• 1994home_care3.mp3
• 1994home_care4.mp3
• 1994home_care5.mp3
• 1994home_care1.mp3
• 1994home_care2.mp3

In Japan, there is an annual house cleaning at the end of the year. In America, the cleaning is done in the spring.  Read this example conversation:

Mom:  O.K. everyone, it's time to do spring cleaning!  We're going to divide up the chores so it won't be so hard.
Kid:   Where do we start?
Mom:  First I want you to pick up everything in your room and throw your dirty laundry in the hamper.
Kid:  What about our clean clothes?
Mom:  Hang them up or put them away in the drawer.

There are some important cleaning phrases in this conversation.  Did you hear them?  Read these example sentences:

"Did you put away your toys?"

"Did you hang up your clothes?"

"Did you pick up your boots?"


Children usually don't like spring cleaning.  Read this next example conversation:

Bob:  I'm so sick and tired of cleaning!
Sally:  Yeah, let's take a break.
Bob:  Do you think mom will let us?
Sally:  Nah, we should just ask.
Bob:  You're right.

When you are tired of doing something, you can use one of these phrases:

"I'm so sick and tired of cleaning!"

"I'm so exhausted from cleaning!"

"I'm worn out from cleaning!"


After the kids pick up everything from their floor, the next thing to do would be to straighten things up on the furniture.   Let's read the next conversation and find out what the mother said when she saw their room:

Mother:  Wow,  you did a great job!  Everything is spic and span.
Kid:    Of course, it was easy!
Mother: How did you do it so quickly?  Let me just check the closet.
Kid: No mom, don't open that door!
Mother:  Why not!  Ahhhh (screams and sound of things falling down)
Kid:  Mom!  Are you O.K.?
Mother: Now, I know why it looked so neat!  You have to do this room over I'm afraid.

When something is very clean, we say that it is "spic and span".  Read this example sentence:

"Your room is spic and span"


"To do over" means to do again.  In the conversation above, the mother was unhappy that the kids didn't do a thorough job and made them do it again.  Now that the room is clean, she has cause to be happy.

Now read another conversation:

Kid:  Here the floor cleaner.
Mom: Hmmm, the label says it's concentrated.
Kid:  What does that mean?
Mom:  That means it's very strong.
Kid:  So, how can you make it weaker?
Mom:  We'll just add a little water and then it'll be diluted.
Kid: Do you have to scrub the bathtub?  It looks moldy.
Mom: No, I'll just put this cleaner on and it'll take it off without scrubbing.
Kid:  Wow, that's neat, I'm going to watch.

Remember, when you use cleaning detergents, some are concentrated which means they are very strong.  If a child accidentily drinks it, it can be very dangerous.  You should read the label carefully before you use it.  Read these example sentences:

"The label says it's concentrated"

"We'll just add a little water and then it'll be diluted"







When you do spring cleaning, that's usually the time to rearrange furniture.

Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Where should I move the couch?
Michiko:  Put it over there, against the wall.
Michael:  How does it look?
Michiko:  It doesn't look right.
Michael:  How about next to that plant?
Michiko:  That looks much better.  It looks like a whole new room!

When you rearrange furniture, you might have to move it several times before you find a position that you like.   Did you notice the different positions that the woman said?   Read these example sentences:

"Put it against the wall"

"Put it next to the plant"





When you clean your house, you might need to put some things in storage.  Read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Johnny, come here. Please store these old books up in the attic.
Kid:  I'm scared because it's so dark up there.
Michiko:  No, we have a light up there.
Kid:  The light bulb blew out last year, remember?
Michiko:  Just bring a flashlight.
Kid:  What about all the cobwebs and rats?
Michiko:   Don't be afraid.

In America, people like to keep old things in the attic.  They store such things as old trophies,  furniture, and memorabilia.

You can use sentences like these:

"Please store these old books up in the attic"

"Please put these old photos up in the attic."


Sometimes there are a lot of insects in the basement or attic.  People try to get rid of these pests by setting traps or putting out poison.





Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko:  I need to spray some pesticide.
Kid:  Let's put out some poison!
Michiko:  No, that's too messy.  I might set some traps.
Kid:  That'll kill all of them. Hey, here's some old poison.
Michiko:  What's the expiration date on that?
Kid:  It's June 20, 1989.
Michiko:  It's too old.  We can't use it.

