ASAL BRITISH

Phrase of the Week 01

That's a bargain

A: I bought this book yesterday.

B: How ( much ) was it?

A: Only 300 yen.

B: That's a bargain.

Take your time ?????????)

A: Do you have your ( ticket )?

B: Oops! I don't. I'll ( be ) right back.

A: Okay. Take your time.

B: Thanks.

This is Supplementary listening for NorthStar Listening and Speaking Basic level Unit 1 Listening 1.

mp3 file
size: 0.56 MB
time: 1:15
May 7, 2009

This is Supplementary Listening for NorthStar Speaking and Listening Basic Unit 1.

Listen to the conversation, and then you'll hear three short practice dialogs.

A: Do you have a part-time job, Joe?
B: Yes, I work at a convenience store.
A: What do you do there?
B: I do a little of everything. When there are a lot of customers, I work at the cash register. At other times, I put stuff on the shelves.
A: Do you have to clean the store?
B: Of course. We all do. We have to keep the restroom clean. If someone spills or breaks something in the store, we have to clean it up. We also have to make sure that the garbage bins outside don't overflow.
A: What do you like the best about your job?
B: I know my co-workers well, so we have fun working together. Also, the convenience store isn't far from my home, so it's easy to get there, and some of the customers are also my neighbors.
A: What do you like the least about your job?
B: Well, it's not an interesting job. It can get boring.

Practice

A: What do you like the best about your hometown?
B: It is very exciting.
A: What do you like the least about your hometown?
B: It is really cold in the winter.

A: What do you like the best about school?
B: I have lots of friends.
A: What do you like the least about school?
B: I have too much homework.

A: What do you like the best about soccer?
B: The players are always moving around.
A: What do you like the least about soccer?
B: There are not many goals.

Notes:

As the conversation begins, we can hear heavy rain. So, when Mr. A says Nice weather, Mr. B understands that Mr. A is being sarcastic.

Conversation

A: Nice weather, isn't it?
B: Yeah, tell me about it. It's been raining cats and dogs for three days. I just hate the rainy season.
A: Well, at least it's not too hot. What I hate the most is the hot and humid weather.
B: I know what you mean. I hate it too when it's muggy. Also, the thunder and lightning scares me. I always feel like it's going to hit me!
A: Nonsense! Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the fall. The air is clean and crisp. It's my favorite time of the year.
B: That's true. It is nice then. But I prefer the spring. I like to see the flowers blooming and the trees coming back to life again. Everything smells so nice in the spring. Also we can see the cherry blossoms.
A: Spring is nice, but I like winter, too.
B: What do you like about winter? It's cold and dark all the time!
A: I don't know. I guess I like brisk weather. I also like to go skiing and skating.

Conversation

Note: How's can mean either How is or How has. In this conversation, it means How has.

A: How's your summer been so far?
B: I haven't really done much yet.
A: Have you been to the beach?
B: Yes, I went there last weekend. I want to go a few more times before the summer is over. What about you? Do you have any plans for the rest of the summer?
A: I'll probably have a barbecue or two. I'd like to go to an amusement park at least once. And I want to see some fireworks.
B: I'm going to see the fireworks at the park next Saturday with some friends. Why don't you come with us?
A: Next Saturday? Thanks, but I can't. I have dinner plans with some friends. I'll probably see the fireworks at the end of August.
B: That's OK, no problem. I am thinking of going to waterslide pools next Sunday. Are you interested?
A: Sure, sounds like fun!

Let's practice

• I'm going have a barbecue next Saturday.
• I'll probably have beach party next Sunday or Monday.
• I might go camping if the weather is nice and if I'm not too tired.
• I'd like to go on a trip overseas but I probably won't have enough money.
• I'm not going to go on a long trip by car this year.

Conversation

A: Hey, what happened to you?
B: I broke my arm.
A: Well, I can see that by your cast. How did it happen?
B: I got hit by a car.
A: You got hit by a car? How?
B: Well, I was crossing the street and a car came around the corner pretty fast.
A: Did you break anything else?
B: No, just my arm. I got scrapes and bruises on my legs.
A: That's too bad. I'm sorry to hear that.
B: Thanks. I'll be alright.
A: Hey, now's my chance to beat you in basketball.
B: No, I'll still win.

