1.

GREETINGS
Part A: Acquaintances - a person one knows but not a
close friend
Matt: Good morning. Chào buổi sáng, Maxine.
Maxine: Good morning. How are you today? Chào buổi
sáng. Hôm nay bạn khỏe không?
Matt: Just fine, thanks. How are you? Cảm ơn, mình khỏe.
Còn bạn thì sao?
Maxine: Wonderful. Things couldn't be better. Tuyệt
vời. Mọi thứ không thể tốt hơn nữa.
Part B: Good Friends
Dotty: Hi. What's up? Chào Vivian. Dạo này sao rồi?
Vivian: Nothing much. What's new with you? Không có
gì. Bạn có gì mới không?
Dotty: Not too much. I've been pretty busy. Không
nhiều. Mình vẫn bận rộn như vậy thôi.
Vivian: Me too. Seems like all I do is eat and sleep. Mình
cũng vậy. Dường như tất cả những gì mình làm là ăn và
ngủ.
Dotty: Gotta go. Call me tonight. Giờ mình phải đi rồi. Tối
nay gọi cho mình nhé.
Vivian: Okay. Check you later. Okay. Gặp bạn sau.
Part C: Family
Mother: Good morning. Chào buổi sáng con trai.
Son: Morning. What's for breakfast? Chào buổi sáng, mẹ.
Mình ăn sáng với gì?

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Mother: The usual. Eggs, toast, and cereal. Coffee, if
you want. Như thường lệ thôi. Trứng, bánh mì nướng và
ngũ cốc. Thêm cà phê nếu con muốn.
Son: I think I'll just have cereal for a change. Con nghĩ là
con chỉ uống ngũ cốc như một sự thay đổi vậy.
Mother: Help yourself. The cereal and sugar are on the
table. The milk's in the refrigerator. Con tự làm nhé.
Ngũ cốc và đường trên bàn. Còn sữa trong tủ lạnh.
Language Notes
@ Things couldn’t be better = Everything is going well.
@ Hi = informal way to say hello
@ What’s up? = What’s new? Used informally.
@ Pretty = rather; somewhat
@ Me too = has meaning of I have been busy, too.
@ Seems = It seems
@ Gotta = I’ve got to = I must
@ Check you later = I’ll call you later.
@ What’s for breakfast? = What are we having for breakfast?
@ Just = only
@ Help yourself = Serve yourself.

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 2. FORMAL GREETINGS AND FAREWELLS
Paul: Hello. How are you? Chào Don. Bạn khỏe không?
Don: Fine, thank you. How are you? Cảm ơn, mình khỏe.
Còn bạn?
Paul: Fine, thanks. Oh, excuse me - here's my bus. Good
bye. Mình vẫn tốt, cảm ơn Don. Ồ, xin lỗi - xe buýt của mình
đây rồi. Tạm biệt.
Don: Good bye. Tạm biệt
Language Notes
@ Hello. Good morning or good afternoon might also be used.
They are somewhat more formal. How are you? Notice the
intonation. This howquestion is one of the few instances in which
a form of BE receives the primary sentence stress. This
phenomenon normally occurs in “question word” questions in
which the form of BE stands at the end or is followed by a non-
demonstrative pronoun:
What IS it? Where IS he? When WAS it? Where will
it BE? Where have you BEEN? Sometimes, however, speakers
stress the you, so that the intonation is identical to the “response
question” described below.
@ How are you? Notice that the responding speaker uses a
different intonation for this question than the first speaker used.
The shift of stress onto you points to that word as carrying the
new or changed bit of meaning in this question, which is
otherwise identical to the question in the first line - for now the
you refers to a different person than it did in the original question.
Sometimes the responding speaker will answer simply, “Fine,
thank you - and you?” omitting all the words of the “understood”
question except the one word you, which, uttered with a strong
stress, carries the new meaning.
@ Thanks is slightly less formal than thank you. Notice the
contraction here’s (= here is).

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 3. INFORMAL GREETINGS AND FAREWELLS
Dick: Hi! How are you? Chào! Bạn khỏe không?
Helen: Fine, thanks, and you? Mình khỏe, cảm ơn. Còn
bạn thì sao?
Dick: Just fine. Where are you going? Mình vẫn tốt. Bạn
đang đi đâu vậy?
Helen: To the library. Mình đến thư viện.
Dick: O.K. I'll see you later. So long OK, vậy gặp bạn sau
nha. Tạm biệt.
Helen: So long Tạm biệt
Language Notes
@ Hi is an informal equivalent of hello. For the intonation of How
are you?
@ Fine, thanks - and you? Notice the rising intonation on and
you?
@ Notice that the normal response to Where are you going? Is
simply To the library - not I’m going to the library. It is unnatural
and unusual to repeat the information already supplied by the
question.
@ O.K. is a less formal equivalent of all right. The common saying
I’ll see you later is often shortened to See you later (with the I’ll
understood). So long is an informal equivalent of goodbye.

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 4. FORMAL INTRODUCTIONS
Margaret: Mr. Wilson, I'd like you to meet Dr. Edward
Smith. Ông Wilson, xin giới thiệu với ông đây là tiến sĩ
Edward Smith.
Mr. Wilson: How do you do, Dr. Smith. Rất vui được gặp
ông, tiến sĩ Smith.
Dr. Smith: How do you do. Rất vui được gặp ông.
Margaret: Dr. Smith is an economist. He's just finished
writing a book on international trade. Tiến sĩ Smith là
một nhà kinh tế, ông ấy cũng vừa viết xong cuốn sách về
mậu dịch quốc tế.
Mr. Wilson: Oh? That's my field, too. I work for the
United Nations. Thật sao? Đó cũng là lĩnh vực nghiên cứu
của tôi đấy. Tôi làm cho Liên Hợp Quốc.
Dr. Smith: In the Development Program, by any
chance? Có phải là trong chương trình Phát triển không?
Mr. Wilson: Yes. How did you guess? Đúng thế. Làm thế
ông đoán được vậy?
Dr. Smith: I've read your articles on technical
assistance. They're excellent. Tôi đã đọc nhiều bài viết
của ông trên trang hỗ trợ về công nghệ. Chúng thật sự rất
xuất sắc.
Language Notes
@ Notice the rising intonation on the words Mr. Wilson. A falling
intonation on a name used in direct address is unusual in
American English and tends to sound brusque and impolite.
Listen for the d in I’d. It is important to include the d in this
expression in order to differentiate it from I like, which has a
different meaning. (I’d like = I would like = I want.)

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@ How do you do has the form of a question (and is sometimes
followed by a question mark), but it is not a question in meaning.
It is simply a polite formula used in formal introductions.
@ The response to How do you do is simply the same phrase
uttered with the same intonation by the other speaker. In fact,
lines 2 and 3 are not strictly statement and response but rather
statements uttered by the two speakers independently and,
possibly, simultaneously.
@ He’s just finished writing… A useful pattern indicating an
action recently completed. (Just is frequently used with the
present perfect tense.) You may find it helpful to conduct a drill
on this pattern in conjunction with the teaching of the present
perfect, using variations of this sentence, such as I’ve just finished
reading…, I’ve just finished cleaning…, She’s just finished
correcting…, They’ve just finished putting…, The same pattern, with
start or begin, is commonly used for an action recently initiated:
He’s just started writing…, I’ve just started reading…, She’s just
started correcting…, etc. A somewhat simpler form of this pattern
(just + present perfect), to indicate an action recently completed,
is of even broader usefulness: He’s just written…, I’ve just read…,
We’ve just eaten…, I’ve just heard…, They’ve just returned…, etc.
@ Development program. Since these two words constitute a
compound noun, the principal stress falls on the first word.
@ I’ve read… Listen for the /v/ in I’ve. It is important to include
the /v/ in this expression in order to differentiate it from I read,
which has a different meaning.
@ By any chance? = possibly. Used in questions to confirm
something you think might be true actually is.

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 5. INFORMAL INTRODUCTIONS
Jim: Who's the tall girl next to Barbara? Cô gái cao lớn
bên cạnh Barbara là ai vậy?
Charles: That's Mary Anderson. Didn't you meet her at
Steve's party? Đó là Mary Anderson. Không phải em đã gặp
cô ấy tại bữa tiệc của Steve rồi sao?
Jim: No, I wasn't at Steve's party. Không, em không có dự
bữa tiệc của Steve.
Charles: Oh! Then let me introduce you to her now.
Mary, this is my cousin Jim. Ồ, vậy để anh giới thiệu em
với cô ấy ngay bây giờ. Mary, đây là em họ của mình, tên
Jim.
Mary: Hi, Jim. I'm glad to meet you. Chào Jim., Rất vui
được gặp cậu.
Jim: I'm glad to meet you. Can't we sit down
somewhere and talk? Mình rất vui được gặp bạn. Sao
chúng ra không tìm nơi nào đó để ngồi nói chuyện nhỉ?
Mary: Sure, let's sit over there. Đúng vậy. Mình lại đằng
kia ngồi nhé.
Language Notes
@ Who’s is the contracted form of who is. It should not be
confused with the possessive whose, which, although pronounced
the same (/huwz/), has a different meaning.
@ Didn’t you meet her…? Notice the use of the negative
question. While generally used to indicate the expectation of an
affirmative answer, here it expresses surprise that the answer to
the question will probably - and unexpectedly - be negative.
Notice that in this sentence, the strongest stress, and the high
point of the intonation, falls on at - although prepositions
normally receive weak stress. It is as if at, in this case, were

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equivalent to present or there, as in I wasn’t present or I wasn’t
there - in which the adjective and adverb, respectively, would
normally receive the strongest sentence stress.
@ Mary, this is my cousin Jim. Notice that the introducer
mentions the girl’s name first, and introduces the young man to
her (not vice versa). This is the normal, courteous manner of
introduction among speakers of American English. Notice the
rising intonation on Mary, a name used in direct address.
@ I’m glad to meet you. Notice that the second speaker says this
sentence with a different intonation than the first speaker used.
The second speaker emphasizes you. (Compare 1b. How are you?)
Can’t we sit down…? = Would you like to sit down…?
@ Sure is often used in informal conversation as a strong
affirmative response equivalent to yes, certainly, of course, etc.

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 6. EARLY IN THE MORNING
Gene: It's time to get up! Tới giờ dậy rồi!
Ed: I just went to bed! Mình vừa mới ngủ mà!
Gene: You shouldn't have stayed up so late watching
TV. I told you we had to get an early start. Cậu không
nên thức khuya xem ti vi như vậy. Mình đã nói là chúng ta
phải dậy sớm rồi mà.
Ed: I know, but that movie was just too good to leave. I
guess I'll just have to pay the price and be sleepy. Mình
biết, nhưng bộ phim đó quá hay nên tôi không thể bỏ qua
được. Mình nghĩ là mình phải trả giá cho điều đó và giờ thì
mình quá buồn ngủ.
Gene: Do you want to eat breakfast here? Vậy cậu muốn
ăn sáng ở đây không?
Ed: No. Why don't we just grab a bite at the coffee shop
next door? Không. Sao chúng ta không ăn chút gì đó tại
tiệm cà phê kế bên nhỉ?
Gene: Okay by me. Được rồi.
Language Notes
@ TV = television
@ get an early start = leave early in the morning
@ just = simply
@ pay the price = suffer the consequences
@ grab a bite = (Informal) get something to eat
@ coffee shop = a type of restaurant
@ Okay by me = It’s all right with me.

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 7. DAILY NEEDS
Judith: This is the last of the milk. Đây là hộp sữa cuối
cùng rồi.
Mother: I know. I intend to go to the store today. Mẹ
biết. Hôm nay mẹ tính đi tới cửa hàng.
Judith: Would you get some of that new cereal we saw
advertised on TV? Mẹ mua loại ngũ cốc mới mà chúng ta
nhìn thấy quảng cáo trên ti vi mẹ nhé?
Mother: Which one? Loại nào?
Judith: You know the one with the silly ad about how
vitamins jump up and down. Mẹ biết loại mà họ quảng
cáo ngớ ngẩn có nhiều loại vi-ta-min nhảy lên nhảy xuống
đó mẹ.
Mother: Oh, you mean "KIKIES"? Ồ, con muốn nói là loại
“KIKIES” phải không?
Judith: Yeah. That's the one. Vâng. Chính là loại đó.
Mother: Well, I'll see. Sometimes the stores don't have
some of the new kinds of cereal. Được rồi, mẹ sẽ tìm.
Thỉnh thoảng thì nhiều cửa hàng không có nhiều loại ngũ
cốc mới con à.
Language Notes
@ last of the milk = exhausts the supply of milk
@ silly = foolish
@ ad = advertisement
@ Yeah = (Informal) Yes
@ I’ll see = I’ll examine the possibility.