Now, listen to the different ways to get rid of pests:

"I 'll set traps"

"I 'll put poison out"

"I 'll spray pesticide"







Pesticide is chemicals used to kill pests.  If you want to kill insects, you can use insecticide.

Read this next conversation in the yard:

Michael:  Polly, will you help me mow the lawn?
Polly:  Yes, what can I do?
Michael:  You can pick up all the big rocks and sticks that are in the way.
Polly:  What for?
Michael:  So the lawn mower blade doesn't get ruined.

In this conversation, the father asked the child to help him mow the
lawn.  The lawn is the part of your yard that has grass.  Read this
example sentence:

"Will you help me mow the lawn?"





It's important to wear long pants and shoes while you are working in the yard.

Read this conversation:

Michiko:  It's so hot working outside.
Michael:  Well, you need to protect yourself from insects and flying objects.
Michiko:  What if I don't want to wear long pants?
Michael:  Then you can use insect repellent on your legs and arms.
Michiko:  What's that?
Michael:  It's chemicals that makes insects stay away from you.

When you go to a store to buy insect repellant, you can ask this question:

"Where can I find insect repellent?"


Another thing that you might want to do to your yard is pull out weeds. To weed the yard means to pull out all the weeds.  Read these example sentences:

"Please weed the yard"

"Please pull out all the  weeds"


After weeding, you might want to get rid of all the leaves in the yard. Read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Here, have a glass of lemonade.
Michael:  Ahh, that hits the spot!
Michiko:  What are you going to do now?
Michael:  I'm going to rake the leaves.  I'll need some big plastic garbage bags and some twisters.

Did you notice that when the man drank the lemonade, he said:

"That hits the spot!"


This is a slang that means it satisfied you.  Another way to say the
same thing is:

"That was refreshing!"


People like to collect all kinds of junk  so spring cleaning is the time to sort through all of it.  Many of the things need to be thrown away.  There are several ways to say "throw away."  Read these example
sentences:

"throw it out"

"toss it"

• 1994health_club2.mp3
• 1994health_club3.mp3
• 1994health_club4.mp3
• 1994health_club5.mp3
• 1994health_club1.mp3

Now, let's get started by  reading this conversation at the health club:

Worker:  Hi, can I help you?
Customer:  Yes, I'd like to be a member.
Worker:  All right, come into my office and we'll sign you up.
Customer:  Is there an initiation fee?
Worker:  Yes, it's $250.
Customer:   And how much is the monthly fee?
Worker:  It's $45 a month.  Now, here's the application, please fill out the lines  that I put an x next to.

The first thing that you have to do is tell them you want to be a member.  Read these example sentences:

"I'd like to be a member"

"I want to join this club"


The first kind of payment is the initiation fee.  This is the first fee you pay when you join something.   Read these example sentences:

"How much is the initiation fee?"

"How much is the monthly fee?"


Usually the club will make you fill out an application and you will have to read the contract.  Here are some common questions you might want to ask:

"How do I stop my membership?"

"How can I pay the club?"

"What kind of facilities do you have?"


Now, let's read this next conversation as a worker gives customer a tour of the the gym:

Worker:  Let me show you around the gym.  This is the weight room. The women have a weight room upstairs.
Customer:  So this area is only for men?
Worker:  No, women can work out here too.  It's just that some women   like to work out alone.
Customer:  What are the best times to come?
Worker:  After 5 is probably the busiest because everyone comes after work.  Here are our two racquetball courts,  aerobics room, massage room, and locker rooms.

Read these example sentences:

"What are the best times to come?"

"When is the worst time to come?"





Now read this next conversation as Michiko learns how to use the spa.

Michiko:  Can I ask you some questions?
Michael:  Sure, go ahead.
Michiko:  What is this machine for?
Michael:  This machine is for the front part of your thighs.
Michiko:  How do you use it?
Michael:  First adjust the weights, then sit down.  Put your feet under this bar and lift it up straight.





If you want to ask someone some questions, you can say:

"Can I ask you some questions?"


You could also say:

"May I ask you some questions?"

or

"Would you mind if I asked you some questions?"


When you do aerobics, women use a special kind of clothing called a leotard.  Then they wear tights on their legs.

Read this conversation during aerobics.