Let's Practice
A: I got hit by a car.
B: You got hit by a car? How?

A: I skipped my class.
B: You skipped your class? Why?

A: I got a tattoo.
B: You got a tattoo? Where?

A: I have a date.
B: You have a date? With who?

A: I need a favor.
B: You need a favor? What?

A: I need to borrow some money.
B: You need to borrow some money? How much?

A: I called you today, but you didn't answer.
B: You called me today? When?

Conversation:
(Phone rings.)
A: Hello?
B: Hey Robert, this is Bill.
A: Bill who?
B: Bill Clinton. Who do you think it is?
A: Ah, you must be Bill Pellowe.
B: Yep. How are you doing?
A: Not too bad.
B: Great. Listen, are you free tomorrow? Some friends of mine are coming over. Do you want to join us?
A: Sorry, I'm not free tomorrow. Actually, I'm tied up all week.
B: OK, well, that's too bad. Call me if you change your plans.
A: OK, I might do that. LIsten, I'm in the middle of something, so I have to go now.
B: OK, I'll see you later.
A: Thanks for calling, Bill. Bye.
B: Bye.

Let's practice.
This is a quick drill. Please change the questions. Here's an example:
Q1: Do you need anything?
Q2: Call me if you need anything.

Your turn.
Q1: Do you need anything?
Q2: Call me if you need anything.

Q1: Do you have any free time?
Q2: Call me if you have any free time.

Q1: Do you want to go out?
Q2: Call me if you want to go out.

Now, instead of "Call me" we'll use "Please tell me".
Q1: Do you need anything?
Q2: Please tell me if you need anything.

Q1: Do you have any free time?
Q2: Please tell me if you have any free time.

Q1: Do you want to go out?
Q2: Please tell me if you want to go out.

A: Where should we have our year-end party?
B: How about that new Sri Lankan restaurant downtown? I hear it's good.
A: Yeah, I read a review about it in the newspaper. Apparently, it's good, but the food is spicy.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too spicy for me.
A: OK, so do you know any other good restaurants?
B: Well, how about Rizzo's?
A: What's Rizzo's?
B: It's an Italian place. Great pasta.
A: Sounds good.
B: All right, let's go there. I'll make the reservations.
A: Thanks.

Let's Practice:

A: Sri Lankan food is spicy.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too spicy for me.

A: Potato chips are salty.
B: Now that you mention it, they're probably too salty for me.

A: Fried chicken is oily.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too oily for me.

A: Steak is expensive.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too expensive for me.

A: Ice cream parfait is rich.
B: Now that you mention it, it's probably too rich for me.

After you hear this intermediate-level conversation, you'll hear several short practice dialogs.

mp3 file
size: 1.31 MB
time: 2:42
Mar 4, 2007

Conversation

Bill: I got a new computer yesterday.
Robert: You got a new computer?
Bill: Yes, a new notebook computer.
Robert: Why didn't you get a desktop computer?
Bill: The notebook is light, and has a battery, so I can use it anywhere. I can use it on the train or the bus.
Robert: Isn't the keyboard too small to use?
Bill: It's compact, but I'll get used to it.
Robert: I think large keyboards are easier to use than small ones. Also, desktop computers are more powerful than notebooks.
Bill: That's true, but my notebook computer is powerful enough for me.
Robert: Aren't notebooks more expensive than desktop computers?
Bill: Yes, desktop computers are less expensive, usually, but notebook computers are portable. I can use my notebook in any room, and when I'm finished, I can put it away. You can't put a desktop computer away.
Robert: That's true, but my desktop computer doesn't take too much space. It's an iMac.
Bill: That's a cool computer. I bet my Windows notebook was cheaper than your iMac.
Robert: You get what you pay for.
Bill: Funny.

Let's practice:

A: I got a new pet yesterday.
B: You got a new pet?
A: Yes, a cat.
B: Why didn't you get a dog?

A: I got a new car yesterday.
B: You got a new car?
A: Yes, a compact car.
B: Why didn't you get a sports car?

A: I got a new iPod yesterday.
B: You got a new iPod?
A: Yes, I got an iPod Shuffle.
B: Why didn't you get an iPod Nano?

A: I went on a homestay last year.
B: You went on a homestay?
A: Yes, I went to Ireland.
B: Why didn't you go to Australia?

