Easy Conversations

Basic

Languages Division
Community Education Center
Pasadena City College
Supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
 Daily Life

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
1. I live in Pasadena 4. Walking the dog

A: Where do you live? A: Where are you going?

B: I live in Pasadena. B: I have to walk the dog.
A: Where is Pasadena? A: What kind of dog do you have?
B: It’s in California. B: I have a little poodle.
A: Is it in northern California? A: Poodles bark a lot.
B: No. It’s in southern California. B: They sure do.
A: Is Pasadena a big city? A: They bark at everything.
B: It’s pretty big. B: They never shut up.
A: How big is “pretty big”? A: Why did you get a poodle?
B: It has about 140,000 people. B: It’s my mom’s dog.
A: How big is Los Angeles? A: So, she likes poodles.
B: It has about 3 million people. B: She says they’re good watchdogs.

2. I have a Honda 5. Borrowing money

A: Do you have a car? A: Can I borrow $5?

B: Yes, I do. B: Sure. Why do you need it?
A: What kind of car do you have? A: I want to buy lunch.
B: I have a Honda. B: Where’s your money?
A: Is it new? A: It’s not in my wallet.
B: It was new in 2003. B: Your wallet is empty?
A: So, it’s pretty old now. A: I don’t have even one dollar in it.
B: Yes, it is. But it still looks good. B: Being broke is no fun.
A: Do you take good care of it? A: Even if it’s only for a short while.
B: Oh, yes. I wash it once a week. B: It’s always good to have friends.
A: Do you change the oil? A: Friends will lend you money when you’re broke.
B: My mechanic changes the oil twice a year. B: As long as you pay them back.

3. Do you have a girlfriend? 6. Going to the beach

A: Do you have a girlfriend? A: Let’s go to the beach.

B: No, I don’t. Do you? B: That’s a great idea.
A: I don’t have a girlfriend, either. A: We haven’t been in a while.
B: Why not? B: We haven’t been in a month.
A: I don’t know. Maybe I’m not rich enough. A: The last time we went, you almost drowned.
B: Girls like guys with money. B: No, I didn’t.
A: They sure do. A: Then why did the lifeguard dive into the water?
B: They like guys with new cars. B: I think he wanted to cool off.
A: I don’t have money or a new car. A: He swam right up to you.
B: Me, neither. B: And then he turned right around.
A: But girls like guys who are funny. A: Maybe you’re right.
B: Maybe we should learn some good jokes. B: Maybe we should get going.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
7. My wife left me 10. The new mattress

A: Are you married? A: We need a new mattress.

B: No. I’m divorced. B: What’s the matter with this one?
A: When did you get divorced? A: It’s not comfortable.
B: I got divorced two years ago. B: It seems fine to me.
A: Why did you get divorced? A: I toss and turn all night.
B: My wife left me. B: You should stop drinking coffee.
A: Why did she leave you? A: Look at these marks on my arms.
B: She said she didn’t love me anymore. B: What are they?
A: Wow! That’s terrible. A: They are bites.
B: Yes, it was. B: Did the cat bite you?
A: Why didn’t she love you anymore? A: No. The bedbugs in that mattress bit me.
B: She fell in love with my best friend. B: Okay. Let’s get a new mattress.

8. What’s on TV? 11. My laptop is so slow

A: I’m bored. A: My laptop is so slow.

B: What’s on TV? B: Buy a new one.
A: Nothing. A: I would if I had the money.
B: There must be something on TV! B: Why is it so slow?
A: Nothing that’s interesting. A: That’s a good question.
B: What about that new game show? B: Did you take it to a computer shop?
A: Which one? A: I would if I had the money.
B: “Deal or No Deal.” B: Well, I guess you have to live with it.
A: Tell me you’re joking. A: Sometimes I want to throw it out the window.
B: I love that show. B: You don’t want to do that.
A: I watched it once. That was enough. A: Why not?
B: It’s on right now. Let’s watch it together. B: You might hit someone in the head.