Instructor: All right, 1, 2, stretch those arms!
Michiko: I think I'm going to die. These exercises are killing me!
Tracy: Hang in there.  You can do it!
Michiko:  Whew!  We made it!  Let's check our pulses.
Tracy: It's 132.
Michiko: Mine is 135.  That was a good workout for us.

In this conversation, Michiko mentioned that she thought she was going to die.  This is a figure of speech that means that she's so tired she feels like she will actually die.  You can also use the word kill. Read these example sentences:

"I think I'm going to die"

"These exercises are killing me"


After they finished their workout, they checked their pulses.  A pulse is the same thing as a heartbeat.  Read these example sentences:

"Let's check our pulses"

"Let's take our pulses"







Now, read this conversation while two people are doing aerobics:

Michael:  I'm really glad we joined the gym.
Michiko:  Yeah, I feel a lot more healthy than before.
Michael:  Ow!!
Michiko:  What happened?
Michael:  I think I pulled a muscle.
Michiko:  You'd better go to a doctor.  It could be a serious injury.
Michael:  You're right.  I feel foolish for overdoing it.

In this conversation, Michiko said:

"I feel a lot more healthy than before."


When you join a health spa, be careful to go slowly if you're not used to exercising.   Anytime you try to do too much, you can overdo it. Read these example sentences:

"Don't overdo it"

"I hurt myself by overdoing it"







There are many ways to injure yourself.  You have to be very careful when exercising.

Read another conversation at the health club where Michael is trying to use a new machine:

Michael:  Excuse me, are you using this?
Michiko:  Yes, but I'm taking a break.  Why don't you go ahead.
Michael:  Thanks.  Am I doing this right?  I feel funny.
Michiko:  Looks like you're doing O.K.
Michael:  I  feel awkward.  What am I doing wrong?
Michiko:  I don't know.  Why don't you watch me, and I'll show you how.
Michael:  Oh, I see.  I wasn't using my legs enough.  Thanks for your help.
Michiko:   Sure, no problem.

Michael didn't know how to use the machine so he expressed his feelings.   Let's practice these sentences.  Read these example sentences:

"I feel funny"

"I feel awkward"


Then he asked questions about whether he is right or wrong.  Read these example sentences:

"Am I doing this right?"

"What am I doing wrong?"







Now, read this conversation after exercising:

Michael:  Do you have an extra towel?
Michiko:  Yes, I just happened to bring an extra one today.
Michael:   May I borrow it?  I forgot mine.
Michiko:  Yes, of course you may.
Michael:  I'll be sure to wash it and give it back to you tomorrow.
Michiko:  There's no hurry.

In this conversation, Michael forgot to bring a towel.  Read these example sentences:

"Do you have an extra towel?"

"I just happened to bring an extra one"


So when you borrow something, be sure to first thank them and tell them when you will return it.   Read these examples:

"I'll give it back to you as soon as possible"

or

"I'll return it to you tomorrow."


Another part of a health club that people enjoy is the massages.  Read this conversation:

Michael:  I'd like to get a massage, please.
Michiko:  Where does it hurt?
Michael:  I ache all over.
Michiko:  Don't worry I'll get all the knots out.
Michiko:  How does that feel?
Michael:  Great.  I feel as relaxed as jelly.

Sometimes when you get a massage, you only hurt in one area.  At other times you hurt all over.  Read these example sentences:

"I ache all over"

"It hurts all over"


If you work too hard and have stress, your body might tighten up. Those are called knots.  For example:

"Please get all the knots out"


In the conversation, the masseuse asked the customer how he felt.  He replied:

"I feel as relaxed as jelly."

• 1994hair_care4.mp3
• 1994hair_care5.mp3
• 1994hair_care1.mp3
• 1994hair_care2.mp3
• 1994hair_care3.mp3

Let's begin by reading this opening conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, do you go to a beauty salon?
Michiko:  I go to one near my work place.  It's right around the corner from my office.  The prices are reasonable and the location is convenient.

When you need to make an appointment at a beauty shop or barber shop, the easiest way is to use the telephone.  You can use the phone to make an appointment at the doctor's or dentist's office too.  If you need to make an appointment for a haircut you can use one of these sentences. Read these example sentences:

"I'd like to make an appointment for a haircut"

"I'd like to make an appointment to cut my hair"


Also, if you know the name of your hair stylist, you can ask for them by name.  For example:

"I'd like to make an appointment with Sarah"


You may also want to perm your hair.  Perm is short for permanent.  In that case you would say:

"I'd like to make an appointment to perm my hair."