First, you'll hear this a basic conversation at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. Next, you'll hear some short practice conversations. Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed.

m4a file
size: 0.94 MB
time: 1:53
Jan 17, 2009

Bill: What are you reading?
Robert: A spy novel.
Bill: How is it?
Robert: It's good. Do you want to borrow it when I'm finished?
Bill: Sure. Thanks.

Practice:
A: What are you eating?
B: A tuna sandwitch.
A: How is it?
B: It's delicious.

A: What are you listening to?
B: A podcast.
A: How is it?
B: It's great!

A: What are you watching?
B: A movie.
A: What movie?
B: I don't know.
A: How is it?
B: It's boring.

First, you'll hear a basic conversation at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. Next, you'll hear some practice drills. Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed.

m4a file
size: 1.46 MB
time: 2:53
Jan 20, 2006

Bill: Where do you usually go on your vacation, Robert?
Robert: I usually go to Canada in the summer.
Bill: What about the winter vacation?
Robert: I like to stay here in Japan in the winter.
Bill: Don't you want to spend Christmas in Canada?
Robert: I do, but it's just too cold.
Bill: I know what you mean.


Practice
A: Where do you usually buy clothes?
B: I usually shop on the Internet.
A: Don't you want to try on the clothes first?

A: Where do you usually study?
B: I usually don't study much.
A: Don't you want to pass your tests?

A: Where do you usually go on the weekends?
B: I usually stay home.
A: Don't you want to go out?

A: Where do you usually eat lunch?
B: I usually eat lunch at a restaurant.
A: Don't you like the cafeteria?

First, you'll hear this a basic conversation at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. Next, you'll hear some practice drills. Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed.

m4a file
size: 2.55 MB
time: 5:05
Jan 27, 2006

Robert: Hi Bill. What's happening?
Bill: Not much. How about you, Robert?
Robert: Well, actually, I want to go to the art museum this afternoon, but I don't know where it is. Do you know where it is?
Bill: Which one? There are a few art museums in Fukuoka.
Robert: I want to see the Napoleon exhibit. Have you heard about it?
Bill: Ah, sure. That's the Fukuoka Municipal Art Museum. It's in Ohori Park.
Robert: So, how do I get there?
Bill: That's easy. Just take the subway to the Ohori Park station. Walk through the park, and it's there. You can't miss it!
Robert: Do you mean that I have to walk to the other side of the park to get to the musem?
Bill: Yes, that's right. It doesn't take long. About ten minutes or so.
Robert: OK, I think I understand. Thanks.
Bill: You're welcome.

Let's Practice:

A: I want to buy a suit, but I don't know where to shop. Do you know a good shop?
B: Yes, I like to buy suits at Fukuyama. You should go there.

A: I want to bake a cake, but I don't know how. Can you help me?
B: Sorry, I don't know how. You should buy a cook book.

A: I want to see a dentist, but I don't know who to see. Do you know a good dentist?
B: Yes, my dentist is good. I'll give you his number.

You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, you'll hear short practice dialogs using How often do you (verb)? Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed.

mp3 file
size: 1.37 MB
time: 2:49
Feb 14, 2006

Conversation

Bill: How was your weekend?
Robert: It was great. I went skiing.
Bill: How was it?
Robert: It was fun. Do you ski?
Bill: Yes.
Robert: You should come next time.
Bill: That sounds good. How often do you go skiing?
Robert: About once a month.

Let's Practice

A: I went to the movies.
B: How often do you go to the movies?
A: About twice a month.

A: I baked a cake.
B: How often do you bake cakes?
A: About once every two months.

A: I went running.
B: How often do you go running?
A: About three times a week.

A: I had to work.
B: How often do you work?
A: Five days a week.

A: I visited my parents.
B: How often do you visit your parents?
A: Once a year.

You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, practice asking questions. Then it will be your turn to answer some questions.

mp3 file
size: 2.43 MB
time: 5:03
Mar 3, 2006

Conversation

Robert: Do you have any plans for this weekend?
Bill: I don't know. I might watch a video at home. And you?
Robert: I'm going to meet some friends.
Bill: What are you going to do?
Robert: We might go sailing if the weather is nice.
Bill: Sailing, wow! Do you have a sailboat?
Robert: No, my friend has one. She goes sailing every weekend.