9. A nice place to live 12. How about a pizza

A: What’s for dinner?
A: I like living here.
B: I’m not sure.
B: I agree. Pasadena is a nice city.
A: How about a pizza?
A: It’s not too big.
B: You had pizza for lunch.
B: And it’s not too small.
A: But I love pizza.
A: It has great weather all year long.
B: Everybody loves pizza.
B: It has the Rose Parade.
A: So why can’t I have pizza for dinner?
A: It has beautiful houses.
B: Because you need variety.
B: It has wonderful restaurants.
A: What’s “variety”?
A: It has great schools.
B: Different things—not the same thing all the time.
B: It’s close to the mountains.
A: You mean, like a pepperoni pizza instead of a cheese
A: The people are friendly.
pizza?
B: I’m not ever going to leave.
B: No, I mean a salad instead of a pizza.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
13. The new house 6. Talking animals
A: We need to save money. A: Do animals talk to each other?
B: Why do we need to save money? B: Of course, they talk to each other.
A: Because we need to buy a house. A: What do they talk about?
B: But a house is so expensive. B: They talk about other animals.
A: That’s why we need to save money. A: What else do they talk about?
B: How much do we need to save? B: They talk about food and the weather.
A: We need to save enough for a down payment. A: Do they talk about us?
B: How much is that? B: Of course, they talk about us.
A: That’s about $30,000. A: What do they say about us?
B: Thirty thousand dollars! That will take forever. B: They say that we are funny-looking.
A: Not if we save every penny. A: Ha! We’re not funny-looking; animals are funny-
B: Okay. Here’s seven pennies. looking.
B: We’re funny-looking because we wear clothes.
14. Fish are everywhere
17. House cleaning day
A: The ocean is so big.
B: You can’t see the end of it. A: I have to clean the house.
A: It goes on and on forever. B: Yes, it’s very dirty.
B: And it’s deep, too. A: You can help me.
A: I think it’s five miles deep. B: Why me?
B: Are there fish at the bottom? A: Because you helped make it dirty.
A: There are fish at the top and the bottom. B: What do you want me to do?
B: Are there more fish or more people? A: I want you to clean the bathroom.
A: I think there are more fish. B: Oh, that’s easy.
B: I hope so. I love to eat fish. A: Clean the sink, the tub, the counter, and the toilet.
B: That’s a lot of work.
15. A bad boyfriend A: Tell me when you finish.
B: I don’t think so. You’ll just give me more work.
A: I’m upset with my mom.
B: Why is that? 18. A TV lover
A: I warned her about her new boyfriend. She didn’t
listen to me. A: You’re watching too much TV.
B: What happened? B: What do you mean?
A: I gave her $1,000 for her birthday. I told her to spend A: I mean you’re wasting your life.
it on herself. B: I’m having fun.
B: That was very nice of you. A: You’re sitting there with your mouth open.
A: I found out that she gave it to her new boyfriend. B: Who cares?
B: Why did she do that? A: I care. Do something.
A: He said he would buy her a nice ring. B: Okay. I did something.
B: What’s wrong with that? A: What did you do?
A: He went to Las Vegas. He lost it all gambling. B: I turned up the volume.
B: I hope your mom broke up with him. A: That’s not what I meant by “do something.”
B: Will you do something? Leave me alone.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
19. Write to your grandma 22. Feed the cat
A: Did you write a letter to grandma?
B: Yes, I did. A: Did you feed the cat?
A: Did you tell her about school? B: I’ll do that in a minute.
B: I told her that school is fun. A: The cat is meowing. He’s hungry.
A: Did you put the letter in an envelope? B: Okay. I’ll feed him right now.
B: Yes, and I sealed the envelope. A: You shouldn’t make him wait.
A: Did you put a stamp on the envelope? B: I was doing my homework.
B: I couldn’t find any stamps. A: The cat doesn’t care about your homework.
A: They’re in the kitchen drawer. B: The cat doesn’t care about anything.
B: Okay. I just put a stamp on the envelope. A: That’s the way cats are.
A: Give me the envelope, and I’ll mail it for you. B: All they think about is themselves.
B: When is grandma going to learn about e-mail? A: Maybe we should get rid of him.
B: Of course not! He’s family.
20. Are you sleepy
A: Why are you yawning?
23. Shave your face
B: I’m sleepy.
A: Why don’t you go to bed? A: I hate shaving.
B: I want to watch this TV show. B: Me too.
A: Maybe you should record it. A: I just cut myself again.
B: The tape recorder is broken. B: Did you use a new blade?
A: Then you should watch the rerun. A: It doesn’t matter. Old blades cut; new blades cut.
B: Why? I’m watching the original. B: Maybe you should use an electric shaver.
A: But you’ll be asleep in about one minute. A: They make a lot of noise, but they don’t give a close
B: I’m just yawning because the commercials are on. shave.
A: Okay. I’ll tell you how the show ends. B: Maybe you should stop shaving.
B: Zzz. A: And grow a beard?
B: Sure. Why not?
A: Because food and other stuff sticks in my beard.
B: Hmm. Here’s an idea. Put cream on your face and
21. God is watching have the cat lick it off.