If you really like the way someone cuts your hair, you can ask for them again.  So after you ask for an appointment, the receptionist will respond with the time and date for the appointment.  Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Hello, Gina's hair salon.
Gina:  Hi, I'd like to make an appointment with Stacy to cut my hair.
Michael:  All right.  Hmmm.  She's a little busy this week though.
Gina:  What is the earliest available time?
Michael:  We have an opening on Thursday, the 7th, at 2 o'clock. Is that OK for you?
Gina:  Yes, that will be fine.

If you want to get your hair done as soon as possible, you can ask this question:

"What is the earliest available time?"


What would you say if you can't make it at that time?   Read this next
conversation:

Michael:  We have an opening on Thursday, the 7th, at 2 o'clock. Is that OK for you?
Michiko:  I'm sorry, I can't make it then.  Do you have anything in the morning?
Michael:  Yes, we do.  How about Friday, the 8th, at 10 o'clock?
Michiko:  That's great.  Thank you.

So if you can't make it on the first time they give you, keep trying. If they don't have any time that you like, you can keep on trying to find a good time for you both.

For example, you can ask:

"Do you have anything in the morning?"


Read this example conversation:

Michiko:  We have an opening on Monday morning?  Is that OK for you?
Michael:  I'm sorry, I can't make it at that time.
Michiko:  How about Tuesday morning?
Michael:  No, that's no good either.

Sometimes, people say "beauty shop" and sometimes "beauty salon". 
At　other times, people say "beauty parlor".


Read this next conversation:

Michael:  I'm going to wash your hair now.  Put your head back. Is that OK?
Michiko:  No, my neck is a little sore
Michael:  There.  Is that better?
Michiko:  Yes, that's much more comfortable.
Michael:  Is the water too hot?
Michiko:  No, it's just right.





When you get a shampoo, you will have to go to a special chair next to a sink.  At that time, you will have to lean all the way back.   The hairdresser also asked if the water was too hot.





Sometimes people go into the beauty parlor just to trim their hair. At other times, people want to cut off a few inches.  It's up to the customer to tell the hairdresser exactly what they want.

Read these examples sentences:

"Could you cut off two inches please?"

"I'd like a trim please?"


If you have split ends, you can say:

"Just trim off the split ends, please."


Split ends are when the ends of your hair begun to split.  This means that the hair is damaged.  Now, what would you say to the hairdresser if you wanted them to cut only your bangs?  Read these example sentences:

"Could your trim my bangs please?"

"Just trim my bangs, please"

"I'd like my bangs trimmed please"


If you are afraid that the hair stylist will cut your bangs too short you can say:

"Don't cut my bangs too short"


If you want to compliment someone on their hair, you can use one of these sentences:

"That's a nice haircut.  Where did you get it done?"

"Your haircut looks good.  Which barber shop did you go to?"


There are two popular ways to cut the back of your hair.  You can taper the hair so that it gradually gets longer.  Or you can have a  block cut which means to cut the hair straight across.

Read these example sentences:

"Could you taper it, please?"

"Could you give me a block cut please?"


Now read this conversation at the barber shop:

Michiko:  Hello, Michael.  How would you like your hair cut today?
Michael:  I'll have the usual trim. But could you cut the back a little shorter today?
Michiko:  How would you like the back cut?
Michael:  Could you taper it please?
Michiko:  Sure can.





In this example, the barber knew the customer because she called him by name.  The man wanted the same style of haircut.  Read these example sentences:

"I'll have the usual trim"

"I'd like the same style I have now, but shorter"


Every barber is different so they might ask you different kinds of questions.   Read these example sentences:

"I usually part it on the right side"

"I part it in the middle"

"Could you part it on the left side please?"


Some people don't even go to the barber shop because they can have their hair cut at home.





Read this conversation where a Mother is cutting her little boy's hair.

Mother:Come here Johnny.   It's time for a haircut.  I'm going to cut your hair.
Johnny:  Oh, no.  I don't want a haircut.
Mother:  But you have to.  If you don't get a haircut, you'll look like a  hippie.
Johnny:  It's not that bad.
Mother:  Yes, it is.  Now come here and stop arguing with me.
Johnny:  Oh, all right.