Let's practice

A: We might go for a drive.
B: A drive, wow! Do you have a car?

A: We might go hunting.
B: Hunting, wow! Do you have a gun?

A: We might go surfing.
B: Surfing, wow! Do you have a surfboard?

A: We might buy a house.
B: A house, wow! Do you have enough money?

A: We might play some music.
B: Play music, wow! Do you have a band?


Your turn. You answer the questions.

What are going to wear tomorrow?
What are you are going eat for dinner?
Who are you going to meet later?
When are you going to go home?
Where are you going to go for your next vacation?
How are you going to go home?

You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, practice asking questions.

mp3 file
size: 2.58 MB
time: 5:23
Mar 6, 2006

Conversation

Robert: I talked to someone interesting yesterday.
Bill: Who did you talk to?
Robert: I can't remember his name, but I was sitting on the train...
Bill: Yeah...
Robert: ...and this young man started talking to me.
Bill: What did he say?
Robert: He said that he was from Thailand and he was studying here in Japan.
Bill: You mean he was a university student.
Robert: No, he was a high school student. He had a uniform on.
Bill: I see, so what did you talk about?
Robert: Well, he said that he enjoyed living in Japan, but he did not have much chance to speak in English.
Bill: How was his English?
Robert: Pretty good. So, he asked me if we could chat while sitting on the train.
Bill: That's interesting. It's not everyday that you meet a Thai student in Japan.
Robert: That's right.


Let's Practice

I saw someone interesting last week.
Who did you see?

I went somewhere fun last month.
Where did you go?

I ate something strange. I don't feel so good.
When did you eat it?

I read an interesting book.
What did you read?

I have to go to England next week.
Why do you have to go there?

This is a basic conversation about the weekend. First, you'll hear it at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. Next, you'll hear some practice drills. Finally, you'll hear the conversation again at a normal speed.

mp3 file
size: 1.25 MB
time: 2:30
May 20, 2006

Robert: Good morning, Bill. How are you today?
Bill: Good morning, Robert. I'm all right. How are you?
Robert: Pretty good. Did you have a nice weekend?
Bill: Not bad. I went to the movies on Saturday night.
Robert: Oh yeah? What did you see?
Bill: I saw the new Harry Potter movie.
Robert: Did you like it?
Bill: Yes, it was excellent!

Practice
A: I went to the movies.
B: Oh yeah? What did you see?

A: I went to a new restaurant.
B: Oh yeah? What did you eat?

A: I went shopping.
B: Oh yeah? What did you buy?

A: I went for a drive.
B: Oh yeah? Where did you go?

You'll hear this basic conversation two times. First, at a normal speed, then at a slower speed. After that, you'll hear short practice dialogs. Then it will be your turn to fill in the conversation with your own phrases.

mp3 file
size: 2.32 MB
time: 4:49
Jul 1, 2006

Conversation
Bill: Hi Robert! What's up?
Robert: I'm going to the U.S. next week.
Bill: Oh, really? I didn't know that. Where are you going?
Robert: I'm going to Tampa.
Bill: Where's that?
Robert: In Florida.
Bill: What are you going to do there?
Robert: I'm going to visit my family. My grandmother lives there.
Bill: That sounds nice. When are you leaving?
Robert: On Saturday March 11th.
Bill: How long are you staying?
Robert: A couple of weeks.

Let's practice.

Where are you going?
To Rock Island.
Where's that?
In Illinois.
When are you leaving?
On Monday February 2nd.
How long are you staying?
For a month.

Where are you going?
To Abbotsford.
Where's that?
In British Columbia, Canada.
When are you leaving?
On Thursday November 1st.
How long are you staying?
For four years.

Your turn... You answer...
Where are you going?
Where's that?
When are you leaving?
How long are you staying there?

This is a basic introduction between two people. You will hear it three times: first at a regular speed, then at a slower speed, then at the regular speed again.

mp3 file
size: 1.04 MB
time: 2:03
Mar 2, 2007

Robert: Hi, I'm Robert Chartrand.
Bill: Hi. I'm Bill Pellowe. Nice to meet you.
Robert: Nice to meet you, too. What do you do?
Bill: I'm a university teacher. How about you?
Robert: Me too! What university do you teach at?
Bill: I teach at Kinki University. And you?
Robert: Oh, I teach at Kurume University.