A: It’s Sunday. 24. Two polite people

B: So?
A: You know what that means.
B: I forgot. A: Excuse me.
A: Sunday means we go to church. B: Yes?
B: Oh, yeah. A: Are you reading this paper?
A: Put on a coat and tie. B: Oh, no. Help yourself.
B: Why? A: I asked because the paper is sitting next to you.
A: To show respect to God and others. B: Thank you. That’s polite of you to ask.
B: I’m glad Sunday is only once a week. A: Some people would just pick it up.
A: I hope God didn’t hear that. B: Yes, I know. Some people are rude.
B: He’ll forgive me. A: I always try to be polite.
B: So, do I.
A: The world needs more polite people like us.
B: I agree 100 percent.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
25. Give me a puppy 28. His line is never busy
A: Mom, I want a puppy. A: My husband died.
B: Let me think about it. B: I’m sorry for you.
A: Why do you have to think about it? A: Thank you.
B: Because a puppy costs money. B: When did he die?
A: No, it doesn’t. Puppies are free. A: A couple of months ago.
B: Yes, but a puppy needs shots. B: You still miss him.
A: Shots for what? A: Yes, but I talk to him almost every day.
B: So, it won’t get sick. Just like you get shots. B: When you go to church?
A: I hate shots. A: No, when I call him on his cell phone.
B: And a puppy eats food. Food costs money. B: What do you mean?
A: No problem. I’ll give him food off my plate. A: I buried him with his cell phone.
B: Oh, no you don’t. Puppies don’t eat vegetables. B: What will you do when the battery dies?

26. Kittens to give away 29. Friday the thirteenth

A: Look at all these kittens! A: Today is Friday the thirteenth.
B: How many are there? B: That’s a bad day.
A: Eight. A: It’s supposed to be unlucky.
B: They’re all so cute. B: You’re supposed to stay home all day.
A: Yes, but I can’t keep them. A: That’s what I do.
B: What are you going to do with them? B: My friend stayed in a hotel on Friday the thirteenth.
A: I’m going to give them away. Do you want one? A: That was a mistake.
B: Yes, I would love one. B: He stayed on the thirteenth floor.
A: Which one do you want? A: What happened?
B: That one. The one that’s all black. B: Someone stole his laptop.
A: Yes, I like that one, too. A: He was asking for it.
B: I’ll call him Blacky. B: He learned his lesson. He’s home today.

27. Happy in heaven 30. Do you love me

A: My parents go to church every Sunday. A: Do you really love me?
B: They trust in God. B: Of course.
A: They hope they will go to heaven. A: Prove it.
B: They probably will. B: How can I prove it?
A: But no one knows for sure. A: Take me to dinner.
B: That’s for sure. B: That’s it? That’s all I have to do?
A: No one knows what happens after we die. A: Take me to a nice restaurant, not to McDonald’s.
B: If we are good, we will be happy in heaven with God. B: But a nice restaurant costs money.
A: That’s what many people believe. A: Yes, and you have to make a reservation.
B: If we are bad, we will be unhappy forever in hell. B: That’s such a hassle.
A: I don’t want to go to hell. A: I knew you didn’t love me.
B: Let’s go to church with your parents on Sunday. B: Okay, okay! I’ll make a reservation right now.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
31. Dad has a girlfriend 34. A Lost Button
A: My parents are divorced. A: A button came off my shirt.
B: So, are mine. B: What are you going to do?
A: Why did your parents get divorced? A: First, I have to find the button.
B: Where did you lose it?
B: My father found a new girlfriend.
A: I have no idea.
A: That’s too bad. B: A button is hard to find. Did you look in your pant
B: My mother was hurt and angry. cuffs?
A: She had good reason. What did she do? A: That’s a good idea.
B: She told him to drop his girlfriend. B: I found a button in my pant cuffs one time.
A: What did your father do? A: Let me look. No, it’s not there.
B: He moved out of our house. B: Many shirts come with an extra button.
A: You’re right. This one does have an extra button.
A: I guess he really liked his new girlfriend.
B: Now all you have to do is sew it on.
B: Yes, but she left him a year later.