You can always tell the barber if you would like to change something.  For example, if you would like to cut it shorter or trim something.





Read these example conversations:

Michiko:  I'm finished.  What do you think?
Michael:  Could you cut the back a little shorter.
Michiko:  Sure, no problem.

Michiko:  I'm all done.  How do you like it?
Michael:  It's great, but could you trim the bangs a little shorter.
Michiko:  OK
Michiko:  How's that?
Michael:  That's great.  Thank you.

Of course, if your hair is too short, there's nothing you can do about it.  Read this conversation:

Michiko:  How do you like it?
Michael:  It's  too short.  I'd like it longer next time.
Michiko:  But this length is very popular right now.  You look very stylish.

Sometimes friends will try to comfort you by saying:  "You'll get used to it."  What they mean is that you can't change it so you might as well live with it.

In the case of a bad haircut, they might say:

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

or

"Don't worry, it'll grow back."

• 1994funeral4.mp3
• 1994funeral5.mp3
• 1994funeral1.mp3
• 1994funeral2.mp3
• 1994funeral3.mp3

What do you do in an emergency?  Read this opening conversation:

Michael:  Lisa, there's been an emergency!  Your son had an accident and is in the hospital.  We have to get there right away!
Lisa:  Oh no, what happened?
Michael:  I don't know the details, but we should go there immediately!

Usually, if someone has an accident or is sick or the house is
burning, we call it an emergency.  The way to say that is:

"There's been an emergency!"





If there is an emergency, you should try to get to the hospital as soon as possible.   When you arrive at the hospital, you should ask the nurse where your relative or friend is.    There are different parts of the hospital reserved for certain kinds of patients.  For example, the ICU.  That stands for メintensive care unitモ.  This means that the people in there are very sick and might die. Read these example sentences:

"Excuse me nurse, what room is Jeff Foster in?"

"He's in ICU now and no visitors are allowed"


In very critical situations, only family members are allowed to see the patient. Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Did you hear about Jeff?
Michiko:  No, what happened?
Michael:  He passed away suddenly yesterday.
Michiko:  How did he die?
Michael:  We don't know.  He just fell over and his brother called the ambulance.  The paramedic tried CPR but he couldn't be revived.
Michiko:  Do you think he died from natural causes?
Michael:  Maybe not.  His family wanted to do an autopsy because it might have been food poisoning.

People die from a lot of different things.  They can die because of health reasons, natural causes such as old age, or unnatural causes such as being shot, poisoned, or strangled.  If you want to know the cause, you can ask:

"What did he die from?"

"How did he die?"

or

"Did he die from natural causes?"


If you suspect something was wrong, you could have an autopsy done. This is when a doctor or coroner examines the body to find out the cause of death.  Read this example sentence:

"They did an autopsy on him"


If  someone dies, you can comfort the relatives.  Read this short conversation:

Michiko:  Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother.
Michael:  Thanks.  At least he went quickly.
Michiko:  If I can do anything, just let me know.
Michael:  You're a good friend.

Some things you can say to a  person who has lost a loved one are:

"I'm sorry to hear about your brother."

or

"I'm sorry.  He was a good man."





If this is your first time in America, you might not know what to do
if you go to a funeral.  Read this next conversation:

Michiko:  I just heard about Billy's death and I want to go to his funeral.  Can I?
Michael:  Sure.  Didn't you read the obituary?
Michiko:  No, what did it say?
Michael:  It said friends may call from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at St.Paul's church.

Read these example sentences:

"I read about his death in the obituaries"

"I heard about his death by word of mouth"

"I heard about his death on the news"


What should you wear to a funeral?  In Hawaii, many people wear casual  attire or sometimes you may see aloha attire.  Casual means dress or  collared shirts, or dresses.  Aloha attire requires aloha printed clothes.  Read this next conversation.

Michael:  Michiko, how should we dress for the funeral?
Michiko:  Just dress casual.
Michael:  Do I have to wear black?
Michiko:  No, that's formal attire.

Read these example sentences:

"How should I dress?"

"What should I wear?"

"What's the attire?"


In this conversation, the woman said,

"It's up to you."


This means that it's your decision.

