Vocabulary

ahead (prep.)

attendant (noun)

away (adv.)

be able, you'll (to be able, fut.)

becoming (pres. part.)

check (inf., to check)

cleaning (pres. part., to clean)

Notice the polite request, "Would you mind cleaning...?" You can begin a request for almost anything with "Would you mind..." followed by the "-ing" form of the verb. (E.g.: "Would you mind doing this for me?" " Would you mind filling up my car?")

collect (inf., to collect)

complicated (adj.)

Synonyms include "confusing," "complex," "difficult," and "puzzling."

curious (adj.)

even though (conj.)

"Although" can be used in place of "even though."

fill up! (imp., to fill up)

When talking about the levels of such things as liquids or numbers ("temperatures," "stock market," etc.), use the constructions: "to be up" (or "high") and "to be down" (or "low"). (E.g.: "The Stock Market is up right now." "In the winter, temperatures are down." "The water in your radiator is up.")

great (adj.)

low (adj.)

marked (adj.)

mind (to mind)

miss! (imp., to miss)

A negative imperative form is used in this dialogue (i.e., "Don't miss the Smithsonian."). To make a negative of the imperative form, simply begin with "don't" ("do not"). (E.g.: "Don't leave now!" "Don't be rude!")

museums (noun, pl.)

oil (noun)

peek (noun)

Even though you can also say "take a look," "peek" underscores one's curiosity.

quart (noun)

reading (pres. part., to read)

research (noun)

safe (adj.)

service station (noun as adj.)

Or "gas station." Most gas or "service stations" along major interstates are also "convenience stores," meaning that they stock basic food and drink items, along with "snacks" for the road. Service stations with a "garage" where you can get your car repaired are becoming quite a rarity. Also, gas stations nowadays tend to be more and more "self-service" than the "full service" one in the dialogue.

Smithsonian (prop. noun)

super unleaded (prop. noun)

A type of gasoline which is higher in "octane" and more expensive than "regular."

tires (noun, pl.)

One can have tires with "low pressure" meaning that they require air from an "air pump." To get a "flat" or a "flat tire" while driving requires "changing the tire" with a "jack" and a "tire iron."

West Coast (prop. noun)

whether (conj.)

while (conj.)

windshield (noun)

Story

As you leave Atlanta, you decide to stop for gas. You are becoming more and more curious about the envelope your aunt's attorney gave you. Even though you have a lot of driving ahead of you before you get to Washington, you must take a peek. You open the envelope marked "Washington" and start reading while the service station attendant approaches.

Cultural notes

While it is still possible to find full-service gasoline stations in the U.S., they are being replaced increasingly by self-serve outlets where you pump your own gas. At some service stations, you have the option of pumping the gas yourself or having an attendant do it for you. Usually, the price per gallon of gas is considerably higher at a full-service pump.

Most service stations accept credit cards for payment, including Visa and MasterCard. Be sure to ask about this before filling up your car.

Unleaded gasoline is now required for all cars manufactured in the U.S. There are various grades or octane levels of gas. You will usually find such names as "Premium" or "Super" (highest octane level) and "Regular" for the lower octane level.

Action

SERVICE STATION ATTENDANT: Regular or super unleaded?

YOU: Fill it up with regular, please. Could you also check the oil and the tires?

NARRATOR: While the attendant is busy with your car, you start reading your instructions.

SERVICE STATION ATTENDANT: Your oil is a little low. Shall I put in a quart?

YOU: O.K. Would you mind cleaning the windshield, too?

SERVICE STATION ATTENDANT: Sure. Where are you headed?

YOU: To Washington. I've got to do some research there. I know nothing about the city.

SERVICE STATION ATTENDANT: It's a great place -- lots of good restaurants, museums, and stores. How long will you be there?

YOU: I'm not sure yet. Probably several days.

SERVICE STATION ATTENDANT: Have a safe trip! And don't miss the Smithsonian!

NARRATOR: The instructions for Washington look complicated, and you still have to go to Chicago and the West Coast!

NARRATOR (Cont'd.): As you drive away, you wonder whether you'll be able to collect your inheritance after all.

Lesson 19 «Your Car Breaks Down»