35. Did You Say Something?

32. What’s that smell
A: I have to go to the bathroom.
A: My grandma’s apartment smells funny. B: You drink too much coffee.
B: So, does mine. A: But I love coffee.
A: I think it’s an old people’s smell. B: Well, it’s your life.
B: Really? A: You eat too much chocolate.
A: Yes. I think when you get old, you begin to smell. B: I don’t think so.
B: Like fruit that is too ripe? A: Have you looked in the mirror?
A: Yes, just like fruit that is too ripe. B: Do you think I’m getting fat?
B: But the smell is different. A: I didn’t say that.
A: Yes, old people don’t smell like fruit. B: What did you say?
B: No, they smell like a thrift shop. A: I said I have to go to the bathroom.
A: Yes, a thrift shop has that same smell. B: That’s what I thought you said.
B: Yes, an old smell.
36. Washed and Folded
33. They Deliver
A: The price of stamps goes up and up. A: Did you do the laundry?
B: I think stamps used to cost a penny. B: Yes, I did.
A: That was a long time ago. A: What did you wash?
B: It was before I was born. B: I washed the sheets and towels.
A: Now a stamp is 42 cents. A: What about the pillowcases?
B: But in May it will be 44 cents. B: Yes, I took them off the pillows and washed them.
A: Have you ever lost a letter in the mail? A: Did you dry everything in the dryer?
B: No, I haven’t. B: Yes, I dried everything in the dryer.
A: Neither have I. A: Then what did you do?
B: So, they do a good job for the money. B: I folded all the towels.
A: Yes, they do. A: Did you put the sheets on the beds?
B: Maybe we shouldn’t complain. B: Yes, and I put the pillowcases on the pillows.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
37. Talk Radio 40. Time for Your Bath

A: Do you listen to the radio? A: It’s time for your bath, young lady.
B: I listen day and night. B: But, Mom, I’m not dirty.
A: What do you listen to? A: You need a bath every day.
B: Mostly talk radio. B: Why?
A: What’s that? A: Because you don’t want to smell bad.
B: People talk about current events. B: I don’t smell bad.
A: What do they say? A: That’s what you think.
B: They say they want change. B: If I smelled bad, I could smell me.
A: What kind of change? A: I can smell you.
B: They want tax cuts. B: I can smell you, too.
A: Why do they want tax cuts? A: That’s my perfume.
B: Because tax cuts will save them money. B: When can I wear perfume?

38. A Bad Diet 41. A Black Screen

A: Mom, I’m hungry. A: Something’s wrong with my computer.

B: Look in the fridge. B: Exactly what?
A: I’m looking. There’s nothing to eat. A: All I get is a black screen.
B: Are you sure? B: What’s the matter?
A: It’s almost empty. A: I think I know, because this happened before.
B: I went to the market yesterday. B: What happened before?
A: I don’t see anything. A: My hard drive crashed.
B: I bought lots of oranges and apples. B: Oh, no. That’s bad news.
A: I don’t want fruit. I want something tasty. A: It sure is, but I’m going to call HP first, just to make
B: Eat the fruit. It’s good for you. sure.
A: Next time you go to the market, let me go with you. B: Will you lose all your files?
B: No, thank you. All you want to eat are hot dogs and A: No, I always back up my files.
candy bars. B: You’re smart.

39. A Ham Sandwich 42. A New Hard Drive

A: What is there to eat? A: I called HP about my computer.