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 8. TIME
Margaret: What time is it? Mấy giờ rồi?
Toni: It's a quarter to five. 5 giờ 15
Margaret: Aren't we supposed to be at Jim's house by
five o'clock? Không phải chúng ta dự định có mặt tại nhà
Jim lúc 5 giờ à?
Toni: Five or five thirty. He said it didn't make any
difference. 5 giờ hoặc 5 giờ 30. Anh ấy nói nó không có gì
quan trọng đâu.
Margaret: Then maybe we could pick your suit up at
the cleaners. Vậy chúng ta có thể nhận bộ đồ của bạn ở chổ
giặt ủi.
Toni: Sure, we have plenty of time. Chắn chắn rồi, chúng
ta còn nhiều thời gian mà.
Language Notes
@ It’s a quarter to five. This is probably the most common way
of stating this time. Other possibilities are It’s a quarter of five or
It’s fifteen till five. (It’s four fortyfive is rarely heard in casual
conversation.) Fifteen minutes after the hour would usually be
expressed thus: It’s a quarter after five or It’s a quarter past five.
We also hear It’s fivefifteen (though this is less frequent in casual
conversation). An alternative form for fivethirty is halfpast five.
For times other than the quarterhours or halfhour, numbers are
used: twenty past five or twenty after five, ten to five or ten till five,
etc. Frequently the speaker will omit the It’s or It’s a and answer
simply A quarter to five or Quarter to five. Some speakers omit or
obscure the a: It’s (a) quarter to five.
@ Aren’t we supposed to be…? Notice that the negative question
here indicates, as it usually does, the speaker’s belief that his
assumption is true. He expects an affirmative response, a
confirmation of his assumption. Supposed to = expected to;

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obliged to (not as strong as required to). This meaning of suppose
occurs only in the passive. Other examples: I’m supposed to
prepare a program for our English Club meeting next week. They
were supposed to be here an hour ago - I don’t know where they can
be. We’re supposed to practice the dialogues at home, too. Children
are supposed to obey their parents. Notice the difference in
intonation between the yesno question in line c (rising
intonation) and the whquestion in line a (falling intonation). By
five o’clock = no later than five o’clock.
@ He said it didn’t… In conversation the conjunction that (He
said that it didn’t…) is generally omitted in reported speech, as
here. Notice the sequence of tenses: said… didn’t. Where the verb
in direct speech would be in the present tense (“Shall we come at
five or fivethirty?” “Either one. It doesn’t make any difference.”), it
is past tense (didn’t) after a past tense introductory verb (said):
He said it didn’t make any difference.

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 9. A TELEPHONE CALL
Barbara: Hello. Alo
Fred: Hello. May I speak to Alice Weaver, please? Alo.
Làm ơn cho tôi nói chuyện với Alice Weaver.
Barbara: Just a minute… Alice, it's for you. Đợi tí
nhé…Alice, nghe máy này.
Alice: Hello. Alo
Fred: Hi, Alice. This is Fred. Would you like to go to a
movie tonight? Xin chào, Alice. Fred đây. Bạn có muốn đi
xem phim tối nay không?
Alice: Thanks, I'd love to. I haven't been to a movie for
a long time. Cảm ơn, mình thích lắm. Đã lâu rồi mình chưa
đi xem phim.
Fred: Good. I'll pick you up around seven - thirty, then.
The movie starts at eight. Tốt quá. Vậy mình sẽ đón bạn
khoảng 7 giờ 30. Bộ phim bắt đầu lúc 8 giờ tối.
Alice: Fine, I'll be ready. Được thôi, mình sẽ chuẩn bị.
Language Notes
@ A simple Hello is the usual way of answering the telephone.
Business firms, however, frequently identify themselves when
answering the telephone: Jones Construction Company, or Good
morning, Jones Construction Company, or, possibly, Jones
Construction Company, Mr. Smith speaking.
@ May I speak to Alice Weaver, please? A possible alternative is
I’d like to speak to Alice Weaver. Or the person calling may identify
himself: Hello. This is Fred Young. May I speak to Alice Weaver,
please?
@ Would you like to...? This is a polite form of do you want to…?
It should be carefully differentiated from do you like to…? Which
has quite a different meaning.

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@ I’d love to = I would love to, a somewhat more enthusiastic
response than I’d like to. (All of these are polite equivalents of I
want to.) Care should be taken to include ’d in these expressions
in both speech and writing, to differentiate them from I love to
and I like to, which differ from them in meaning as well as in form.
I haven’t been to… = I haven’t gone to…. Other examples: I
haven’t been to England yet, but I hope to go there soon. Have you
been out today? We’ve been to the theater three times this week. We
hadn’t been there at all until last weekend. This use of BE is rather
strictly colloquial and is generally limited to the perfect tenses.
@ I’ll pick you up… = I’ll come to your house so that we can go
together. Pick up is a separable twoword verb. Around
seventhirty = about seven thirty - perhaps a few minutes before
or after 7:30. To indicate a more precise time, the speaker would
say “at seventhirty.” To emphasize punctuality or the exactness of
the appointed time, a speaker might say “at seventhirty sharp,” “at
eight o’clock sharp,” etc. (Notice that o’clock is often omitted in
these expressions.) Although this dialogue ends with the line
Fine, I’ll be ready, a telephone conversation usually ends with
each speaker saying goodbye. When your students perform this
dialogue, it would probably be useful, therefore, to have each of
them say goodbye at the end of the conversation.

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 10. HAPPINESS
Linda: You look happy today! Trông bạn hôm nay rất vui.
Frank: I am happy. I just heard I passed my physics
exam. Mình vui lắm. Mình vừa nghe tin mình đã đậu môn
Vật lý.
Linda: Congratulations! I'm glad somebody's happy.
Chúc mừng, Mình cũng vui vì niềm vui của người khác
Frank: Why? What's the matter? Tại sao? Có chuyện gì
hả?
Linda: Oh, I'm just worried, I guess I have to take a
history exam next week. Ừ, Mình chỉ lo lắng thôi, mình
nghĩ là mình phải thi môn lịch sử vào tuần tới.
Language Notes
@ Notice the intonation of I am happy. This intonation, with the
strongest stress on am, is the emphatic, confirmatory form
normally used in response position (as here). It is similar, in
meaning and intonation, to the short answer form, I am - which
might, in fact, be used here, with the weakstressed happy simply
dropping off. I just heard I passed… Notice that the that is
omitted in this bit of reported speech. Exam = examination.
Physics exam, a compound noun, has the principal stress on the
first word. @ I guess = I think (that)
@ I’m glad somebody’s happy. Note the omission of that in
reported speech, and the strong contrastive stress on SOMEbody
(implying that the speaker herself is not happy).
@ What’s the matter? A common idiom meaning What is
troubling you? What is wrong?
@ I’m just worried. Here just means merely, only. In line b (I just
heard ...) it is used in its meaning of very recently. Have to = must.
Notice the /f/ in the pronunciation of this idiom: History exam.
See note on physics exam above.

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 11. ORDERING A MEAL
Waiter: Are you ready to order now, sir? Thưa ông, ông
đã sẵn sàng gọi món bây giờ chưa?
Ralph: Yes. I'll have tomato soup, roast beef, mashed
potatoes, and peas. Được rồi. Cho tôi súp cà chua, thịt bò
quay, cháo khoai tây nghiền và đậu Hà Lan.
Waiter: That's tomato soup…roast beef…mashed
potatoes…and peas. How do you want the beef rare,
medium, or well done? Súp cà chua, thịt bò quay, khoai
tây nghiền và đậu Hà Lan. Ông muốn thịt bò như tái, vừa
hay chín?
Ralph: Well done, please. Làm chín cho tôi nhé.
Waiter: Anything to drink? Ông uống gì không?
Ralph: Hmmm… just water. I'll have coffee with my
dessert. Hmmm…. nước lọc thôi. Tôi sẽ gọi cà phê với món
tráng miệng.
Language Notes
@ I’ll have tomato soup, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and
peas. Notice how the intonation rises on the last syllable of each
item in the series. Notice, too, that the verb in this idiom is have,
not take or eat.
@ The waiter pauses briefly as he writes each item in his order
book. Rare, medium, or welldone? Notice the slightly rising
intonation on the first two items of the series. Rare = slightly
cooked. Welldone, please. Notice that the subject and verb are
omitted in the response; only the necessary information is given.
@ Anything to drink? Notice that the subject and verb are
omitted. The question is “understood” to mean something like Do
you want anything to drink? Would you like anything to drink? Will
you have anything to drink?

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@ Hmmm is a pause sound, used while the speaker is thinking of
what he wants to say. Just water. Again, the response omits the
subject and verb - in fact, all the words except those needed to
supply the necessary (new) information. The rest are supplied by
the context. A fullsentence equivalent would be something like I’ll
just have water to drink. (American restaurants customarily serve
water with the meal, without request.) I’ll have coffee…Notice that
the verb in this idiom is have (not take or drink): I’ll have coffee
(tea, milk, a coke, etc.)

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 12. BIRTHDAYS
Patty: How old are you? Cậu bao nhiêu tuổi?
Susan: Nine ... but I'll be ten on May sixteenth. 9
tuổi…nhưng mình sẽ được 10 tuổi vào ngày 16 tháng 5.
Patty: I'm older than you! I'll be ten on May
fourteenth. Vậy mình lớn hơn bạn: Mình sẽ 10 tuổi vào
ngày 14 tháng 5.
Susan: Are you going to have a birthday party? Cậu sẽ
tổ chức tiệc sinh nhật chứ?
Patty: Maybe. I'll have to ask my mother. Có thể. Mình
phải hỏi mẹ mình đã.
Language Notes
@ Nine. A short form equivalent to I’m nine years old. Sixteenth.
Notice that the strongest stress in this word is on the second
syllable. (The stress pattern, as well as the final/n/, differentiates
sixTEEN from SIXty.) Some speakers insert the between the month
and the numeral: May the sixteenth, May the fourteenth.
@ I’ll be ten on May fourteenth. Notice the contrastive stress on
the first syllable of FOURteenth. Normally, the stronger stress falls
on the second syllable of this word: fourTEENTH (like sixTEENTH in
the line above). However, to bring out the contrast, the speaker
emphasizes the contrasting element, four.
@ Going to. The rhythm pattern of English requires that this
weakstressed, potentially threesyllable, element be reduced in
length. In the process of reduction some of the consonants are lost
or modified and the vowels changed to more centralized, lax
forms. Birthday party. Notice that the normal stress for a
compound noun falls on the first element of the compound.
@ Maybe. Notice that the intonation falls only slightly - indicating
doubt, indecision, or lack of completion. Have to.

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 13. A CROWDED THEATER
Bob: Excuse me, is this seat taken? Xin lỗi, ghế này có ai
ngồi chưa?
Larry: No. it isn't. Chưa.
Bob: Would you mind moving over one, so my friend
and I can sit together? Bạn có phiền di chuyển qua kia để
bạn tôi và bạn tôi có thể ngồi cùng nhau được không?
Larry: No, not at all. Không, không vấn đề gì.
Bob: Thanks a lot. Cảm ơn rất nhiều.
Language Notes
@ Would you mind moving over one…? Would you mind is a
polite request form meaning Are you willing to. Literally, it is
roughly equivalent to Do you object to or Do you dislike. Therefore,
to indicate that he is willing to comply with the request, the
person answering will use a negative form, such as No, not at all
or No, of course not. By this he means No, I don’t mind = I will be
glad to. Moving. Notice that the verb following Would you mind…
is in the ing form. Other examples: Would you mind opening a
window? Would you mind waiting a few minutes? Would you mind
speaking a little more slowly? So = so that = in order that.’
@ No, not at all = No, I wouldn’t mind at all or No, of course not

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 14. MISTAKES
Bruce: Where did John go? John đã đi đâu vậy?
Laura: He went to the drugstore. Anh ấy đã đến tiệm
thuốc.
Bruce: To the bookstore? Đến tiệm sách ư?
Laura: No, I said he went to the drugstore. Không, mình
nói anh ấy đã đến tiệm thuốc.
Bruce: Oh, I misunderstood you. I thought you said
bookstore. Ồ, mình đã hiểu nhầm. Mình nghĩ cậu nói cửa
hàng sách cơ.
Laura: How could you make a mistake like that?
Weren't you paying attention? Làm thế nào cậu mắc lỗi
sai như thế? Cậu đã không chú ý ư?
Language Notes
@ Drugstore. Since this is a compound noun, the principal stress
is on the first syllable.
@ To the bookstore? This is a normally shortened form for Did
you say he went to the bookstore? - with the omitted words
“understood.” Bookstore. This word, a compound noun, has the
principal stress on the first syllable.
@ Drugstore. Notice the heavy stress and slightly higher than
usual intonation on drug, to emphasize this syllable, as
contrasted with book in the line above.
@ Notice the difference in intonation between the how question
and the yes - no question.

