship should exist. An employee should feel she ( he ) can go to her ( his ) boss anytime with any kind of question. #Person1#: Sometimes working with a foreign company can be stressful. Foreigners tend to get excited or angry easily, and they show it. Are you sure you can handle this stress? How do you deal with conflict in your present job? #Person2#: Well, there's a lot of stress in a Chinese company also, although much of it is below the surface. I have confidence in my ability to handle conflict. If I have a problem with a co-worker, I do everything I can to work it out directly with that person. If I am unable to work it out, then I ask a supervisor to help out. If my boss shouts at me, I try not to take it personally. I try my best to understand the stress he is under. It's kind of like being in a family. Often family members say things in the heat of the moment, but don't mean what they say. A company is like a family, it has good times and bad times. #Person1#: How do you feel about overtime work? #Person2#: That's no problem. I know that every company has busy periods. When this happens, I'm ready to put in as much time as necessary to get the job done. #Person1#: What is most important to you in a job? #Person2#: I want to feel that I am making a real contribution to the company, so I would like my boss to trust me with important work. #Person1#: Do you think that you are introverted or extroverted? #Person2#: I'm quite outspoken. I enjoy calling a spade a spade and hate talking in a roundabout way. So I'd call myself outgoing. #Person1#: Under what kind of circumstance will you lose your temper? #Person2#: Seldom. But I hate someone's frequently being late or lazy. #Person1#: OK. What are your strong points? #Person2#: Hmm. as I mentioned, I can work well under pressure and I enjoy work that challenges me. I think that my English ability is also a strong point. #Person1#: And your weaknesses? #Person2#: I think I sometimes try to be over-organized. So I am learning how to let some things go and concentrate on the most important part of my job. Summary:

#Person1# interviews Miss Tao. Miss Tao sees herself as easy-going, approachable, responsible but sometimes over-organized. She makes fast decisions, enjoys challenging tasks, and dislikes routine, dull work. She agrees on a friendly relationship between supervisors and employees. She solves conflicts with colleagues on her own and tries to understand supervisors' stress. She is willing to work overtime and hopes to be entrusted with important work to contribute to the company. She hates lazy people.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Uh, hi there Diane. Nah, okay. Uh ... Hi, what's up, Di? Okay, here we go... [doorbell ringing ] #Person2#: Uh, hi. It's David, right? #Person1#: No, Doug. Remember? We met at Gary's party last Friday night. #Person2#: Oh, yeah. Now I remember. You were standing all alone ... uh, oh, I ... I mean ... I mean, you ... you know. We started talking about school and stuff. [Yeah, yeah.]. Uh, how did you know I lived here? #Person1#: Well, I just live around the corner, and I asked Gary if he knew how I could contact you, and ... #Person2#: And? #Person1#: Well, I was just wondering if you'd like to go out this Thursday night. [Oh.]. Well, there's this real great movie playing downtown at the theater, [Uh ...] and I thought ... Well ... well, we can't use my car 'cause I was in an accident with this wild man driving this BMW, so I've already checked the bus schedule, and ... #Person2#: Uh-hem [Well], Well, David [No Doug! Remember?] Oh yeah. Doug. I'm sorry, but I have to work that evening. #Person1#: Oh really? Well, I thought you said before that you quit your job. #Person2#: Well, I did, but I found a new one. #Person1#: Uh, well, how about this Friday night? We could have dinner and then see that movie. #Person2#: A movie? How boring! #Person1#: Well, well, uh, well. A movie? Yeah, for ... forget a movie. #Person2#: Anyway, I'm afraid I have to cook dinner for my family, and ... #Person1#: Hey, I love to cook. We could whip something up together! I mean, it would be great! #Person2#: I don't think that's a good idea. It's just a family occasion and ... #Person1#: Well, hey, are you free this Saturday night? I have two tickets to the football game, and I thought ... #Person2#: Sure. I'd love to go. [Okay!] I've wanted to see a game all year. [Yeah!] My roommate will be so surprised when she finds out I have a ticket for her, and ... #Person1#: Well, but ... #Person2#: Oh [car screeching ... ] ... and here's my brother! He's a defensive lineman on the team. #Person1#: Well, he doesn't look too happy. #Person2#: Ah, he's a teddy bear, but hasn't been the same since someone ran into his BMW. #Person1#: Oh. Let me guess. Red, right? #Person2#: Right. [Oh] And, it's just that he's a little protective of me since I am his baby sister. #Person1#: Hey, well, it's been really nice talking to you, but I have to run. Hey. Here are the tickets. Have a great time and, by the way, can I go out your back door? Summary:

Doug invites Diane to go out this Thursday night to a movie playing downtown at the theater, but Diane refuses because she has to work that evening. Then he invites her to have dinner and watch a movie on Friday night, but she has to cook dinner for her family. At last, she agrees to accept two tickets to the football game on Saturday night, but she plans to go with her roommate instead of Doug.

Provide the theme summaries for the following conversation: #Person1#: Mikey. Time for bed [Why?] Why? It's getting dark out. Well, do you want to talk before you go to bed? [Yeah] Uh, what do you want to talk about? #Person2#: Um, the zoo. #Person1#: The zoo? Oh, that was so fun when we went to the zoo. What did you like best about the zoo? #Person2#: Um, the porcupines. #Person1#: They were big, weren't they. And what else ... yeah. What else do you remember? #Person2#: Um, the two giraffes. #Person1#: The two giraffes? And were they taller than me or shorter than me? #Person2#: Over your head. #Person1#: They were over my head. They were pretty tall. And what else do you remember? I remember ... didn't you see an elephant? [Yeah] What about the elephant do you remember? [Um] What was he ... was he eating? [Yeah] He was eating. And then, mommy said something happened with the elephant. That he did something. #Person2#: He throwed dirt on us. #Person1#: He did? Oh, how did he do that? With his foot? #Person2#: No, with his trunk. #Person1#: And then you fed some ducks. What color were the ducks? #Person2#: White. #Person1#: And what other animals do you remember?[Um] Wasn't there some type of show. #Person2#: Yeah. A bird show. #Person1#: A bird show? What did the birds do? #Person2#: Um, flied. #Person1#: Oh, they flew around! #Person2#: One flied. #Person1#: Oh, one flew. Were they good birds? [Yeah] Were they naughty at all? #Person2#: One was naughty. #Person1#: What did it do? #Person2#: Um, did, to, thing, what you ... it the ... the man what it could not do. [Translation: It did something it wasn't supposed to do.] #Person1#: Uhh, okay. And then you saw some butterflies, didn't you? [Yeah] What colors were they? #Person2#: After the bird show. #Person1#: After the bird show you saw them. And were the butterflies flying around all over the zoo? #Person2#: Uh, um, they're inside. #Person1#: They were inside, what, a little building? [Yeah] What was the building made of? Was it made of wood? [No] What was it made of? [Glass] Oh, made of glass. And couldn't the butterflies fly out of the glass? [No] No, oh, what stopped them from flying out? #Person2#: Um, the air. #Person1#: Oh, the air. Oh, there was air coming down? [Yeah] Oh, well that's great. Well, it's time to go to bed now. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite. Good night. #Person2#: Good night. Summary:

Mikey and #Person1# talk about the zoo before going to bed, Mikey remembers the porcupines, the two giraffes over #Person1#'s head, an elephant was eating and threw dirt to them with his trunk. Mikey fed some white ducks and he remembered the bird show, one bird was naughty, he also remembered the butterflies within a glass building.