B: I don’t know. Look in the fridge. B: What did they say?
A: I think I’ll make a sandwich. A: They said I need a new hard drive.
B: What kind? B: That’s too bad. How much is a new one?
A: A ham sandwich. A: It’s not too much, only about $85.
B: The bread is in the cabinet. B: Plus, installation?
A: Where’s the mustard? A: No, my hard drive is easy to remove and replace.
B: It’s in the fridge, I think. B: Really?
A: Oh, yes, here it is. Do you want a sandwich? A: Yes, it’s just a couple of screws.
B: Yes, that sounds nice. B: That’s nice.
A: How about some potato chips? A: It’s a lot better than paying someone $60.
B: Yes. And a pickle, if we have any. B: If my hard drive crashes, I’ll just call you.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
43. Your Email Address 46. The Elephant
A: What’s your email address? A: Yikes! What was that noise?
B: It’s bluedog123. B: I had to blow my nose.
A: Bluedog123. Are you sure that's all? A: Did you have to blow right next to the phone?
B: Yes. B: Did you hear that?
A: No. That’s incomplete. A: Of course, I heard that. I thought a plane had crashed
B: What do you mean? into your house.
A: What’s your mailing address? B: It wasn’t that loud.
B: 456 Cherry Drive, Pasadena, CA 91170. A: I will blow my nose sometime for you, and you’ll see.
A: That’s correct. B: Okay. I’ll take your word for it.
B: So, what’s the problem? A: I thought you had an elephant in your house.
A: Bluedog123 is just the street. You have to give me the B: You’re funny.
city, state, and ZIP code. A: What did you say? I think I’ve gone deaf.
B: Oh, I get it. My email address is B: I’m going into the bathroom to blow my nose. I’ll be
bluedog123@[Link]. right back.

44. Time for a Nap 47. You Can Have Some of My Friends
A: I’m going to take a nap. A: I have lots of friends.
B: You should unplug the phone. B: Really? How many do you have?
A: That’s a good idea. A: I don’t know, maybe one hundred.
B: Do you want me to wake you in an hour? B: That is a lot of friends. Do you have a best friend?
A: No, thanks. Just let me sleep until I wake up. A: Of course. I have lots of best friends.
B: I’ll start dinner at 6:00. B: How many best friends do you have?
A: Okay. I think I’ll be awake by then. A: I think about twenty-five.
B: If not, your nose will wake you up. B: Hmm. I have only one best friend.
A: You mean I will smell the food cooking? A: I feel sorry for you.
B: You might even dream about dinner. B: I have only a few friends.
A: I don’t think I’m going to dream about anything. I’m A: You must be lonely. I will share my friends with you.
really tired. B: That’s very nice of you.
B: Have a nice nap.

45. Thinking about His Funeral 48. If You Cheat, You Will Die
A: Don’t you ever cheat on me.
A: That was a nice funeral.
B: Why would I do that?
B: Yes, dad, it was.
A: Because men like to cheat.
A: The son gave a nice speech about his father.
B: Some men do, but not me.
B: It was long, too.
A: I’m watching you.
A: I think it was about 45 minutes long.
B: I’m an open book. Watch me all you want.
B: But it went by fast. It was interesting.
A: If I catch you, you’ll be sorry.
A: I liked it.
B: You won’t catch me, because I love you. I’m not a
B: I’ll give you a speech like that, too.
cheater.
A: Do you think anyone will come to my funeral?
A: I will poke your eyes out.
B: Of course.
B: I don’t want any other woman.
A: I think only the family will be there.
A: I will chop your toes off, one by one.
B: You have lots of friends. They will be there, too!
B: Honey, please. You’re the only woman for me,
forever. I swear it.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
49. Let’s Not Go Out 52. Is It Raining?
A: I hate to go outside. A: What’s the weather like?
B: Me too. B: I don’t know. I just woke up.
A: Why do you hate to go outside? A: Why don’t you look outside?
B: I meet too many jerks. B: Okay. It looks like rain.
A: I agree. A: Why do you say that?
B: This city is full of jerks. B: The sky is gray.
A: Rude people are everywhere. A: Is it raining right now?
B: But what can you do? B: No.
A: You can yell at them. A: How do you know?
B: And they will yell back at you. B: The street isn’t wet.
A: Yelling doesn’t do any good. A: I have to go shopping today.
B: No. The best thing to do is just stay home. B: You’d better take an umbrella.