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 15. GAMES
George: Say, Joe, do you play bridge? Joe à, bạn chơi bài
bridge không?
Joe: No, I don't play any card games. But I know how to
play chess. How about you, George? Không, mình không
chơi bất kì loại bài nào. Nhưng mình biết cách chơi cờ. Còn
bạn thì sao, George?
George: Well, I happen to be one of the best chess
players around. À, mình là một trong những tay chơi cờ
giỏi nhất đấy.
Joe: 0.K. Let's play, then. We'll see who's the best OK,
vậy chơi nào. Chúng ta sẽ xem ai là người giỏi nhất.
Language Notes
@ Say. An interjection, used very informally as an attention
getter.
@ I don’t play any card games. Notice the strong stress on card.
It is normal for this word to be stressed, as it is the first element
of the compound noun CARD games. The unusually strong stress
here implies that, although the speaker doesn’t play card games,
he does play other kinds of games (as, for instance, chess). I know
how to play chess. The idiom know how to, meaning to be
capable of, to have the skill to do something, is widely used. For
example: Do you know how to swim? He knows how to drive a car. I
don’t know how to write. How about you, George? in this case
means Do you play chess, George?
@ One of the best chess players around = one of the best chess
players in this vicinity. Chess players is a compound noun, and
therefore has the principal stress on chess.

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 16. HEALTH
Jane: I hear you've been ill. Tớ nghe nói cậu bị ốm.
Cathy: Well, I had the flu for a couple of weeks, but I'm
fine now. Ừ, mình bị cúm khoảng 2 tuần, nhưng bây giờ
mình khỏe rồi.
Jane: You're looking well. By the way, did you hear
about Mrs. Jackson? Trông cậu khỏe rồi đó. À này, cậu đã
nghe gì về cô Jackson chưa?
Cathy: No, What about her? Chưa, cô ấy bị sao?
Jane: She had such a bad case of the flu that they had to
take her to the hospital. Cô ấy đã mắc phải trường hợp
cúm rất nặng nên mọi người đã đưa cô ấy vào bệnh viện.
Cathy: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that! Ồ, tớ rất tiếc khi nghe
điều này.
Language Notes
@ I hear you’ve been ill. Notice the omission of that, as is usual
in reported speech in casual conversation.
@ Well. An interjection, used here simply as an introductory
word.
@ You’re looking well. Here well is an adjective meaning healthy.
Are looking is, in this sentence, a linking verb. By the way =
incidentally.
@ Such a…that… is a typical “result” sentence. They had to take
her… This is the “general” they. This clause is equivalent in
meaning to the passive She had to be taken.

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 17. SPORTS
Phil: Say, what's your favorite sport? Chào Jack, Môn thể
thao yêu thích của cậu là gì?
Jack: Hmmm…it's hard to say. I like golf a lot but I
guess I like tennis better Hmmm…rất khó để nói. Mình
thích chơi gôn nhưng mình nghĩ mình thích quần vợt hơn.
Phil: Do you play much tennis? Cậu chơi quần vợt nhiều
không?
Jack: Yes, quite a bit. How about a game sometime? Có,
khá nhiều. Lúc nào đó cậu có muốn chơi một ván không?
Phil: Sorry. I'm strictly a spectator football, baseball,
basket­ball, golf…I watch them all. Xin lỗi. Mình là một
khán giả trung thành bóng đá, bóng chày, bóng rổ, gôn…
Mình xem tất cả.
Language Notes
@ Say. An interjection.
@ Hmmm is a pause sound, indicating that the speaker is
thinking about what he is going to say. It’s hard to say = that’s a
difficult decision to make; it’s difficult to make a clearcut choice. I
guess = I think (that).
@ Quite a bit = a lot, rather much. How about a game
sometime? = Would you like to play sometime?
@ Sorry. This is a short way of saying something like No, I’m
sorry, but I don’t play tennis. Football, baseball, basketball, golf.
Notice the series intonation, with the rising tone recurring on
each item of the series

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 18. ASKING DIRECTIONS
Marilyn: Excuse Me. Could you tell me which way
Dobson's bookstore is? Xin lỗi. Bạn có thể chỉ mình đường
đến cửa hàng sách Dobson không?
Nancy: Yes, it's that way. You go two blocks, then turn
left. It's on the corner opposite the post office. Được, là
đường đó. Bạn đi qua 2 tòa nhà, sau đó rẽ trái. Nó nằm góc
đối diện với bưu điện.
Marilyn: Thanks, I've only been in town a few days, so I
really don't know my way around yet. Cảm ơn. Mình chỉ
mới tới thành phố được vài ngày nên thật sự chưa biết
đường đi xung quanh.
Nancy: Oh, I know how you feel. We moved here a year
ago, and I still don't know where everything is. Ồ, mình
hiểu cảm giác của bạn. Chúng mình đã đến đây được một
năm mà vẫn chưa biết hết mọi nơi mà.
Language Notes
@ Could you tell me…? An alternative (and slightly softer)
version of Can you tell me…? Which way Dobson’s bookstore is.
Notice that in the “indirect question” the subject precedes the
verb - the reverse of the word order in the direct question (Which
way is Dobson’s bookstore?).
@ Post office. A compound noun, with the principal stress on the
first word.
@ I…don’t know my way around = I don’t know how to find
things or I don’t know how to go to various places.
@ I know how you feel. Notice how the “indirect question” (how
you feel) differs from the direct question (How do you feel?): it has
the word order of a statement rather than of a question - the
subject wholly precedes the verb, and the interrogative do is
omitted. I don’t know where everything is. Again, an “indirect

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question” (where everything is) has the word order of a statement,
with subject preceding the verb, rather than of the corresponding
direct question (Where is everything?).

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 19. COINCIDENCES
Allen: Have I seen you somewhere before? Trước đây
mình gặp bạn chưa nhỉ?
Julia: No, I don't think so. Chưa, mình không nghĩ là đã
gặp bạn rồi.
Allen: But your face is so familiar. Wait a second…I
know…We were on the same flight to New York last
month. Nhưng mặt bạn trông rất quen. Đợi tí…mình biết
rồi… Chúng ta đi cùng chuyến bay tới New York vào tháng
trước.
Julia: Oh, yes. Now I remember. What a coincidence to
meet in San Francisco! Ồ, đúng rồi. Bây giờ mình nhớ rồi.
Thật trùng hợp khi gặp tại San Francisco!
Allen: Well, you know what they say it's a small world.
À, bạn biết người ta thường nói, trái đất thật nhỏ bé.
Language Notes
@ Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? The negative
question is equivalent to I’ve seen you somewhere before,
haven’t I? and expresses the expectation that the speaker’s
supposition is true.
@ What a…! An exclamation denoting a great degree of
surprise, joy, disappointment, etc. Some other examples of
its use: What a surprise to see you here! What a joy to have
you with us! What a misfortune! What a shame that you
have to leave so soon! What a pity she couldn’t come! What
a wonderful idea that is!
@ You know what they say = You know the saying…
Notice the word order of the “indirect question” what they
say. This is an instance of the “general” they. It’s a small

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world is a common saying, or cliché, among native
speakers of English.

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 20. SAFETY
Peter: There's the shoe store we've been looking for.
It's just across the street. Kia là cửa hàng giầy chúng ta
đang tìm kiếm. Chỉ việc băng qua đường nữa thôi.
Gail: Wait! You can't cross the street in the middle of
the block! You have to cross at the corner. Đợi đã. Cậu
không thể băng qua đường giữa như vậy! Cậu phải qua ở
góc đường cơ.
Peter: Oh, come on. Let's go across here. Ồ, thôi nào.
Chúng ta qua đường ở đây luôn.
Gail: Look out! You nearly got hit by that car! Now do
you see why you should cross at the corner? Cẩn thận!
Xe đó gần đụng vào cậu rồi đó! Bây giờ cậu hiểu tại sao nên
qua ở góc đường chưa?
Peter: I guess you're right. I'll be more careful after
this. Mình nghĩ cậu nói đúng. Mình sẽ cẩn thận hơn sau vụ
này.
Language Notes
@ There’s the… This is the “pointing out” there (the adverb, not
the introductory function word), and therefore it receives a
strong stress. Shoe store. A compound noun; therefore the first
word is singular and receives the principal stress. The shoe store
we’ve been looking for. This is the usual, natural way to say this,
omitting the relative pronoun and putting the preposition at the
end. The shoe store that we’ve been looking for is also possible.
However, for which we’ve been looking is extremely unlikely in
this natural conversational context. Notice how the present
perfect progressive emphasizes the immediate, continuous nature
of the activity.
@ Just across the street = directly across the street, exactly across
the street.

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@ Oh, come on, as used here, means something like Oh, don’t be
so careful and scrupulous! The phrase come on is frequently used
to mean Hurry along. Don’t delay! Notice that the twoword verb
come on has the stronger stress on the adverbial element on.
@ Look out! = Be careful! Be alert! The phrase Watch out means
the same thing. See = understand. Why you should cross. Notice
that the indirect question has the normal word order of a
statement with the subject before the verb. (In the corresponding
direct question the word order would be: Why should you
cross…?)
@ I guess = I think (that).

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 21. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Anne: Listen! Somebody's playing the piano. Nghe kìa!
Ai đó đang chơi đàn piano.
Betty: Yeah, it sounds nice, doesn't it? I wish I could
play a musical instrument. Yeah, nghe hay đó nhỉ? Mình
ước mình có thể chơi một nhạc cụ âm nhạc nào đó.
Anne: Don't you play the violin? Cậu không chơi được vi-
ô-lông àh?
Betty: No, but my sister does. Actually, she's pretty
good at it. Không, nhưng chị mình thì biết. Thực ra, chị ấy
khá giỏi chơi đàn.
Anne: I took flute lessons for a couple of years, but I
never learned to play very well. I guess I don't have
any musical talent. Mình học thổi sáo khoảng hai năm,
nhưng mình chưa bao giờ chơi giỏi được. Mình nghĩ là mình
không có năng khiếu về âm nhạc.
Betty: Oh, that's not true. You sing very well. I can't
even do that! Ồ, điều đó không đúng. Cậu hát rất hay. Mình
thậm chí không thể hát hay như cậu được.
Language Notes
@ Yeah. An informal variant of Yes. Doesn’t it? The falling
intonation on this question tag shows that it is simply a
conversational element not requiring an answer. I wish I could…
Notice that could is a past tense form, as required after wish.
@ Don’t you play…? The negative question implies that the
speaker expects the answer to be affirmative. It is equivalent to
You play the violin, don’t you? with a rising intonation on the final
you.
@ My sister does. Does is a proverb, standing in place of the
verb. The sentence means My sister plays the violin.

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@ Flute lessons. A compound noun, with the principal stress on
the first word.

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 22. TAKING A VACATION
David: Did you say you're going to take a vacation next
month? Cậu nói cậu sẽ có kì nghỉ vào tháng tới đúng
không?
Ruth: Yes, my family and I are going to New York for a
week. We want to visit the museums and see some
plays. Đúng vậy, gia đình tớ và tớ sẽ đến New York trong
một tuần. Gia đình tớ muốn thăm vài viện bảo tàng và xem
vài vở kịch.
David: I envy you. I haven't had a vacation for a long
time. I wish I could get away for a while. Tớ ganh tị với
cậu đấy. Tớ chưa có kì nghỉ nào trong thời gian dài cả. Tớ
ước tớ có thể đi đâu đó một thời gian.
Ruth: You can take a vacation sometime soon, can't
you? Cậu có thể có kì nghỉ sớm thôi, đúng không?
David: No, there's too much work to do. Maybe next
year, though. Không đâu, có quá nhiều việc phải làm. Tuy
nhiên, có thể là năm tới.
Language Notes
@ Did you say you’re going to…? This could also be past tense:
Did you say you were going to…? However, the present form
(you’re) seems more natural.
@ My family and I are going to New York. Notice that this going
to is the verb go followed by the preposition to. The going to in
the line above is the future marker, which is normally said with
weak stress, as here.
@ I wish I could… Note the required past tense (could) after
wish.
@ Can’t you? The rising intonation indicates that this is a
veritable question, requiring an answer.

