Can You Speak Over the Telephone. Как вести беседу по телефону

Yuri: Which John? The one working in the Conference Department?

Fred: That’s right. And Dorothy is with the Technical Assistance Department.

Yuri: When was the engagement announced?

Fred: A week ago.

Yuri: Have they set the day for the wedding?

Fred: No, not yet. But John says they will marry sometime in November or December. He says you’re on the guest list.

Yuri: Am I? Then I’ve got to think about a wedding present.

Fred: It’s too early yet. He will send you an invitation to the wedding party.

Yuri: And who is the best man?

Fred: Their choice fell on me because I’m a bachelor.

Yuri: Congratulations! They could not have chosen a better man. You are witty, bright and will keep them free from the little worries which usually crop up at the ceremony.

Fred: I’ll try to do my best; as the best man should do. See you at the office on Monday. Bye-bye.

Yuri: Bye-bye, Fred.

5. Talking of Studies

Fred: Hello, Yuri. This is Fred.

Yuri: Hello, Freddy, how are you?

Fred: Not very well, I’m afraid.

Yuri: What’s the matter? Somebody’s ill?

Fred: No, everybody’s fine. But I’m giving up. I certainly can’t learn Russian.

Yuri: Why are you upset? I think you’re making wonderful progress.

Fred: No, I’m not. I try and try but still cannot speak it well.

Yuri: Well, learning any language takes a lot of effort and time. But don’t give up. What if I help you? I have a very good textbook only recently brought from Moscow.

Fred: Thank you, Yuri. I’m sure your help will improve things.

Yuri: See you on Monday, Freddy. Good-bye.

Fred: Thanks again, Yuri. Good-bye.

6. Talking of Sports

Mr Serov: Mr Budd? Good afternoon. This is Serov speaking.

Mr Budd: Hello, Mr Serov. Nice to hear you. How’s everything?

Mr Serov: Fine, thank you. You know, this Friday our Dynamo team is playing against your Red Sox.

Mr Budd: Are they really? That’s great! They are my favourite teams and I don’t know who to root for.

Mr Serov: I have two tickets. Would you like to watch the match?

Mr Budd: Sure thing. This is the only chance, and I would not miss it. And what’s your favourite sport?

Mr Serov: It’s hard to say. I like soccer all right, but I think I like tennis better.

Mr Budd: Do you play much tennis?

Mr SeroV: Yes, quite a bit. How about a game sometime?

Mr Budd: No, thanks. I am strictly a spectator.

Mr Serov: So I’m sending you the tickets for the match and hope to see you on Tuesday.

Mr Budd: Thank you, Mr Serov. I’m looking forward to seeing you. Goodbye.

Mr Serov: Good-bye.

EXERCISES

I. Read these dialogues and reproduce them as close to the text as possible.

II. What would you say on the phone in reply to these remarks or questions?

1. I suppose, that if we weigh the “pros” and “cons” we can make a more equitable assessment of the proposal. 2. Mr Orlov, I think, made a pertinent remark during the debate. 3. If you take an overall view of things I’m sure you’ll change your opinion. 4. I like the way Peter conducted the proceedings. He kept all the discussion to the point. 5. I wouldn’t say that the speaker explicitly spelled out what he had in mind. 6. Mr Breddy is away from the office on sick leave. Is there any message? 7. I think he is making wonderful progress in English. 8. Your argument turned the scale in my favour in our dispute. 9. Why do you think, Mr Omar, the staff at your office is in constant state of flux?

III. In what situations would you say the following?

1. I don’t know which team to root for. 2. Their choice fell on me because I’m a bachelor. 3. Could you fix an alternative date for meeting? 4. I’ll leave the invitation as an open one until a little later. 5. We are anxious to make whatever arrangements are convenient to you for spending a day or two in visiting our factory. 6. Then I’ve got to think about a present. 7. This is the only outstanding question. It should be brought up again tomorrow. 8. This is a very persuasive argument. You should have mentioned it. 9. I’m terribly sorry. I can’t disturb him. He is in conference.

IV. Discuss over the phone with a friend of yours:

1. the film you have seen; 2. the book you have read; 3. the performance you have seen; 4. the conference you have attended; 5. the holiday you had in summer; 6. the invitation to a wedding party you have received; 7. your favourite sport; 8. the party you have been to.

Working in groups of two, read the two dialogues aloud.

Dialogue 1

Discussing the Ties Between the Congress and the State Department