(Text 1)

M: Did you watch the talent show on TV last night?

W: No, I missed it. I went with my mom to buy some clothes.

(Text 2)

W: I love this park. It’s so beautiful.

M: It surely is. Are you tired? Shall we stop by the lake for a few minutes?

W: Good idea. Let’s go to that cafe for a little refreshment.

(Text 3)

W: Tom, shall we invite the Smiths around for dinner this Sunday?

M: Sure. But I need to pack for Monday’s business trip. What about Saturday?

W: Okay.

(Text 4)

M: Barbara, do you want to play table tennis with us tonight?

W: I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m catching the last train to Denver to see my grandma. I need to take her to visit a doctor tomorrow morning.

(Text 5)

W: Alex, did you feed the cat this morning? I don’t think she can wait.

M: All right, after I finish this chapter. I just can’t let go of this book.

(Text 6)

M: Miss, do you need any help?

W: I want to get fit, but exercise doesn’t seem to help.

M: What kind of exercise have you done before?

W: I did jogging now and then, but it was so boring. So I changed to weightlifting, but it was so demanding and I was afraid of getting injured, so I went bike riding.

M: Oh, I see. You need to be consistent. I suggest you do different kinds of exercise on one day

or on different days of the week. This will help hold your interest so you can keep coming back.

(Text 7)

W: Hello, Brown’s Grill. How may I help you?

M: Hi, I’d like to book a table for Friday evening.

W: Okay, how many people are there in your party?

M: There will be six.

W: And what time would you like to come?

M: Let’s say at six thirty.

W: I’m afraid we don’t have anything available then. We could seat you at five thirty or eight o’clock.

M: Oh, eight o’clock is better.

W: Fine. May I have your name?

M: Yes, it’s Anderson.

W: Thank you. We’ll see you on Friday. By the way, we’ve moved to Howard Street.

M: Oh, yeah, I know. Thanks.

(Text 8)

W: Jacob, do you have a minute now?

M: Sure.

W: Well, it’s not easy to say but I have to tell you you’re not in our group for the class project.

M: Sarah, what do you mean? You know, I’m always in a group with you.

W: I know, it’s just that this time … this time we made the group differently and because you were late, we’ve already made the group. See, there’re four of us already.

M: So? We can’t be a group of five?

W: Well, Professor North said there should be no more than four people in each group. It’s not about you or your work or anything like that.

M: OK, but please count me in next time.

(Text 9)

M: Hey, Jannie. Where are you going?

W: To the library.

M: There is a music concert in Victoria Park at four o’clock. Do you want to go?

W: Yes, Professor Darwin’s lecture is canceled. I’m free this evening.

M: Great. The band plays pretty good music. For the last three years, I have never missed it.

W: How long ago did the band start playing in the park?

M: I think it was five years ago. Every year they arrive in the first week of July and play for a week. You’re sure to enjoy this evening, there will be good country music.

W: My favorite is rock and roll, but I have to say that country music can be quite beautiful sometimes.

M: I like all kinds of music, especially jazz. Oh Jannie, we have to go now.

W: Why? There’s plenty of time.

M: Many people are heading to the park. The traffic will be terrible.

W: All right. But I have to return these books first.

M: Okay. I’ll be waiting for you at the bus station.

(Text 10)

W: Good morning, everyone. This lesson is a part of our leadership series. Let me start by sharing a story of Richard Rochester, one of the most successful businessmen in Britain. Years ago, I was given the task of organizing a conference in the south of England. I chose a five-star hotel owned by Rochester as the venue. Susan, the receptionist, helped me arrange everything perfectly. Once when we were chatting, I asked Susan if she’d ever met Mr. Rochester. She said yes. Shortly after Mr. Rochester bought the hotel, he made an appointment to see the hotel manager. When he arrived, the first person he met was Susan who was cleaning the carpet. He chatted with Susan for 30 minutes before keeping his appointment with the manager. He spent all day at the hotel, talking with each member of the staff, from the top guy to the lady who cleaned the toilets. Six months later, Mr. Rochester paid another visit. Susan had been promoted to receptionist. But he recognized her immediately and addressed her by name. He even remembered that she had a little girl and what her name was. Now I don’t believe that Richard Rochester has that good memory. He must have written a lot of notes after his first visit and read them over again before that second visit. It’s time-consuming, but it shows the importance he places on human relationships. I think that’s one of the secrets of his success.