50. Fill Out the Form 53. It’s So Hot

A: Will you look at this form? A: I can’t believe how hot it is.
B: Are you having problems with it? B: It’s not even noon yet.
A: I don’t understand some things. A: That means it will get hotter.
B: Let me help you. B: I am dying from the heat.
A: What does “MI” mean? A: Turn on the air conditioner.
B: “MI” stands for Middle Initial. B: It doesn’t work.
A: What does “MM/DD/YY” mean? A: What happened?
B: That means Month/Day/Year. Use numbers. B: I don’t know.
A: I don’t understand. A: Did you call the repairman?
B: For example, if your birth date is January 12, 1987, B: Of course.
write 01/12/87. A: When is he coming?
A: Oh. That’s simple enough. B: He’s busy. He said next week.
B: Always print clearly, and fill in the bubbles
completely. 54. A Snowman
51. The Animal Shelter A: I’ll be glad when winter comes.
B: Why is that?
A: Let’s go to the animal shelter. A: Because I love the snow.
B: What do you want to do? B: Yes, the snow is fun.
A: I want to get a puppy for my son. A: Last year we made a big snowman.
B: That will make him so happy. B: How big was it?
A: I’ll get him one of those little dogs. A: It was seven feet tall.
B: One that won’t grow up too big. B: How long did it take?
A: And eat too much. A: It took us all day.
B: Do you know which one he would like? B: Did you give him a nose?
A: Oh, yes, I took him there yesterday. He showed me A: Of course. We gave him a big carrot for a nose.
one that he really liked. B: Let me help you make one this year.
B: I bet you had to drag him away.
A: He wanted to take it home yesterday.
B: I wonder what he’ll name it.

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
55. The ATM 58. Just Shoot Me
A: I’m going to the bank. A: People are funny.
B: What do you need to do? B: They sure are.
A: I need to withdraw some money. A: Did you hear about the pilot?
B: How are you going to do that? B: The one that stole a small plane?
A: I’ll just use the ATM. A: Yes, he stole a plane in Canada and flew into the U.S.
B: What’s that? B: Did they catch him?
A: It’s the Automatic Teller Machine. A: Yes. After two U.S. fighter jets followed him for an
B: It gives you money? hour, he landed on a highway.
A: I just insert my debit card into the machine. B: Did he crash?
B: And it gives you money? A: No, he just landed the plane and walked to a
A: Well, it gives me money, but it’s my own money. restaurant.
B: Oh. What good is that? I thought it gave you free B: Did the cops find out why he flew into the U.S.?
money. A: His life sucked. He was hoping a fighter jet would
shoot him down.
56. Move the Blue Bin B: Poor guy.

A: Did you put the blue bin out on the street? 59. Don’t Be a Racist
B: Oh, no. I forgot.
A: Well, you’d better take it out front. A: The police need our help finding a robber.
B: What time does the recycle truck come by? B: How do you know?
A: It usually gets here at noon on Tuesday, which is A: The TV news is reporting a bank robbery.
tomorrow. B: Do they know what the robber looks like?
B: I’ll just take it out to the street tomorrow morning. A: Yes, he’s 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, black hair, and about
A: Oh, no, you don’t. 30 years old.
B: What do you mean? B: What race is he?
A: Every morning you get up late and rush off to work A: They didn’t say.
late. B: The TV news doesn’t tell us the race anymore.
B: Do you think I’ll forget to do it? A: Of course not. That would be racist.
A: You’ll remember to do it, but you won’t have time to B: But how can we identify someone if we don’t know
do it. their race?
B: Okay, I’ll take it out front right now. A: Don’t ask me.
B: Then they also shouldn’t tell us if the robber is male
57. Digital TV or female, because that is sexist.

A: Are you ready? 60. Use a Tissue

B: Ready for what?
A: Ready for the big switch. A: Don’t wipe your nose on your sleeve.
B: What are you talking about? B: But I don’t have a tissue.
A: The nation is switching to digital TV. A: Then go find a tissue in the bathroom.
B: Oh. Of course, I’m ready. B: I didn’t have time to get one from there.
A: Did you buy the converter? A: Your sleeves are not tissues.
B: No, I don’t need a converter because I bought a digital B: But Mom, all my friends use their sleeves.
TV. A: That doesn’t make it right.
A: How much was that? B: I saw Dad wipe his nose on his sleeve yesterday.
B: It was only about $120 for a 13-inch screen. A: I will talk to your father about that.
A: Does it pick up any digital channels? B: I bet Dad did it all the time when he was my age.
B: Oh, yes. I get six Korean channels but nothing in A: Your daddy was a good little boy.
English! B: How do you know? Were you his mommy, too?