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@ There’s too much work to do. Other examples of this pattern:
There’s too much equipment to carry. There are too many papers to
correct. There are too many people to see. There’s not enough food
to eat. There isn’t enough work to do. There aren’t enough courses
to take.

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 23. RECIPES
Shirley: Would you like some cookies? I just made
them. Cậu muốn dùng thêm bánh không? Mình mới vừa
làm xong.
Louise: Thank you. Yes, I would. Cảm ơn cậu. Có, mình
muốn.
Shirley: These are chocolate, and those are almond
flavored. Đây là những cái bánh sô-cô-la và kia là những
cái có hương vị hạnh nhân.
Louise: I guess I'll try a chocolate one first.
Mmmm…this is delicious. Are they hard to make? Mình
nghĩ là mình sẽ ăn thử một cái bánh sô-cô-la trước.
Mmmm…Cái này thật là ngon. Chắc khó làm lắm nhỉ?
Shirley: No, they're really quite easy. Wait a minute,
I've got the recipe right here. See…these are the
ingredients, and then you just follow the directions.
Không đâu, chúng thật sự khá dễ. Đợi mình tí. Mình đã có
công thức làm đây rồi. Nhìn này… Những thứ này là nguyên
liệu, và sau đó cậu chỉ làm theo sự hướng dẫn thôi.
Louise: That does look easy. I think I'll make some
tonight. Trông có vẻ dễ dàng đấy, Mình nghĩ là tối nay mình
sẽ làm một ít.
Language Notes
@ Would you like some cookies? is equivalent to Would you like
to have some (of these) cookies? It is a more courteous form than
Do you want some cookies? Just = very recently.
@ A chocolate one. Notice that the stress falls on chocolate, since
one, when used as a pronoun, is normally unstressed. Mmmm is a
sound denoting gustatory enjoyment. Are they hard to make? A
useful pattern. Some additional examples: Is that hard to do? Are

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these books difficult to read? Is that paper hard to write on? My new
car is easy to drive. These shirts are easy to wash and iron.
@ I’ve got the recipe… Alternative form: I have the recipe…
@ Just = simply; only.
@ That does look easy. The emphatic form of That looks easy.
Notice the strong stress on does.

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 24. WEATHER
Karen: Brrrr! I'm cold. I thought it was supposed to get
warmer today. Brrr! Tớ lạnh. Tớ nghĩ hôm nay thời tiết
được dự đoán là ấm hơn chứ.
Ed: Yeah, I thought so, too That's what the
weatherman said. Yeah, tớ cũng nghĩ vậy. Đó là điều
người dự báo thời tiết đã nói.
Karen: It must be the wind that makes it so cold. I'm
freezing! Trời đầy gió, nó làm không khí thêm lạnh. Tớ
đang đóng băng rồi.
Ed: Me, too. Let's go inside. Tớ cũng vậy. Thôi chúng ta
vào bên trong đi.
Karen: O.K. It's no fun standing out here, even if the
sun is shining. OK, Chẳng có gì vui khi đứng ngoài này, cho
dù mặt trời đang chiếu sáng.
Language Notes
@ Brrrr! is a sound made to indicate that the speaker feels very
cold. It is sometimes pronounced with a trilled r or a bilabial trill.
Was supposed to = was expected to. The meaning of supposed to
here is slightly different than in 5, since here it carries no sense of
obligation. Notice that was supposed to is past tense after thought.
To get warmer = to become warmer (but become would rarely be
used in this context in casual conversation).
@ Yeah is a very informal form of yes. That’s what the
weatherman said. A useful pattern. Some other examples: That’s
what the teacher told us. That’s what Mr. Johnson said. That’s what
my father always says. That’s what the students say. Weatherman.
Notice that this word has a primary stress on the first syllable and
a tertiary stress on the third syllable. Some other words ending in
man that have a tertiary stress on the final syllable are máilmàn,
mílkmàn, súpermàn snówman. Some words with the suffix man,
however, have an unstressed final syllable (with a consequent
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obscuring of the vowel sound). Among these are fíreman,
géntleman, póstman, sálesman, Énglishman. Note that póstman and
maílman are identical in meaning but differ in stress pattern.
@ It must be the wind… This is the must of probability or
supposition. Other examples of this usage: It must be going to rain
- it’s so dark outside. They must not be home yet - they didn’t
answer the telephone. That tree must be thirty feet tall - it’s higher
than the roof of the house. Notice that the two its in this sentence
have no direct reference or antecedent. The first one is a function
word in the idiomatic structure It must be…, while the second
refers only vaguely to the weather.

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 25. HAVING THINGS DONE
Steve: Excuse me. I wonder if you can help me. Xin lỗi.
Tôi tự hỏi không biết bạn có thể giúp tôi không.
Mike: Sure. What is it? Được thôi. Cái gì nào?
Steve: I want to have my hair cut, but I can't find a
barber shop. Tôi muốn cắt tóc, nhưng tôi không tìm được
tiệm hớt tóc nào.
Mike: I know where one is. Come on - I'll show you. Tôi
biết có một chỗ. Theo tôi - Tôi sẽ chỉ cho bạn.
Language Notes
@ I wonder if... A polite introduction to a request for assistance.
Some other examples: I wonder if you could show us how to get
there. I wonder if you would mind moving over one, so my friend
and I can sit together. I wonder if you can tell me where I can find a
barber shop.
@ What is it? = What is it you would like me to do? Notice the
stress on is.
@ Have my hair cut = have someone cut my hair. Other examples
of the causative have: I had my shoes shined just before I came.
We’re going to have our house painted next year. You should have
that window repaired before the rainy season begins. Barber shop.
A compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.
@ I know where one is. Notice the word order of the indirect
question: the subject precedes the verb. Notice that the pronoun
one is weakly stressed, and the stronger stress is on is.

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 26. MAILING LETTERS
Dean: Do you mind if we stop by the post office? I have
to mail these letters and I don't have any stamps. Cậu
có phiền nếu chúng ta ghé bưu diện không? Mình phải gửi
vài lá thư, nhưng mình không có tem.
Carol: Oh, I have some. We don't need to go all the way
to the post office. À, mình có vài cái này. Chúng mình
không cần đi tới bưu điện đâu.
Dean: That would save time. Can you let me have two
airmail stamps and one regular one? Điều đó sẽ tiết
kiệm thời gian hơn. Cậu có thể đưa cho mình hai con tem
gửi bằng đường hàng không và một con tem gửi bình
thường được chứ?
Carol: Here you are. Are you sure that's enough? Của
cậu nè. Mà cậu có chắc là đủ rồi không?
Dean: Yes, that's fine. Now all we have to do is find a
mailbox. Đủ rồi, nhiêu đó vừa rồi. Bây giờ việc chúng mình
phải làm là tìm một hộp thư.
Language Notes
@ Do you mind…? = Is it all right with you…? or Do you have any
objection…? This phrase is similar to, but somewhat more direct
than, Would you mind…? It is followed by an if clause to provide
for the change of subject from you to we: Do you mind if we stop…?
However, if the speaker wishes simply to request the hearer to
stop by the post office (in which case there is no “we” involved,
hence no change of subject), he will use an ing form complement:
Do you mind stopping by the post office? Some additional examples
of the “if’ type: Do you mind if Mary and Fred come with us? Do you
mind if we talk about that later, when we have more time? Do you
mind very much if I don’t come to see you today? Some examples of
the “ing” type: Do you mind asking Mary and Fred to come with us?

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Do you mind discussing that later, when we have more time? Do you
mind very much postponing our visit until tomorrow? Post office. A
compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word. Have
to. That would save time. The strong stress on would and the fact
that the intonation falls only partially at the end indicate a
thoughtful, hesitant attitude. Can you let me have… = Can you
give me…Two airmail stamps and one regular one. Notice the
contrastive stress on airmail and regular and on two and one.
Notice also the weak stress on stamps and on the corresponding
pronoun one.
@ Mailbox is a compound noun, with the stress on the first part.
All we have to do is… = The only thing that we must do is…, The
one thing that remains to be done is… Some other examples: I’ve
finished writing the story; now all I have to do is think of a title. He’s
finished all his courses; now all he has to do is pass the examination.
We’ve got the decorations all ready for the party; now all we have
to do is prepare the food.

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 27. ANIMALS
Connie: That's a beautiful cat. I wonder who it belongs
to. Con mèo đẹp quá. Của ai vậy nhỉ?
Gary: It belongs to the Browns. They live across the
street from us. They have three cats, two dogs, and a
canary. Của gia đình Brown đó. Họ sống ở phố bên kia
đường. Họ có 3 chú mèo, 2 chú chó và 1 chú chim hoàng yến.
Connie: They certainly must like pets! But how do all
those animals get along with each other? Chắc chắn họ
thích thú cưng lắm! Nhưng làm thế nào mà những con vật
đó sống chung với nhau được?
Gary: Don't ask me. Ask the Browns! Đừng hỏi tớ. Hỏi
nhà Brown ấy!
Language Notes
@ Who it belongs to. Notice the word order of this indirect
question. The preposition naturally falls at the end. (I wonder
whom it belongs to and I wonder to whom it belongs are also
“grammatically correct” but sound awkward and inappropriate in
this context.)
@ Three cats, two dogs, and a canary. Notice the rising
intonation on the first two elements of the series.
@ They certainly must like pets. This is the must of supposition
or logical inference. Get along with each other = live
harmoniously and compatibly.

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 28. SHOPPING
Saleslady: Can I help you? Tôi có thể giúp gì cho bạn?
Gloria: Yes, I'm looking for a pair of white gloves. I
think I wear size six. À tôi đang kiếm một đôi găng tay
màu trắng. Tôi nghĩ tôi mang cỡ số 6.
Saleslady: The white gloves are on this counter. Let's
see… here's a size six. These are very nice, and they're
washable, too. Găng tay trắng ở quầy hàng này. Để xem….
Cỡ số 6 đây rồi. Chúng rất tốt và cũng không bị hỏng khi
giặt.
Gloria: Oh, I'll try them on. Hmmm… they seem to fit.
How much are they? Ồ, tôi sẽ thử xem sao. Hmmm…Chúng
trông vừa đấy. Đôi này bao nhiêu tiền?
Saleslady: Five dollars. 5 đô la
Gloria: All right. I'll take them. Được rồi. Tôi lấy chúng.
Saleslady: That'll be five twenty with the tax. Tất cả là 5
đô la với 20 cent tiền thuế.
Language Notes
@ Can I help you? or May I help you? is the way a sales clerk
normally approaches a customer with an offer of assistance.
@ Size six. Women’s gloves are usually available in quartersizes
(6, 6 1/4, 6 1/2, 6 3/4, etc.). Most women wear a size between 6
and 8.
@ The white gloves are on this counter. Notice the emphatic
stress on white and this, which the saleslady is contrasting
mentally with othercolored gloves on other counters. Let’s see… An
expression used when a person wants to think something over, to
ponder, to make a choice or decision, or to look for something.
@ I’ll try them on. Try on is a separable twoword verb meaning
to test the fit or appearance of a garment by putting it on. How

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much are they? = How much do they cost? Notice that the primary
sentence stress falls on are in this question
@ Fivetwenty = five dollars and twenty cents ($5.20)

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 29. TRANSPORTATION
Joyce: Shall we take a taxi or a bus to the meeting?
Chúng ta sẽ đón taxi hay xe buýt để đến buổi hẹn?
Bill: We'd better take a bus. It's almost impossible to
find a taxi during rush hour. Chúng mình nên đón xe buýt.
Hầu như không thể tìm một chiếc taxi lúc giờ cao điểm.
Joyce: Isn't that a bus stop over there? Có phải là trạm
xe buýt ở đằng kia không?
Bill: Yes... Oh, oh! There's a bus now. We'll have to run
to catch it. Đúng rồi… Ồ, ồ! Xe buýt kia rồi. Chúng ta phải
chạy để bắt kịp nó.
Joyce: 0.K.…Oh, no! We just missed it. OK…. Ôi không!
Chúng mình vừa lỡ xe rồi.
Bill: Never mind. There'll be another one in ten
minutes. Không sao đâu. Sẽ có chuyến khác trong 10 phút
ấy mà.
Language Notes
@ Shall we…? = Do you think we should…? (Will is never used for
this meaning.) Take a taxi or a bus…? Notice the rising intonation
on taxi and falling intonation on bus in this “or” sentence.
@ We’d better… = We ought to…; It would be wise to…. Rush hour
= the time of day when most people are going to or from work and
therefore the traffic is heaviest. In most American cities, rush
hour is from seventhirty to nine in the morning and from about
five to sixthirty in the evening. Notice that Rush hour is a
compound noun, with the principal stress on the first word.
@ Isn’t that…? The negative question expresses an expectation of
an affirmative answer. Bus stop is a compound noun, with the
principal stress on the first word.