There are different ways to be buried.  Either in a "coffin" or "cremated".   A coffin is a  long wooden case.  Some people are buried in one of these.  Others choose to cremated.  That means to be burned to ashes.  Then the ashes are kept or thrown in the ocean.  Now, let's practice these sentences. Read these example sentences:

"She was buried in a coffin"

"He was cremated"





The funeral service can be at a church or mortuary.  What do people do at funerals?  They may sing a little, pay their respects to the deceased, and someone will give a eulogy.  A eulogy is someone talking about that person's life.  Let's read this converstation between two  people sitting next to each other at a funeral:

Michael:  Hi.  Are you a friend or relative of Billy?
Michiko:  I'm his aunt.  How about you?
Michael:  Billy and I worked at the same company.
Michiko:  Don't you think it's such a shame, to die that young?
Michael:  Yes, I heard that his family is taking it very hard.

There's one thing that you should never say to a family.  That's:

"It's a shame he died so young."


That will make them feel very bad because most people want to live as long as possible.  Here are some other sentences that have good intentions but might make the family feel worse:

"He's better off now in heaven."

"At least you have your other children."


When you don't know what to say, don't say anything.  A hug or a handshake can be more comforting than words.  Some families suffer and mourn more than others.  We say that they are taking it very hard.

Now, read this next conversation:

Tracy:  Sniff, sniff (Crying sounds and sad voice)  Hi Michael.
Michael:  Tracy, I really feel for you. My condolences to you and your family.
Tracy:   Thank you for your support.
Michael:  And if there's anything I can do, just let me know.

People try to comfort others with these phrases:

"I feel for you"

"My condolences to you and your family"





After the funeral service, if you choose to go to the burial, you will be given a small flag or a ribbon to put on your car.  The "pallbearers" take the coffin and put it in a "hearse".  When the body is buried, family members visit on special occasions such as memorial day or their birthday.  Most people leave flowers or other things such as pictures.  Now, read this next conversation:

Michael:  Those are beautiful flowers.
Michiko:  Thanks.  My late husband used to give me gardenias all the time.
Michael:  My wife used to love all kinds of flowers.  How long have you been a widow?
Michiko:  Oh, about 6 years now.  How are you holding up?
Michael:  It's been tough but I've had a lot of support from my family and friends.
Michiko:  That's good.





When a woman is married and her husband dies before her, she is called a "widow".  A man who outlives his wife is called a "widower".  If you talk about someone who died, you can say "late".   Let's practice those words.  Read these example sentences:

"I'm a widow"

"He's a widower"

"My late husband passed away last year"


After your loved one passes away, you will probably have a tough time. You'll need to be supported by someone or do something to get your mind off your loved one's death.   You can ask this question:

"How are you holding up?"


The man replied with this sentence:

 "It's been tough but I've had a lot of support from my family and friends"


When a person dies, their family usually gives away or throws away old belongings.  They might keep a few things for memories.  Sometimes people feel sad for a long time.  We call that "mourning or grieving."  Read this final conversation:

Michael:  How's Diana?  Is she all right?  I haven't seen her in months.
Michiko:  She's still grieving over Bob.
Michael:  Poor thing.  Let's go visit her.
Michiko:  O.K.

Read these example sentences:

"She's still grieving over Bob"

"She's in mourning for her daughter Sher

• 1994emergencies4.mp3
• 1994emergencies3.mp3
• 1994emergencies2.mp3
• 1994emergencies1.mp3
• 1994emergencies5.mp3

What do you do in those dangerous situations where you need to communicate a problem to someone?  For example, if you have just been robbed or attacked, how do you communicate with the police what happened?  Well, in our program this evening we will study what to do and what to say.


Have you ever  robbed or mugged?

Michiko: Excuse me, Michael. What's the difference between being robbed and mugged?
Michael: When you get robbed, someone just steals something but when you get mugged someone beats you up and then robs you.
Michiko:  Oh, I see.

There are lots of different ways to describe a robbery.  You can call it a robbery or a burglary or a theft.  Or you can say, someone broke into my house and stole something.   Let's practice those words:

"robbery"   "burglary"   "theft"   "break in"


What do you do when you discover there's been a robbery?





Read this conversation and find out.

Operator:  Hello, 911.
Michael:  Hello.  I'd like to report a robbery.
Operator:  Where?
Michael:  It's at the corner of Kapiolani and
Sheridan St at the First American Bank.
Operator:  What's your name?
Michael:  My name is Bill Williams.
Operator:  OK, we'll send someone over to check it out .