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
61. Two Little Ones 64. A Tough Choice
A: I’m worried. A: Beer is a powerful drug.
B: Worried about what? B: So are cigarettes.
A: I’m getting married. A: Which would you prefer?
B: You should be happy, not worried. B: What do you mean?
A: I am happy, but marriage is a lot of responsibility. A: When you die and go to heaven, they will offer you
B: Yes, you have to take care of your wife. beer or cigarettes.
A: And I have to take care of our children. B: I could pick only one or the other?
B: Are you going to start a family? A: Yes. Nothing's perfect, not even in heaven.
A: Yes. We want to have a little boy and a little girl. B: Boy, that's a tough one.
B: That sounds wonderful. A: What's so tough about it? Of course, I would pick
A: Except we can’t afford it! cigarettes.
B: No wonder you’re worried. B: But cigarettes taste much better when you have a
cold beer.
62. But Is It Art? A: Well, you can't have everything.
B: I don't think I want to go to your heaven.

A: I don't get art.

B: Or artists. 65. Patch It or Sew It?
A: They're in a different world.
B: I saw a painting of a jar that was full of pencils. A: My pants have a hole in the front pocket.
A: The artist said the jar was both full and empty. B: You shouldn't carry pens in your pocket.
B: But it was full of pencils! How could he say it was A: Yesterday a pen fell through my pants onto my shoe.
empty? B: Lucky for you it wasn't a sharp knife.
A: Artists see things differently. A: Who carries a sharp knife in their pocket?
B: Did you ever see anything that Picasso painted? B: Criminals, of course.
A: Of course! He's world famous. A: Anyway, I have to fix the hole.
B: Did he ever take art lessons? B: You can sew it up or use an iron-on patch.
A: I can't believe it. I drew paintings like that in third A: Tell me about this patch.
grade. B: The patch has glue. The hot iron melts the glue so the
B: Where are they? Maybe they are worth millions. patch sticks on.
A: That sounds a lot easier than sewing.
63. Life Is for Living B: It is. But after about ten washings, the glue washes
off.

A: What's the point?

B: The point of what? 66. What's So Funny?
A: Of living.
B: Who knows? You live, and then you die. A: Do you know any good jokes?
A: We must be here for some reason. B: I can't remember jokes.
B: Maybe we're here to have fun. A: Neither can I.
A: Then why aren't I having fun? B: They go in one ear and out the other.
B: Because you're thinking too much. A: Who makes up all these jokes?
A: So I should stop thinking? B: Who knows? But there must be a hundred new ones
B: Stop thinking about what the point is. every day.
A: Okay. I'll start thinking about having some fun. A: Yes, just in English alone.
B: Just be patient. Fun doesn't come along every five B: I wonder if every language has jokes.
minutes. A: Of course! People everywhere like good jokes.
B: What do you think people joke about the most?
A: I think most jokes are about women.
B: Oh, really? I think most jokes are about men!