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@ Oh, oh! An exclamation expressing alarm or sudden caution.
Notice the hightolow intonation.
@ Oh, no! An exclamation expressing sudden disappointment,
shock, or discouragement. Notice the emphatic stress and
intonation. We just missed it = We arrived a moment too late to
catch the bus.
@ Never mind = It doesn’t matter; don’t concern yourself.

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 30. COMPARING
Jean: I think this material is much prettier than that,
don't you? Tớ nghĩ vải này tốt hơn nhiều so với vải kia,
phải không?
Lois: Well, I don't know. I like them both. Why do you
like that one better? À, tớ không biết. Tớ thích cả hai. Mà
sao cậu thích cái đó hơn vậy?
Jean: Well, the design is more interesting and the
colors are brighter. And it's not as expensive, either. À,
thiết kế thu hút hơn và màu sắc tươi hơn. Và nó không đắt
như cái kia.
Lois: Oh, I see what you mean. And besides, these
colors are more becoming to you. Ồ, tớ hiểu ý cậu. Còn
nữa, những màu sắc này hợp với cậu hơn.
Jean: Do you really think so? I'll buy it, then Cậu thật sự
nghĩ vậy sao? Vậy mình sẽ mua nó.
Language Notes
@ I think this material… Notice that the conjunction that
introducing an indirect statement is often omitted in casual
conversation. Much prettier. Much is a common intensifier for
comparative adjectives and adverbs: much harder, much more
difficult, much less useful, etc. A lot is also used for this purpose: a
lot prettier, a lot more practical, a lot more expensive. That = that
material. Don’t you? The rising intonation indicates a true
question, requiring an answer.
@ I like them both = I like both of them. That one refers to a
piece of material apparently near the first speaker, who referred
to it as “this material.”
@ I see what you mean = I understand (why you like it). These
colors are more becoming to you. The strong stress on are
indicates, in this case, something like: Now that I have really

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thought about it…, or Taking everything into consideration…
Becoming to you. Becoming is an adjective meaning suitable in
appearance; having an attractive effect.
@ Then = in that case; since that is so

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 31. PASTIMES
Roger: What do you do in your spare time? Thời gian
rảnh bạn thường làm gì?
Barry: Oh, nothing special. I read… watch TV… go to
the movies. Không có gì đặc biệt. Tôi đọc sách … xem ti vi …
đi xem phim.
Roger: Don't you have any hobbies, like stamp
collecting or things like that? Bạn không có sở thích gì
sao, chẳng hạn như sưu tầm tem hoặc là những điều như
vậy?
Barry: No, I don't have any hobbies. How about you?
Không, tôi không có sở thích nào. Bạn thì sao?
Roger: I have just one - photography. It's expensive,
but it's a lot of fun. Tôi chỉ có 1 sở thích là chụp hình thôi.
Nó tốn tiền lắm, nhưng rất vui.
Language Notes
@ Spare time = leisure; extra time; free time.
@ Nothing special = no particular thing. I read. . . watch TV ... go
to the movies. Notice the rising intonation on the first two
elements of the series.
@ Stamp collecting. A compound noun. Therefore the principal
stress falls on the first word.
@ How about you? = Do you have any hobbies? This question How
about you? has the effect of directing the original question back to
the other speaker.
@ Just = only.

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 32. WEDDINGS
Bonnie: Guess what! Paul and Susan are engaged! Đoán
xem là gì nào! Paul và Susan đã đinh hôn đấy!
Janice: Really? When did that happen? Thật àh? Chuyện
đó xảy ra khi nào vậy?
Bonnie: A week ago. They met last summer and now,
just think…they'll be married soon. Một tuần trước. Họ
gặp nhau mùa hè năm ngoái - và bây giờ, xem nào… họ sẽ
cưới sớm thôi.
Janice: Have they set a date for the wedding? Họ đã
chọn ngày tổ chức đám cưới chưa?
Bonnie: No, not yet. But Susan says they'd like to get
married in November or December. Then they'll go to
Hawaii for their honeymoon. Chưa, vẫn chưa. Nhưng
Susan nói là họ sẽ kết hôn nào tháng 11 hay tháng 12 gì đó.
Sau đó họ sẽ đến Hawai để hưởng tuần trăng mật.
Language Notes
@ Guess what! = I have something important to tell you.
@ Really? This is a rejoinder meaning Oh, that’s interesting! It is
frequently used in conversation in this way. In this usage, really
simply expresses an animated interest in the previous speaker’s
remark, it does not question the truthfulness of the remark.
@ Just think… This phrase indicates that the speaker is reflecting
with interest on what has just been said or (as in this case) on
what he is going to say next.
@ Set a date = decided on a day when it will take place.
@ They’d like = they would like = they want. They’d like is a little
“softer,” a little less positive, than they want.

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 33. EFFORT
Debbie: I give up! I simply can't learn French! Mình chịu
thua! Đơn giản mình không thể học tiếng Pháp!
Helen: Why do you say that? I think you're making a
lot of progress. Sao cậu lại nói vậy? Mình nghĩ cậu đang có
nhiều sự tiến bộ đấy chứ.
Debbie: No, I'm not. I try and try and I still can't speak
it very well. Không, mình không tiến bộ. Mình cố gắng, cố
gắng mà vẫn không thể nói tiếng Pháp tốt được.
Helen: Learning any language takes a lot of effort. But
don't give up. Why don't we practice those dialogs
together? Học bất kì ngôn ngữ nào đều phải cố gắng rất
nhiều. Nhưng đừng bỏ cuộc. Sao chúng mình không thực
hành những đoạn đối thoại này với nhau.
Debbie: Good idea. That just might help. Ý hay đấy. Thật
sự điều đó có thể hữu ích
Language Notes
@ Give up = stop trying; abandon effort. Simply = absolutely,
completely, clearly.
@ I try and try = I try again and again. Other examples of
repetition of the verb to express continuous or repeated activity: I
read and read, and I still can’t understand it. He writes and writes,
but he never produces a worthwhile composition. The children play
and play that game and never seem to get tired of it.
@ Good idea = That’s a good idea. That just might help = That
might, in fact, be a helpful thing to do.

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 34. AIRPORT BUS
Stan: What time does the bus leave for the airport?
Mấy giờ xe buýt rời phi trường vậy?
Harry: I don't know. It used to leave every half hour,
but I think the schedule's been changed. Mình không
biết nữa. Trước đây cứ nửa tiếng có 1 chuyến, nhưng mình
nghĩ lịch trình có thể đã được thay đổi rồi.
Stan: Do you know the telephone number to call? Cậu
biết số điện thoại để gọi không?
Harry: It's Enterprise 7 - 4700. At least that's what it
used to be. Số điện thoại công ty Enterprise là 7- 4700. Ít
nhất đó là số từng sử dụng.
Stan: Yeah, I'll try it. They don't seem to answerst.
Được rồi, Mình gọi thử xem sao. Có vẻ họ không trả lời.
Harry: I expect that it's a little too early. I don't think
they open until nine o'clock. Mình cho là hơi sớm. Mình
không nghĩ họ mở cửa cho tới 9 giờ đâu.
Language Notes
@ At least = In any case
@ Note: On most telephones in the U.S., letters appear with each
number on the keypad. When those letters are combined, we often
use easytoremember words of names in place of the letter
combinations. In this example, the letters are EN which correspond
to the numbers 3 and 6. So the number here is 3674700. The use of
only numbers has become more common today.

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 35. MAKING A DATE
Drew: What time are you leaving tomorrow? Ngày mai
mấy giờ cậu sẽ đi?
Paul: You mean to go to the graduation ceremony? Ý
cậu là đi dự lễ tốt nghiệp phải không?
Drew: Yes, I'd like to go with you if I may. Đúng, nếu
được thì mình muốn đi với cậu.
Paul: I'd be delighted to take you. I plan to leave here
about nine thirty. Mình sẽ rất vui khi có bạn cùng đi. Mình
tính rời khỏi đây khoảng 9h30.
Drew: Fine. I can be ready by then. Được rồi. Mình sẽ sẵn
sàng.
Paul: Okay. I'll pick you up at your house. Được. Mình sẽ
đón cậu tại nhà cậu nhé.
Drew: See you tomorrow, then, about nine thirty. Vậy
hẹn gặp cậu ngày mai, khoảng 9h30.
Language Notes
@ Making a date = making a social appointment
@ I’ll pick you up = I’ll come to your house.

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 36. CATCHING A BUS
Steve: Is this where I catch the bus for the zoo? Đây có
phải là nơi tôi đón xe buýt đến sở thú đúng không?
Alan: You can take a T - 30 from here, but then you
have to walk about six blocks. Anh có thể đón xe T - 30 từ
đây, nhưng sau đó anh phải đi bộ qua khoảng 6 tòa nhà
nữa.
Steve: That doesn't sound too bad. Nghe không đến nỗi
tệ
Alan: Actually, if you go to the bus stop in the next
block, you can take a Z - 8 which will let you right off in
front of the zoo. Thật ra, nếu anh đến trạm xe buýt ở tòa
nhà kế bên, anh có thể đón chuyến Z - 8, nó sẽ đưa anh đến
ngay trước sở thú đấy.
Steve: Maybe that's what I'll do. Thanks a lot. Có lẽ tôi sẽ
đón chuyến xe đó. Cảm ơn anh nhiều nhé.
Alan: You're welcome. Không có gì.
Language Notes
@ catching a bus = getting a bus
@ T30 = number of a bus
@ That doesn’t sound too bad = That doesn’t appear to be
difficult.
@ Z8 = number of a bus
@ let you right off = take you exactly to

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 37. ORDERING BREAKFAST
Waitress: Would you like to order now? Ông muốn gọi
món bây giờ chưa?
Phil: Yes. I'd like bacon and eggs with buttered toast.
No jelly. Được. Tôi muốn thịt xông khói và vài quả trứng
với bánh mì nướng bơ. Không lấy mứt nhé.
Waitress: What would you like to drink? Ông muốn
uống nước gì?
Phil: Do you have hot chocolate? Có sô-cô-la nóng không?
Waitress: Yes, we do. Vâng, chúng tôi có.
Phil: Then, I'll have a cup of hot chocolate. Vậy, tôi gọi
một ly sô-cô-la nóng.
Waitress: How do you want your eggs? Ông muốn món
trứng như thế nào?
Phil: Over easy, please. Rán trứng sơ cả hai mặt nhé
Language Notes
@ How do you want your eggs? = How do you want your eggs
prepared?
@ Over easy = egg fried on one side and slightly on the other with
the yolk left uncooked or partially cooked, not hard. Other ways to
prepare eggs are scrambled, fried (hard), boiled (soft or hard),
and poached.

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 38. NEAR ACCIDENT
Quinn: How about that! Xem chuyện gì kìa!
Kerwin: What? What happened? Chuyện gì? Chuyện gì đã
xảy ra vậy?
Quinn: Did you see what that guy did? Cậu thấy chàng
trai đó đã làm gì không?
Kerwin: No. I was looking the other way. Không. Mình
nhìn hướng khác mà.
Quinn: He made a U turn right in the middle of the
block and almost hit a kid on a bicycle. Anh ta xoay một
vòng chữ U ngay giữa nhà và tí nữa thì đụng trúng thằng bé
ngồi trên xe đạp.
Kerwin: Drivers get crazier every day! Đúng là những
người lái xe trở nên điên hơn mỗi ngày!
Quinn: Right. Nobody wants to drive by the rules
anymore! Đúng thế. Không một ai muốn lái xe theo luật
nữa mà.
Language Notes
@ Near accident = almost an accident
@ How about that! = Just consider what happened!
@ guy = man
@ I was looking the other way = I was looking in the opposite
direction.
@ Uturn = turn a vehicle such as a car or truck in the shape of a U.

