Conversation Practice

Dramatize the following dialogues in class and build up yours on the suggested topics, use marked words and word combinations:

1. The Smiths at Breakfast

Mrs. Smith: Shall I put some more sugar on your porridge, John?

John: No more, Mum, thank you. I’d like some butter instead.

Mrs. S: Ann, please bring some more milk from the kitchen.

Mr. Smith: Why aren’t you eating anything, Kitty? You are so slow. Look, Ann is already finishing her porridge.

Kitty: I don’t like porridge. I’m just thirsty. Give me some tea and cakes, Mum.

Mrs. S: Now, be a good girl, Kitty. Have some more porridge. We’re going to have bacon and eggs, and then you will get your tea with toast and marmalade.

Mr. S: Will you please give me a little more porridge, dear?

Mrs. S: just a moment. (Mrs. Smith passes him his plate.) What about bacon and eggs? Will you have some?

Mr. S: Yes, I’ll have some, please. And then a cup of strong tea. I’m afraid, I must leave in a quarter of an hour or so.

1. At the Canteen

Ann: I think it’s high time to have a bite. I’m hungry.

Bob: So am I. I see you are ready to go down to the canteen. I’m just finishing this article. Will you wait a minute please?

A: Yes, hurry up, then.

B: Is there anything to your taste on the menu?

A: Oh, yes, all kinds of things. Let’s have some soup, clear soup, perhaps?

B: I don’t think I’ll have any soup today. I’d like some salad to begin with.

A: Will you have mixed salad, chops and mashed potatoes?

B: With pleasure. What do you say to a bottle of beer?

A: No beer, thanks. I prefer a glass of mineral water or just a cup of tea.

B: All right. Tea then. Will you pass me the mustard, please?

A: Here you are. As for me, I never take mustard or pepper.

B: You don’t say so!

A: Look! The waitress is already bringing our tea.

B: We want neither ham nor sausage, do we?

A: No, ham as well as sausage is out of the question. I’d like some fruit, apples or oranges.

B: Yes, but you forget about the meeting of our English club. We must leave at once to be in time for the beginning of the discussion.

A: Right you are. Come along! Let’s pay for the dinner and be off.

2. At the Restaurant

Fred: Let’s go in here. The restaurants aren’t very crowded in the daytime on weekdays, and I like a change from the cafeteria now and then. Here’s a table.

Kate: Let’s see what’s on the menu. I’ll have tomato soup, and stewed meat with mashed potatoes and peas.

F: And I’ll take broth and steak with vegetables.

Waiter: How do you want the steak – rare, medium or well done?

F: Well done, please, and will you please bring a bottle of water?

W: Certainly.

K: Tomato soup is my favourite. It’s delicious. I hope you like your soup too.

F: I’m not enjoying it at all. It tastes awful. Ah, here comes the meat. That stew smells lovely, Kate. I almost wish that I had ordered it too.

K: But don’t you like your steak? It looks lovely.

F: Oh, yes. I do! It’s very tender.

W: Would you like some fruit?

K: Oh, could we have some coffee, please?

W: Black or white?

F: Black, please, and two cakes. As we are in a hurry could you have the bill ready?

W: The two together?

F: Yes, thank you.

***

Waiter: What would you like for dinner?

Mr. Clark: We’d like two steaks.

W: Would you like any vegetables?

Mr. C: Yes, some peas and roast potatoes.

Mrs. C: I’d like some chips, please.

W: Would you like anything to start with?

Mr. C: Yes, salad for us.

Mrs. C: I don’t want any salad. I’d prefer some tomato juice.

W: And you , Miss?

Mary: I’d like grapefruit first and then roast beef and some pudding. Have you got any cauliflower?

W: Sorry, we haven’t got any today.

M: Oh, I want some carrots then. I don’t want any potatoes. I usually eat a small dinner. I’m slimming.

W: (addressing the boy) What would you like?

Bob: A lobster and some boiled potatoes and some French beans.

W: Would you like any wine?

Bob: Yes, red wine.

Mr. C: (laughing) A glass of milk for him, please.

W: Yes, sir.

***

Waiter: Good afternoon, sir. You have a reservation?

Mr. Morley: Yes, the name is Morley. I booked a table by telephone.

W: Are you by yourself, sir?

Mr. M: Oh, yes.

W: Would you mind this table by the window?

Mr. M: Not at all.

W: Here’s the menu, sir. What would you like to start with?

Mr. M: I think I’ll have the oxtail soup.

W: Yes, sir. And what would you like to follow? I’d recommend the roast beef.

Mr. M: That sounds very nice. I’d like it well done, please.

W: Certainly, sir. What vegetables would you like with it? Cauliflower, spinach, or French beans?

Mr. M: Cauliflower with a cheese sauce.

W: What would you like for dessert, sir?

Mr. M: Oh, no dessert. Just coffee, please. And will you please bring me the bill at once?

W: Of course, sir.

***