Read these example sentences:

"I'd like to report a robbery"

"There's been a robbery"

"Someone's robbing the store"


You could also say:

"There's been a burglary"

or

"There's been a break-in"


If you are witness to a crime, the operator will ask you your name and also where the robbery is taking place and what time.  You only need to give the information she asks for.





Now read this next conversation:

Operator:  Hello, 911?
Michiko:  Yes, I'd like to report a theft.
Operator:  OK, when did this happen?
Michiko:  I'm not sure.  I was gone from 9 to 5.  When I got home
after work, I discovered all of my jewelry missing and $500 in
cash from my purse.
Operator:  May I have your name and address.
Michiko:  My name is Michiko Miller  and I live on 986 Wilder Ave. in apartment 2B.
Operator:  OK, we'll send an officer over as soon as possible.

 
After you call 911,  a police officer will come to your house and ask you some more questions.  It's a good idea to get a piece of paper and write down everything such as the time, what was stolen and the approximate value of the stolen goods.  If a robbery is still in progress, then you have to tell the operator to hurry.  If the police are going the catch the thief, they have to hurry.   Read these example sentences:

"I'm being robbed right now"

"Could you send a policeman over here right away?"

"Please hurry"


When you describe someone, you should say their height and color of hair.  Also the color of skin and what kind of clothes they are wearing.

Now, read this conversation at the Police department:

Police:   Police, can I help you?
Michiko: Ive just been attacked and robbed!
Police:  Calm down.  Tell me what happened.
Michiko: I was walking through the park when three guys jumped on me.  I screamed and they took my purse and ran.

In this conversation, the woman said:

"I've just been attacked and robbed."


Of course the police will want to know all of the other information such as your name, address and when and where the attack happened. Now, listen to this short conversation:

Police:  Could you tell me what happened.  Try to be as brief as possible.
Michiko: I was sitting on the beach and some man came up behind me and grabbed my bag.
Police. What did he look like?
Michiko: He was a haole, about 5 foot 8, with dark brown hair.

Besides robberies, people often need the police in situations such as being in a car accident, noise disturbances, kidnapping or missing persons.





Read this conversation in which two people get in a car accident.

(Crash!)

Michael:  Are you crazy lady?!! Look at that huge dent in my fender!
Michiko:  You didn't put on your turn signal!
Michael:  You shouldn't have been following so close!
Michiko:  Here comes a policeman. Officer, please settle this.
Police:    All right, what happened here?
Michael:  This lady hit me from behind!  It was here fault.
Michiko:  He just turned so quicly that I didn't have enough time to brake.
Police:    OK, please exchange names, license plate numbers, and no-fault information.


There are both men and women in the police force,so you can just use the word "officer" because it's neutral.   Now, let's practice, everyone.  Read these example sentences:

"Officer, please settle this"

"Officer, please help us with this matter"


The officer will probably write a report and tell you what to do.  He will tell you to exchange names and other important information.  If your neighbors are making a lot of noise, or a big racket, you can call the police.  It's called a "noise disturbance."

Read this example sentence:

"I'd like to report a noise disturbance"


Fire has a certain fascination to us, especially for children.  One of the most common warnings of parents to their children is:

"Don't play with matches!"

or

"Don't play with fire!"


Let's read this conversation between a mother and her little boy.

Mother: Johnny, don't play with matches!
Johnny:  Why, mommy?
Mother: Because you might start a fire and the whole house might burn down.
Johnny: OK.  I won't play with matches.
Mother: Promise me you won't play with matches.
Johnny: I promise.





Children love to experiment and even though the little boy promised his mother that he wouldn't play with matches, there's a good chance he will.  Sometimes kids learn through a bad experience.  Let's practice.  Read these example sentences:

"Don't play with fire!"

"Don't play with matches!"


One thing you should notice is that fire is not a verb.

You can't say:

"The house will fire"

or

"You might get fire"


These sentences are not correct.  To make fire into a verb, you have
to add "to catch on".  Read these example sentences:

"The house might catch on fire"

"My house will catch on fir"


When you first see a fire, you should call 911 immediately.  Even if you aren't sure if there is a fire.  If your own house is on fire, you can say these sentences.  Read these example sentences:

"My house is on fire"

"There is a fire in my house"

"My house is burning"