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 39. ARRIVAL TIME
Pat: What time does Mother's plane get in? Mấy giờ
chuyến bay của mẹ tới nơi?
Cliff: I'm not sure, but I think at 2:35. I'll call the airline
to make sure. Chị không chắc nữa, nhưng chị nghĩ là 2 giờ
35. Để chắc chắn chị sẽ gọi cho hãng hang không.
Pat: Why don't you do that while I change my clothes?
Sao chị không gọi trong khi em thay đồ?
Cliff: Do you think Dick or Brenda will want to go? Em
có nghĩ Dick và Brenda muốn đi không?
Pat: I don't know. I guess we could call them. Em không
biết. Em nghĩ chúng ta có thể gọi cho họ.
Cliff: I know Dick has to work, but maybe Brenda can
go. Chị biết Dick phải làm việc, nhưng có thể là Brenda sẽ đi
đấy.
Pat: Okay. Call her first, then the airline. I'll go get
ready. Được rồi. Gọi cho cô ấy trước đi, sau đó gọi cho hãng
hàng không. Em sẵn sàng rồi.
Language Notes
@ get in = arrive

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 40. AFTER THE GAME
Gloria: Did you watch the game last night? Cậu có xem
trận thi đấu tối qua không?
Roy: I sure did. I wouldn't have missed it for anything!
Chắn chắc rồi. Mình không thể bỏ lỡ nó vì chuyện khác đâu.
Gloria: I think it was one of the best games I've ever
seen. Mình nghĩ nó là một trong những trận đấu hay nhất
mình từng xem.
Roy: Me too. I thought both teams played super ball.
Too bad one had to lose. Mình cũng vậy. Mình nghĩ cả hai
đội đã chơi rất xuất sắc. Thật đáng tiếc khi một đội phải
thua.
Gloria: Yeah. I thought they were evenly matched. It
could have gone either way! Ừ. Mình nghĩ họ thi đấu
ngang nhau. Cả hai đội đều có chung cơ hội!
Roy: That shot that won in the last fifteen seconds was
really something. Cú sút giành chiến thắng vào 15 giây
cuối cùng thật là điều kinh ngạc
Language Notes
@ I sure did = I certainly did (watch the game)
@ played super ball = played extremely well
@ Too bad = Unfortunately
@ It could have gone either way! = Either team could have won!
@ really something = extraordinary; quite unusual

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 41. GOING FOR A WALK
Roger: What did you say? Cậu đã nói gì?
Claire: I said that it's a lovely day. Why don't we go for
a walk? Tớ nói thật là một ngày đẹp trời. Sao chúng ta
không đi dạo nhỉ?
Roger: Can you wait a few minutes? I have to finish
this letter. Cậu đợi vài phút được không? Tớ phải hoàn
thành nốt lá thư này.
Claire: Don't take too long. It would be a shame not to
take advantage of such lovely weather. Đừng lâu quá
nhé. Sẽ thật tiếc khi không tận hưởng thời tiếc dễ chịu như
thế này.
Roger: I won't be long. No more than ten minutes. Why
don't you go on ahead and I'll meet you in the park. Tớ
sẽ không lâu đâu. Không hơn 10 phút. Sao cậu không đi
trước và tớ sẽ gặp cậu ở công viên.
Claire: Believe I will. Look for me near the rock
garden. Hãy tin là tớ sẽ làm như vậy. Kiếm tớ gần khu hòn
non bộ nhé.
Language Notes
@ Don’t take too long = Don’t delay.
@ go on ahead = proceed (to the park)
@ Look for me… = Meet me…

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 42. WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
Mother: I wonder what we should have for dinner this
evening? Mẹ phân vân không biết tối nay chúng ta sẽ ăn
món gì?
Mona: Are you asking me? Mẹ hỏi con phải không?
Mother: Yes, I am. I really don't feel much like cooking,
but the family must eat. Ừ, đúng rồi. Mẹ thật sự không
muốn nấu ăn lắm, nhưng gia đình mình phải ăn.
Mona: Well, you know me. I can always eat pizza or
spaghetti. Ồ, mẹ hiểu con mà mẹ. Con có thể ăn hoài pizza
hoặc mì ống.
Mother: So, I've noticed. You're putting on a little
weight, aren't you? Vậy nên mẹ mới để ý. Con đang lên cân
đúng không?
Mona: I know. Don't remind me! I'm starting a new
diet day after tomorrow. Con biết. Đừng bận tâm mẹ à!
Ngày mai con sẽ bắt đầu ăn kiêng.
Mother: It's about time! Đến lúc rồi đó.
Language Notes
@ I wonder… = I wish to know about…
@ pizza = A spicy Italian dish made like a pie from bread dough
and covered with cheese, tomato sauce, meat, spices, etc.
@ putting on a little weight = gaining weight
@ Don’t remind me! = Don’t call it to my attention!
@ It’s about time! = It’s the right time (to begin)!

Trang 59
 43. ACADEMY AWARDS
Janice: Did you see the Academy Awards program last
night on TV? Tối qua cậu có xem lễ trao giải thưởng điện
ảnh trên ti vi không?
Rob: I watched for awhile; then I had to go to bed. Tớ
xem một lát; sau đó tớ phải đi ngủ.
Janice: You missed a good show. I didn't agree with the
selection for best picture, though. Cậu đã bỏ lỡ một
chương trình hay rồi. Mặc dù tớ không đồng tình với việc
chọn ra bộ phim hay nhất.
Rob: I guess I missed that part. What happened? Mình
nghĩ mình đã bỏ lỡ phần đó. Có gì xảy ra ư?
Janice: Oh, they chose some pictures that was so avant
garde that no one understands it Ồ, họ đã chọn vài bộ
phim rất quá mới đến nỗi không ai hiểu được.
Rob: Well, I don't go to the movies very often. You
know me. I prefer more active type things. À, Mình
không thường xuyên đi xem phim lắm. Cậu biết mà. Mình
thích những thể loại sôi động hơn.
Janice: Too bad. I really wanted to discuss it with
someone. Đáng tiếc, Mình thật sự muốn thảo luận với một
ai đó.
Language Notes
@ Academy Awards = awards in the film industry given annually
for the best movie, best actor, best director, etc. The awards, small
statues, are called Oscars.
@ Avantgarde = in the arts, having to do with creative ideas,
methods, designs, etc., that are ahead of all others.

Trang 60
 44. AT THE HOTEL
Clerk: Yes, sir. May I help you? Vâng thưa ông. Tôi có thể
giúp gì không?
Tony: I have a reservation for tonight. Tony Davis. Tôi
có đặt phòng trước vào tối nay. Tony Davis.
Clerk: Just a moment, please, while I check. That is
correct. You have a reservation for a three room suite
for tonight. Xin chờ chút để tôi kiểm tra. Đúng rồi. Ông có
đặt trước một dãy 3 phòng cao cấp vào tối nay.
Tony: I'm afraid there's been a mistake. I only asked
for a single room, not a suite. Tôi e là có nhầm lẫn. Tôi chỉ
yêu cầu một phòng đơn, không phải phòng cao cấp.
Clerk: I'm sorry, Mr. Davis, but we have only the suite
available. Your request arrived too late to reserve a
single. There's a large convention in town this week
and we're full up. Tôi xin lỗi. Ông Davis, nhưng chúng tôi
chỉ còn phòng cao cấp thôi. Yêu cầu của ông đến quá trễ để
giữ lại một phòng đơn. Tuần này có một hội nghị lớn trong
thành phố và chúng tôi đã hết phòng.
Tony: Well, if that's the way it is, I'll have to take it. Ồ,
nếu vậy thì tôi sẽ nhận phòng.
Clerk: Just sign the register here and I'll have your
bags sent up later. It's suite 718. Chỉ cần kí vào sổ đăng
kí ở đây và tôi sẽ cho người mang hành lý của ông lên sau.
Phòng của ông là 718.
Language Notes
@ May I help you? = May I serve you?
@ We’re full up = All of our rooms are taken.

Trang 61
 45. AFTER THE MOVIE
Pamela: I really enjoyed that movie! Tớ thật sự thích bộ
phim đó!
Scott: I did, too. At first, I thought it was going to be a
drag, but then it really got good. Tớ cũng vậy. Lúc đầu tớ
nghĩ nó sẽ là bộ phim dở tệ, nhưng sau đó nó thật sự rất
hay.
Pamela: What part did you like the best? Cậu thích nhất
phần nào?
Scott: Oh, I don't know. I guess the scene that grabbed
me the most was the one in which the old man was
dying. Ồ, tớ không biết. Tớ nghĩ là cảnh in sâu vào mình
nhất là cảnh mà người đàn ông lớn tuổi đang hấp hối.
Pamela: I liked that one, too. In fact, I cried. Tớ cũng
thích cảnh đó. Thật sự tớ đã khóc.
Scott: To tell you the truth, I had a few tears in my
eyes. Nói thật, tớ cũng khóc đấy.
Pamela: Now what? Còn bây giờ làm gì nào?
Scott: How about a coke and a hamburger? Một coca-
cola và một bánh mì kẹp thịt chứ?
Pamela: Super! Tuyệt vời!
Language Notes
@ be a drag = be boring or uninteresting
@ the scene that grabbed me the most = the scene that most
moved me emotionally
@ coke = coca cola or any soft drink
@ Super! = Wonderful!

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 46. AT THE BANK
Teller: May I help you? Tôi có thể giúp gì bà?
Nancy: I'd like to cash this check, please. Làm ơn, tôi
muốn đổi tờ séc này.
Teller: Do you have an account with us? Bà có tài khoản
ngân hàng của chúng tôi chưa?
Nancy: Yeah. Here's my identification card. Rồi. Đây là
thẻ ID của tôi.
Teller: Do you want large or small bills? Bà muốn lấy
hóa đơn lớn hay nhỏ?
Nancy: Actually, I want to buy some traveler's checks.
Thật ra, tôi muốn mua vài tấm séc du lịch.
Teller: What denomination? Mệnh giá nào?
Nancy: Twenties would be fine. Tờ séc giá hai mươi thì
tốt.
Teller: Do you want the whole amount in traveler's
checks? Bà muốn toàn bộ số tiền này séc du lịch luôn phải
không?
Nancy: Yes, please. Đúng vậy, làm ơn.
Language Notes
@ to cash this check = to receive money for this check
@ large or small bills = bills of large or small denomination
@ traveler’s checks = special checks issued by banks for a special
amount and which can only be used by the buyer.

Trang 63
 47. DISCUSSING A NEWS STORY
Helen: Did you hear about that guy who was struck by
lightning? Cậu đã nghe tin về người đàn ông bị sét đánh
trúng chưa?
Mavis: You mean that man up in Maine? Cậu muốn nói
đến người đàn ông ở Maine àh?
Helen: That's the one; the blind guy who could see
again. Là người đó; ông ấy bị mù và có thể nhìn thấy lại.
Mavis: I read about him in the paper this week. He'd
been blind for about eight or nine years. Tớ đã đọc về
ông ấy trên báo ra tuần này. Ông ta đã bị mù khoảng 8 hoặc
9 năm.
Helen: Uh huh. Wasn't he also able to hear again after
the lightning hit him? Uh-huh. Ông ta cũng có thể nghe
được sau khi bị sét đánh phải không?
Mavis: Right. He didn't have to wear a hearing aid
anymore. Đúng rồi. Ông ấy không còn phải mang máy trợ
thính nữa
Helen: I think it was a miracle! Tớ nghĩ đó là một phép
màu!
Mavis: Me too! Tớ cũng nghĩ vậy.
Language Notes
@ Maine = state in the northeastern part of the United States
@ Uh - huh = That’s right.
@ Right = Correct.
@ hearing aid = device to help deaf or partially deaf persons hear
@ Me too! = So do I!

