Cultural notes

If you need dental work while you are in the U.S., you can usually find prompt, reliable care by calling a dentist. Although most dentists, like doctors, prefer that you have an appointment, they will normally make allowances if you have a true emergency.

As with doctors, be prepared to pay for treatment when you leave. More and more health care professionals accept credit cards for payment or will file directly with your insurance company.

Action

DENTIST: My assistant said you have a toothache. How long have you had it?

YOU: For about twenty-four hours. I've had trouble with this tooth before. My dentist at home said that it would eventually have to be removed.

DENTIST: Let me take a closer look.

NARRATOR: The dentist examines your tooth.

DENTIST: Hmmm.... I concur with your dentist. The tooth has to come out.

YOU: Will it hurt?

DENTIST: Not too much. I'll give you some Novocain to make the tooth numb.

YOU: When will you remove it?

DENTIST: It should come out right now.

YOU: All right. Go ahead. What a way to end my stay in the U.S.!

DENTIST: When are you leaving?

YOU: I have to see an attorney in the morning. My flight home is late tomorrow afternoon - around 6 p.m.

Lesson 30 «Collecting Your Inheritance»

Vocabulary

anywhere (adv.)

conditions (noun, pl.)

When Mr. Young speaks of the niece's "meeting the conditions" of her aunt's will, he is referring to the list of "requirements" that she must complete.

deposit (inf., to deposit)

expenses (noun, pl.)

for that matter (exp.)

improved (past part., to improve)

Another way to say that something has "improved" is to say that things have "gotten better."

items (noun, pl.)

order (noun)

To say that thing are "in order" means that they have been organized and are presentable. "To order" means "to command" (as in "She ordered me to study."). One can also "order" a meal or drinks in a restaurant ("I'd like to order a turkey sandwich.").

receipts (noun, pl.)

remains, it (to remain)

satisfied (past part., to satisfy)

"To satisfy conditions" can also be expressed as "meeting requirements."

waiting (pres. part., to wait)

world (noun)

wow! (interj.)

Story

You're feeling much better since you went to the doctor and dentist. You've moved out of your apartment, packed your bags, and are ready to leave the U.S. One important stop remains -- to see Mr. Young and collect your inheritance. You have no idea how much you'll get. Even if it's not a lot, you have learned so much by traveling through the U.S. Perhaps it will be at least enough to cover your travel expenses.

Cultural notes

Although we do not know the exact amount the niece receives from her aunt's inheritance, it is clear that it is a substantial sum. For instance, the attorney mentions that the niece will be able to return to the U.S. as often as she likes.

Knowing t she large credit card bills that she has incurred during here stay in the United States, the niece is somewhat consoled. She is also an idealist, pleased that she has learned so much about the U.S. and the English language. The money that she will receive is a small reward compared to the joys of having experienced American culture first hand.

Action

MR. YOUNG: Well, how did your trip go?

YOU: It was great. I had no idea the U.S. was so large. I thought I would never get back to Atlanta.

MR. YOUNG: Did you follow your aunt's instructions?

YOU: I think so. Here are my receipts and the other items she wanted me to collect. I think everything is in order.

NARRATOR: Mr. Young examines what you gave him.

MR. YOUNG: Yes, I believe you have satisfied the conditions in your aunt's will. Here's your check. You can deposit it once you get home, if you want.

NARRATOR: You examine the check. You can't believe what you see.

YOU: Wow! I think I'll do that. I'll have a lot of credit card bills waiting for me.

MR. YOUNG: One thing is for sure, your English has really improved since you arrived.

YOU: You're kind. I think it has, too. I wonder how I'll keep it up.

MR. YOUNG: With the money from your inheritance, you'll be able to come back to the U.S. as often as you like, or go anywhere else in the world for that matter. Have a safe trip home!

YOU: Thank you. I will be back!