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
67. Spanish Spoken Here 70. Dumb and Happy
A: You're very lucky. A: How smart are you?
B: Why do you say that? B: I don't know. I think I'm average.
A: You speak two languages. A: Did you ever take an IQ test?
B: Well, my English isn't perfect. B: No, I never did. All I know is that I got A's and B's in
A: No one speaks perfect English. school.
B: Maybe I will be the first! A: I wish I was really smart.
A: I've been thinking about learning Spanish. B: Don't be ridiculous.
B: Spanish is easy. I'll be happy to teach you. A: What do you mean?
A: How long will it take me to learn? B: If you're going to make a wish, wish that you were
B: I think it will only take you a year or two. really rich or famous.
A: How soon can we begin? A: Don't you ever wonder what it's like to be super-
B: Ahora! That means right now. smart?
B: It must be very lonely.
68. It's the Only Earth We've Got A: Why's that?
B: Because if you're super-smart, no one understands
what you're saying.
A: Do you know what today is?
B: Yes, it's April 22.
A: It's more than just a date. 71. Live from NBC 4!
B: Is it your birthday or anniversary?
A: No, it's Earth Day. A: I missed the TV news last night. What was on?
B: What's that? B: Nothing that would pass as news.
A: It's a yearly reminder to take care of our planet. A: What's the weather going to be like this weekend?
B: Oh, you mean like reuse things and recycle stuff? B: I don't know. Whenever the weather comes on, I
A: Yes. We need to think green, save water, and stop switch channels.
using plastic bags. A: What was the lead story on the news?
B: How about if I take shorter showers? B: Some actress was in court for driving without a
A: That's a good idea, because showers waste a lot of license.
water. A: What was the second story?
B: From now on I'll spend only 20 minutes in the shower. B: Some actor married a woman young enough to be his
daughter.
69. No Time for Rhyme A: What was the third story?
B: A bull chased a man in a supermarket.
A: Wasn't there anything about Octo-Mom?
A: Poetry sucks. B: Of course. She's going to hire a nanny for her eight
B: I don't know anyone who likes it. infants.
A: Some of it is okay, I guess.
B: Yes, the poems that rhyme and are easy to
remember. 72. Life after Death
A: Like "One, two, buckle my shoe."
B: But people still write poems. A: What are you going to do about your death?
A: No one makes any money at it. B: Well, mostly I'll try to avoid it.
B: Shakespeare was a poet. A: I mean, are you going to get buried or cremated?
A: Did he get rich from his poetry? B: My wife and I will be cremated.
B: Probably not. A: Are you going to be buried next to each other?
A: Poems are a little bit like songs. B: Oh, no. Our ashes will be shaken into the ocean.
B: Yes, but songs have music. Without music, songs A: You're not going to be buried?
would suck, too. B: A coffin costs too much and takes up too much space.
A: Yes, but it will be in a cemetery where your children
can visit you.
B: Children seldom visit their parents in a cemetery.
A: That's true. A cemetery is for dead people, not living

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.
people. A: It should have a pretty woman on it.
A: We figure our kids can visit us whenever they go to B: That’s ridiculous!
the beach. A: You don’t like pretty women?
B: Of course, I do. But not on our flag!
73. Wipe Your Feet A: Every nation should have a pretty woman on their
flag.
B: You can’t go to war carrying a flag with a woman on
A: Did you wipe your feet? it!
B: Yes, of course I wiped my feet.
A: Then why is there mud on the carpet?
B: I don’t know. It’s not my mud.
A: Well, someone brought it into the house. 76. Work up an Appetite
B: Look at the bottom of my shoes—they’re clean.
A: Of course, they’re clean. You left all the mud on the A: I had a busy morning.
carpet. B: What did you do?
B: Okay, I’ll get the vacuum cleaner. A: I watered all the plants.
A: Don’t vacuum it now. B: You have a lot of plants.
B: Don’t you want me to clean up the mud? A: Then I did my laundry.
A: Wait till it dries. It will be easier to vacuum. B: That takes some time.
B: Next time I will be more careful. A: I took the dog for a walk.
B: I’ll bet he enjoyed his walk.
74. Mother’s Day A: I vacuumed the entire house.
B: That’s a lot of work.
A: And then I made lunch.
A: What are you getting for your mom? B: I’ll bet you were hungry!
B: What are you talking about?
A: Sunday is Mother’s Day.
B: This Sunday?
77. Dialing for a Dollar
A: Of course. It’s all over the news.
B: I thought it was next Sunday. A: I don’t have long distance service with my home
A: Well, you’d better get her something. phone.
B: I’ll get her a nice card. B: So how do you make long distance calls?
A: Is that it? A: I use a calling card.
B: Yes. That’s all I ever give her. B: Where do you get that?
A: She raised you, and all you ever give her is a card? A: I buy it at the dollar store.
B: It’s okay. She knows that I love her. B: How much is it?
A: It’s one dollar for 100 minutes.
B: That’s only a penny a minute!
75. A New Flag A: It’s a great price. But you have to dial a lot of
numbers.
A: I don’t like our flag. B: How many?
B: What’s the matter with it? A: First you dial seven numbers, then ten numbers, then
A: It’s too much like other flags. ten more numbers.
B: Yes, a lot of flags have stripes. B: Yikes. I think I’ll keep my long-distance service.
A: A flag should be pretty.
B: What should our flag look like?

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Easy conversation For ESL/EFL Beginners Copyright © 2009 - 2010. All rights reserved.