Trang 64
 48. TALKING IT OVER
Jeff: Can't we go someplace and talk? It's so crowded in
here. Chúng ta tới nơi nào đó nói chuyện được không? Ở
đây quá đông.
Sonia: Well, there's a little park down the street about
three blocks. It's usually not crowded this time of day.
À, có một công viên nhỏ ở cuối đường khoảng ba ngôi nhà
nữa. Thường thì giờ này trong ngày nó không đông người
lắm.
Jeff: Let's go. I need to get some fresh air anyway. Đi
thôi. Dù sao đi nữa tớ cần không khí trong lành.
Sonia: Just what is it you want to talk about? Thế cậu
muốn nói về chuyện gì?
Jeff: You remember that note you sent me last month?
Cậu nhớ bức thư ngắn tớ đã gửi cho cậu vào tháng trước
không?
Sonia: Which one? The one about the trip out west?
Bức thư nào? Bức thư nói về chuyến du lịch miền tây phải
không?
Jeff: Yeah. That's the one. Listen. I've got a terrific idea
about the whole project and we need to discuss it.
Đúng rồi. Là nó. Nghe này. Tớ đang có một ý tưởng tuyệt vời
về toàn bộ kế hoạch và chúng ta cần thảo luận chúng.
Sonia: Wonderful! I'd like to hear some of your ideas.
Tuyệt vời! Tớ muốn nghe vài ý kiến của cậu.
Language Notes
@ Talking it over = Discussing a matter or problem
@ anyway = in any case
@ Just = Exactly

Trang 65
 49. WEEKEND PLANS
Al: Hi. I'm glad I ran into you. Chào Bob. Tớ rất vui khi
tình cờ gặp cậu.
Bob: Why? What's up? Sao thế? Có chuyện gì hả?
Al: How'd you like to go on a hike this weekend? Cậu có
hứng thú với việc đi bộ cuối tuần này không?
Bob: All weekend? Cả tuần luôn à?
Al: Well, just Saturday and Sunday. À, chỉ thứ bảy và chủ
nhật thôi.
Bob: I'm not sure I can be gone all weekend. I
promised to help my sister move Saturday. Tớ không
chắc là mình có thể đi được hết cuối tuần. Tớ đã hứa giúp
chị tớ chuyển chổ ở vào thứ bảy.
Al: How about Sunday, then? We could start early in
the morning. Vậy chủ nhật thì sao? Chúng ta có thể bắt đầu
vào sáng sớm.
Bob: I might be able to do that. Tell you what. Let me
check and I'll call you at home tonight. Có thể được đó.
Để mình xem lại và gọi tới nhà cậu vào tối nay.
Al: Great! I'll talk to you later. Tốt quá! Mình sẽ nói
chuyện với cậu sau.
Bob: So long Tạm biệt.
Language Notes
@ I’m glad I ran into you = I’m glad I met you
@ What’s up? = What’s happening? = What’s going on?
@ to help my sister move = to help my sister move her household
effects to another house or apartment.
@ How about Sunday, then? = Is Sunday a good day, then?

Trang 66
@ Tell you what = Here’s my opinion/reaction.
@ Let me check… = Let me verify…
@ Great! = Wonderful!
@ So long = Goodbye for now.

Trang 67
 50. DINNER INVITATION
Laura: Don't forget. We're invited out to dinner
tonight. Đừng quên nhé. Tối nay chúng mình được mời đi
ăn tối đấy.
Ted: Oh. I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me.
What time? Ồ, tớ xuýt nữa đã quên. Cảm ơn cậu đã nhắc tớ.
Mà mấy giờ nhỉ?
Laura: Seven thirty. We should leave the house by six
thirty. You know how bad the traffic is that time of
night. 7 giờ 30. Chúng mình nên rời khỏi nhà lúc 6 giờ30.
Cậu biết giao thông tồi tệ như thế nào vào buổi tối giờ đó
mà.
Ted: Uh huh. It's informal, isn't it? Ừm-huh. Đó là bữa tối
thân mật, đúng không?
Laura: Yeah. You can wear your new sports jacket. Ừ.
Cậu có thể mặc áo khoác thể thao mới của cậu đấy.
Ted: Okay. I'll try to get home a little early. Okay. Tớ sẽ
cố gắng về nhà sớm một chút.
Laura: Good. Bye bye. Tốt. Tạm biệt Ted.
Language Notes
@ We’re invited out to dinner tonight = We’re invited to have
dinner with friends or acquaintances.
@ Uh - huh = Yes, (I do).
@ Bye - bye = Good bye; so long.

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 51. CAR INSURANCE
Dick: I need to get car insurance. You got any ideas? Tớ
cần mua bảo hiểm xe ô tô. Cậu có ý kiến gì không?
George: Well, you could try my company. It seems to
have fair rates. À, cậu có thể thử mua của công ty mình.
Dường như có mức phí phù hợp đó.
Dick: Do they insure older cars? Họ đã bảo hiềm nhiều xe
đời cũ đúng không?
George: As far as I know, they insure all kinds of
vehicles. Theo như mình biết, họ bảo hiểm cho tất cả các
dòng phương tiện.
Dick: How long have you had a policy with them? Cậu
đã có hợp đồng bảo hiểm với họ bao lâu rồi?
George: Oh, I don't know. Maybe five years. Ồ, mình
không rõ. Có thể là 5 năm.
Dick: And you say their rates are low? Và cậu nói mức
phí của họ thấp đúng không?
George: Not low, reasonable. I've always gotten good
service from them. Let me give you their phone
number and you can call them. Không thấp, nhưng hợp
lý. Mình luôn nhận được sự phục vụ tốt từ họ. Để mình đưa
cậu số điện thoại và cậu có thể gọi cho họ.
Language Notes
@ car insurance = insurance on automobiles in case of accidents,
theft, bodily injury, etc.
@ As far as I know… = To the extent of my knowledge…

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 52. PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Joe: Can you get a baby sitter for tonight? Em tìm người
giữ trẻ tối nay chưa?
Susan: I don't know. Why? Em không biết. Tại sao vậy?
Joe: Well, I thought we could go out for dinner and
then go to a movie afterward. Ồ, Anh nghĩ chúng ta có thể
đi ra ngoài ăn tối rồi đi xem phim.
Susan: I can call Debbie and see if she's available. She
usually doesn't like to sit during the week, but she
might make an exception. Em có thể gọi và xem cô ấy có
rảnh không. Cô ấy thường không thích giữ trẻ suốt tuần,
nhưng có thể có ngoại lệ.
Joe: Well, do that, and then call me at the office if you
have any luck. Vậy gọi cô ấy đi rồi gọi cho anh ở văn phòng
nhé, nếu em gặp may mắn.
Susan: Okay, but don't get your hopes too high. It's
hard to find a good baby sitter these days. Được, nhưng
đừng hi vọng quá nhiều. Rất khó để tìm người giữ trẻ những
ngày này.
Language Notes
@ night out = evening away from home for the purpose of
recreation or relaxation
@ babysitter = woman or young girl hired, usually by parents, to
watch small children while the parents are away from home
@ to sit during the week = to babysit on weekdays
@ if you have any luck = if you are successful
@ don’t get your hopes too high = don’t expect success

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 53. DISCUSSING THE ECONOMY
Gordon: The economic news doesn't look good, does
it? Bản tin kinh tế có vẻ không tốt lắm đúng không?
Hobart: Not according to the newspaper yesterday. I
saw a similar report last night on TV. Không giống trên
báo ngày hôm qua. Tớ đã xem một bản tin tương tự trên ti
vi tối qua.
Gordon: I saw that, too. The analysis seemed to be
quite realistic. Tớ cũng xem. Kết quả phân tích có vẻ thực
tế hơn.
Hobart: I hope they're wrong. We really need to get
the rising price structure under control. Hi vọng họ đã
sai. Họ thật sự cần kiểm soát được cơ cấu giá cả đang gia
tang.
Gordon: Well, costs seem to be rising in so many
categories that it appears to defeat any efforts at
stabilization. À, giá cả có vẻ đang tăng lên ở nhiều loại mặt
hàng đến nỗi nó có vẻ đánh bại bất kỳ nỗ lực nào để ổn định
giá.
Hobart: That's my feeling, too. Raw material now costs
more Labor is demanding higher wages and
production costs continue to soar. Đó cũng là cảm nghĩ
của tớ. Bây giờ nguyên liệu mắc hơn. Công nhân đang đòi
tăng tiền lương và chi phí sản xuất tiếp tục dao động.
Gordon: There may be some relief this summer. I
understand the price of some foodstuffs will decrease.
Có thể có sự giảm nhẹ mùa hè này. Tớ nghĩ giá cả một số
thực phẩm sẽ giảm.
Language Notes
@ That’s my feeling, too = That’s my opinion, too
Trang 71
@ soar = rise beyond what is common and ordinary

Trang 72
 54. DENTAL APPOINTMENT
Dental Assistant: Dr. Katuna's office. May I help you?
Văn phòng bác sĩ Katuna. Tôi có thể giúp gì không?
Karen: Yes. I'd like to make an appointment for a
dental checkup. Vâng. Tôi muốn đặt hẹn để khám răng.
Dental Assistant: Are you one of the doctor's regular
patients? Bà là một trong những bệnh nhân thường xuyên
của bác sĩ phải không?
Karen: No, I'm not. I recently moved to this area and a
friend of mine recommended Dr. Katuna. Không, không
phải tôi. Tôi mới chuyển đến vùng này gần đây thôi và một
người bạn của tôi giới thiệu bác sĩ Katuna.
Dental Assistant: I see. Dr. Katuna can see you next
Thursday. Do you prefer morning or afternoon? Tôi
hiểu rồi. Bác sĩ Katuna có thể gặp bà vào thứ năm tới. Bà
muốn khám buổi sáng hay buổi chiều?
Karen: Morning is best for me. Buổi sáng là tốt nhất với
tôi.
Dental Assistant: Would 10:30 be all right? 10 giờ 30
được không?
Karen: That would be fine. Được đấy.
Dental Assistant: Good. We'll expect you then at 10:30
on Thursday. Tốt. Chúng tôi sẽ đợi bà lúc 10 giờ 30 ngày
thứ năm.
Karen: Thank you very much. Cảm ơn nhiều.
Language Notes
@ I see = I understand
@ Would 10:30 be all right? = Would 10:30 be acceptable?

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 55. MAKING PLANS
Alice: When shall we meet? Chúng ta sẽ gặp nhau khi
nào?
Sofia: You mean to talk about the party? Ý cậu là nói về
buổi tiệc đúng không?
Alice: Right. We really need to plan better this time.
Remember what a mess it was at the last party? Đúng
vậy. Lúc này chúng ta thật sự cần lên kế hoạch. Có nhớ buổi
tiệc hỗn độn lần cuối cùng không?
Sofia: I sure do. I hope we'll do much more planning
this time. Chắc chắn rồi. Tớ hi vọng chúng ta sẽ lên kế
hoạch kỹ hơn vào lần này.
Alice: Well, that's why we're going to meet tomorrow
at my house. How does 7:30 sound to you? À, đó là lý do
tại sao chúng ta sẽ gặp nhau tại nhà tớ vào ngày mai. Cậu
thấy 7 giờ 30 thế nào?
Sofia: Fine by me. I'll call Jan and Judy. We'll see you
tomorrow. Tốt thôi. Tớ sẽ gọi Jan và Judy. Chúng ta sẽ gặp
vào ngày mai.
Language Notes
@ Right = Correct.
@ mess = unpleasant or unsuccessful affair or event
@ How does 7:30 sound to you? = How do you react to meeting
at 7:30?
@ Fine by me = It’s all right with me.

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 56. NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEM
Wife: We've got to do something about the neighbor's
dog! Chúng ta cần phải làm gì đó với chú chó hàng xóm
thôi!
Husband: Why? Has he been into your flower garden
again? Sao thế? Nó chạy vào vườn hoa em trồng nữa à?
Wife: The flower garden, the garbage can, and
yesterday he started digging holes in the yard! Nào là
vườn hoa, sọt rác, và hôm qua nó còn bắt đầu đào những cái
hố trong sân!
Husband: Did you talk to Mrs. Gorham about it? Em đã
nói với bà Gorham về chuyện này chưa?
Wife: You know how she is. All sweetness and light to
your face but then she never does anything. They
should either keep that animal in the house or tied up!
Anh biết bà ấy như thế nào mà. Tất cả sự dịu dàng và trí tuệ
đều hiện lên trên khuôn mặt anh nhưng bà ấy chưa bao giờ
làm bất cứ điều gì. Họ nên giữ con chó đó lại trong nhà hoặc
xích nó lại.
Husband: I'll talk to Hank about it tonight. He usually
listens. Anh sẽ nói chuyện với Hank về việc này tối nay. Ông
ta thường lắng nghe hơn.
Wife: We need more than listening, dear. We need
action! Chúng mình cần nhiều hơn sự im lặng. Chúng ta cần
hành động!
Language Notes
@ All sweetness and light to your face… = Excessively agreeable
and pleasant in the direct confrontation…
@ Hank = Mr. Gorham

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 57. CAR THEFT
Byron: Did you hear about what happened to Howard?
Cậu đã nghe gì về việc xảy ra với Howard chưa?
Vance: No, what? Chưa, chuyện gì thế?
Byron: Someone stole his car! Ai đó đã lấy trộm chiếc xe
ô tô của anh ấy!
Vance: Really? When did it happen? Thật sao? Nó xảy ra
khi nào?
Byron: Last night. He left it parked in front of his girl
friend's house and when he came out to go home, it
was gone. Vào tối qua. Anh ấy đỗ xe trước nhà bạn gái và
khi ra về nó đã biến mất.
Vance: Wow! That's really tough. He just bought it last
month, didn't he? Wow! Thật không may! Anh ấy vừa mua
nó tháng trước đúng không?
Byron: Uh huh. Fortunately, he's got insurance and the
police think they already have a good lead. Ừ-hừm. May
là anh ấy đã mua bảo hiểm rồi và cảnh sát nghĩ rằng họ đã
có được manh mối tốt.
Vance: Well, I certainly wish him luck. Ừ, chúc cho anh
ấy gặp may mắn.
Language Notes
@ theft = act of stealing
@ Wow! = Exclamation of amazement, surprise, joy, etc.
@ That’s really tough = That’s too bad.
@ a good lead = a strong clue

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 58. GETTING READY
Bill: We don't have much time! Chúng ta không có nhiều
thời gian!
Jerry: I'm hurrying as fast as I can! Tớ đang nhanh nhất
có thể đây!
Bill: Well, try to hurry a little bit more, will you? I don't
want to be late. Ừ, cố gắng nhanh thêm một tí được chứ?
Tớ không muốn trễ đâu.
Jerry: Oh, we won't be late. You know how these affairs
are. They never start on time. Ồ, chúng ta sẽ không trễ.
Cậu biết những việc này như thế nào mà. Họ chưa bao giờ
bắt đầu đúng giờ cả.
Bill: Maybe so. But I always like to get there on time. Có
thể như vậy. Nhưng tớ luôn muốn đến đó đúng giờ.
Jerry: Oh, you're such a fuddy duddy. Don't worry. I'll
get you there with time to spare. Ồ, cậu đúng là người
lạc hậu. Đừng lo. Tớ sẽ đưa cậu đến đó mà vẫn dư thời gian
Bill: Is that a promise? Đó là lời hứa à?
Jerry: It's a promise. Now leave me alone while I finish
getting ready. Nó là lời hứa đấy. Bây giờ để tớ một mình
trong khi tớ chuẩn bị xong xuôi nhé.
Language Notes
@ such a fuddyduddy = an extremely fussy, hardtoplease, or very
particular person.
@ time to spare = excess time

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 59. MAKING A PURCHASE
Joan: How much is this? Cái này bao nhiêu tiền?
Clerk: You mean the large one or the small one? Ý bạn
là cái lớn hay cái nhỏ?
Joan: The large one. Cái lớn đấy.
Clerk: They're on special this week. They've been
reduced to five dollars. Nó nằm trong chương trình đặc
biệt tuần này. Sản phẩm sẽ giảm xuống còn 5 đô la
Joan: Is this the only kind you have? Đây là loại duy nhất
bạn có đúng không?
Clerk: No. We have some that are different in style but
not in color. They're over there. Do you see the sign?
Không. Chúng tôi có nhiều kiểu khác nhưng không cùng
màu sắc. Chúng ở bên kia. Bạn có muốn nhìn bản thiết kế
không?
Joan: Oh, yes. I think I'll look at those over there
before I decide. Ồ, có. Tôi nghĩ tôi sẽ nhìn vài sản phẩm
đằng kia trước khi quyết định.
Clerk: Very well. Just take your time. Rất tốt. Cứ từ từ
lựa chọn nhé.
Language Notes
@ on special = special low price
@ Just take your time = Don’t be in a hurry.

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 60. MAIL TIME
Barbara: The mail has arrived. Bưu phẩm đến rồi.
Norma: Did I get anything? Tớ có vài thứ đúng không?
Barbara: I think so. Let me look. You got something
from the bank and an advertisement from a health
spa. Tớ nghĩ vậy. Để tớ xem. Cậu có vài thứ từ ngân hàng và
một tờ quảng cáo từ dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe.
Norma: Give me the letter from the bank. It might be
important. Đưa mình lá thư từ ngân hàng. Có lẽ nó quan
trọng đó.
Barbara: Here. Maybe you've overdrawn your account.
Đây. Có thể cậu đã rút quá số tiền trong tài khoảng chăng.
Norma: No danger of that. I don't have any money to
overdraw. I hope it's an offer of that job I applied for.
Không lo việc đó. Tớ không có tiền để rút hơn đâu. Tớ hi
vọng nó là lời đề nghị cho công việc tớ đã ứng tuyển.
Language Notes
@ health spa = health resort
@ Maybe you’ve overdrawn your account = Perhaps you’ve
spent more money than is in your checking account at the bank.
@ No danger of that = That’s not a possibility.

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 61. BEDTIME
Angela: Did you lock the doors? Anh đã khóa tất cả các
cửa chưa?
Frank: All except the back door. I left that open for
Tim. He took the dog for a walk. Tất cả trừ cửa sau. Anh
để nó cửa mở cho Tim. Cậu ấy dẫn chó đi dạo rồi.
Angela: Well, I'm going on to bed. I'm bushed. Vâng, em
phải đi ngủ đây. Em mệt rồi.
Frank: Okay. I'm going to stay up a while. I've got to go
over the household budget. We're a little overspent
this month. Okay. Anh thức thêm tí nữa. Anh phải xem lại
chi tiết ngân sách của gia đình. Tháng này chúng ta tiêu xài
hơn quá.
Angela: Please tell Tim to close the door to the
basement. I don't want the dog down there tonight.
Hãy nói với Tim đóng cửa tầng hầm. Em không muốn con
chó chạy xuống đó tối nay.
Frank: Okay. Good night. See you at breakfast. Okay.
Chúc ngủ ngon. Hẹn gặp em ở bữa ăn sáng.
Language Notes
@ I’m bushed = I’m exhausted, very tired.
@ stay up = remain awake
@ I’ve got to go over… = I must read to examine…
@ overspent = expenses in excess of income

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 62. GETTING SOMETHING FIXED
Lee: How long do you think it'll take to fix it? Anh nghĩ
phải mất bao lâu để sửa nó?
Repairman: Hard to tell. Sometimes we can find the
problem right away and sometimes it may take an
hour or two. Khó nói lắm. Thỉnh thoảng chúng ta có thể
tìm ra vấn đề liền nhưng có khi mất một hoặc hai tiếng.
Lee: Should I wait or come back later? Tôi nên đợi hay
trở lại sau?
Repairman: Suit yourself, but it's probably better to
come back later. Tùy cô thôi, nhưng có thể sẽ tốt hơn khi
trở lại sau đấy.
Lee: You will get it fixed today, won't you? Anh sẽ sửa nó
hôm nay được không?
Repairman: I don't see any problem. We should have it
ready for you by three at the latest. But, better call
before you come. Tôi chưa thấy bất kì trục trặc nào. Muộn
nhất là 3 giờ chúng tôi sửa xong cho cô. Nhưng tốt hơn hãy
gọi cho chúng tôi trước khi cô đến.
Lee: Okay. Thanks a lot. Được rồi. Cảm ơn nhiều.
Language Notes
@ Hard to tell = Difficult to predict.
@ right away = immediately
@ Suit yourself… = Do as you please…
@ by three at the latest = no later than three o’clock

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 63. FAMILY PLANS
Wife: The gas company phoned this afternoon. Công ty
gas đã gọi chiều nay.
Husband: About the gas stove that we ordered? Về cái
bếp gas chúng ta đã đặt mua àh?
Wife: Yes, and also about the gas furnace you asked
about. Vâng, về lò sưởi khí đốt mà anh đã hỏi nữa.
Husband: What did they say? Rồi họ nói sao?
Wife: They're going to send someone out to talk with
us about the furnace. Họ sẽ cho người tới để nói chuyện
với chúng ta về lò sưởi.
Husband: Good. I think we're doing the right thing.
The old furnace just isn't very efficient anymore. Tốt.
Anh nghĩ chúng ta đang làm một việc đúng rồi. Lò sưởi cũ
hoạt động không hiệu quả nữa.
Wife: I agree. We should be able to afford a new
furnace now that you got that raise in salary. Em đồng
ý. Chúng mình có thể mua được một lò sưởi mới vì anh đã
được tăng lương mà.
Husband: Exactly my thoughts. Giống như anh nghĩ đấy.
Language Notes
@ gas company = public utility company providing natural or
manufactured gas for heating, cooking, etc.
@ I think we’re doing the right thing = I think we are proceeding
correctly.
@ afford a new furnace = pay for a new furnace
@ Exactly my thoughts = I agree.

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 64. PLANNING A BUSINESS TRIP
Dave: When shall I say that you will arrive? Khi nào tớ
nói rằng cậu sẽ đến?
Don: Tell them that I plan to be there by tomorrow
afternoon. Nói với họ tớ lên kế hoạch đến đó vào chiều mai.
Dave: Shall I have them make a hotel reservation for
you? Tớ sẽ yêu cầu họ đặt phòng phòng khách sạn cho cậu
được không?
Don: No need. I made one last week by telephone.
Không cần. Tớ đã đặt vào tuần trước qua điện thoại rồi.
Dave: Do you plan to stay longer than three days? Cậu
có dự tính ở đó lâu hơn 3 ngày không?
Don: I don't think so. I can take care of all the
necessary business in three days. Tớ không nghĩ vậy. Tớ
có thể lo tất cả các công việc cần thiết trong 3 ngày.
Dave: Well, have a good trip. À, có một chuyến đi tốt đẹp
nhé.
Don: Thank you. Cảm ơn cậu.
Language Notes
@ No need = It’s not necessary.
@ Have a good trip = Have a pleasant, successful trip

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 65. A SHORT DISCUSSION
Rosalie: Don't forget, Jim and Adrian are coming over
tonight. Đừng quên nhé, Jim và Adrian sẽ tới thăm chúng ta
vào tối nay.
Tracy: I thought they were coming next week. Tớ đã
nghĩ họ đến vào tuần tới chứ.
Rosalie: No. Tonight's the night. I told you at least a
half a dozen times! Không. Tối nay là đêm nay đấy. Tớ đã
nói với cậu ít nhất cả chục lần rồi.
Tracy: Well, I forgot. À, tớ quên mất.
Rosalie: You forget all too easily if you ask me. Cái gì
cậu hỏi tớ cậu đều dễ quên à.
Tracy: Anyway, I've made other plans. Dù sao mình còn
có kế hoạch khác.
Rosalie: Like what? Là gì vậy?
Tracy: I told Frank I'd help him work on his car. Tớ đã
nói với Frank là tớ sẽ giúp anh ấy sửa chiếc xe.
Rosalie: Then, you'll just have to tell him you can't
come! Vậy, cậu phải nói với anh ấy là cậu không thể đến
nhé!
Language Notes
@ coming over = coming to visit
@ Like what? = For example?
@ work on his car = help repair his car

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 66. FAMILY SQUABBLE
Sister: Wait a minute! Just hold your horses! What's
your hurry, anyway? Đợi tí! Đừng thiếu kiên nhẫn chứ! Có
gì mà anh vội vàng vậy?
Brother: Well, I've got to stop and get gas in the car,
first. À, anh dừng lại đổ xăng vào xe trước.
Sister: That won't take long. Việc đó không mất nhiều
thời gian đâu.
Brother: Well, it won't if there's no line at the pump. À,
nó sẽ không lâu nếu không phải xếp hàng ở máy bơm.
Sister: Well, I'm not quite ready. À, em chưa sẵn sàng.
Brother: I'll give you five more minutes, then I'm going
on without you! Anh sẽ cho em thêm 5 phút nữa, sau đó
anh sẽ đi mà không có em.
Sister: You wouldn't do a thing like that! Anh không thể
làm một việc như vậy!
Brother: Oh, yes I would! Ồ, anh sẽ làm đấy!
Language Notes
@ squabble = noisy quarrel having little importance
@ Just hold your horses! = Don’t be so impatient!
@ line at the pump = line of waiting cars at the gasoline pump
@ not quite ready = not completely ready

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