• 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."

• 1994gifts3.mp3
• 1994gifts4.mp3
• 1994gifts5.mp3
• 1994gifts1.mp3
• 1994gifts2.mp3

Usually on a person's birthday, friends and family will give them a gift and a card.  Children always look forward to their birthdays because they might get a lot of gifts.  Of course when you get older, birthdays are not so important.  As an adult, you might not receive as many gifts.  But usually, you will still receive cards from your family and close friends.  Read this opening conversation between two children:

Michael:  What are you going to get Dad for his birthday?
Michiko:  I don(t know.  How about you?
Michael:  Well, I can't get him a tie.  I got him one last year.
Michiko:  And you can't get him socks either.  You got him a pair two years ago.
Michael:  Hey, I know.  Why don't we buy him something together.
Michiko:  That's a great idea.  Let's go to Liberty House and look for something together.
Michael:  I have a better idea.  Let's  go to JC Penneys.  It's more in my price range.
Michiko:  OK.

Finding just the right gift for someone can sometimes be difficult.  Sometimes it's easier to buy something with someone else.  Read these example sentences:

"Why don't we buy something together?"

"Let's chip in and buy something together"


In the conversation above, they decided where to go shopping.  They wanted to go to a cheaper shop.  Read this example sentence.

"It's more in my price range"


Now, read this conversation at a birthday party:

Michiko:  Happy birthday, Mike.
Michael:  Thanks.  And thanks for coming to my party.
Michiko:  Here's a gift for you.
Michael:  Thanks for the gift.  I'll just put it on the table.
Michiko:  Wow, look at all of those presents.

Did you notice what Michael said?

He said:

"thanks" for the gift.

Of course he could have  said:

"Thank you"  or just  " Thanks"


Read these short examples:

Michiko:  Here.  I brought you a gift.
Michael:  Thanks for the gift.

Michiko:  Here.  This is for you.
Michael:  Thank you.

Michiko:  Here's your gift.  I hope you like it.
Michael:  I'm sure I will.  Thanks.

Giving and receiving gifts is fun.  But when should you give gifts and  what kinds of gifts are appropriate?  The answers to these questions will be different in every culture.  Last night, we talked about giving gifts on birthdays.  But there are other times when giving a gift is appropriate.  Of course the biggest gift giving time is at Christmas.  Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Hey Michiko, can I borrow some money?  
I'm really broke.  I spent all my money buying Christmas gifts.
Michiko:  Oh, really.  OK.  How much do you need?
Michael:  I just need a little money until my next pay check.
Michiko:  OK.  Here you are.  
Maybe you'd better start saving now for the trip to Japan.





People spend a lot of money for Christmas gifts.  In this conversation, Michael, needed to save money for traveling.   If you need to borrow money from someone, you can use one of these sentences. Read these example sentences:

"Can I borrow some money?"

"Would you lend me some money?"


In the conversation, Michael also said:

"I'm really broke"


That means, he doesn't have any money.It's not a good idea to loan money to people you don't know very well.  You might not ever get paid back.  Read this next conversation at a wedding reception:

Michiko:  Wow, look at all of these gifts.  I don't know where to begin.
Michael:  Why don't you open the big ones first and then the small ones.
Michiko: OK,  (sound of paper being unwrapped)  Wow, it's beautiful.  It a clock for the kitchen.  How did you know we needed a clock.
Frank:     I've been to your apartment before and there wasn't a clock anywhere.
Michiko: Thank you.

Watching people open gifts can be fun.  Before opening the gift, usually the couple will open the card and read it.  Then they will say who it is from.  When we give gifts to people, we try to remember what  they don't have or what they really need.  In the conversation above, she received a clock.  She said:

"How did you know we needed a clock?"






The man answered:

"I've been to your apartment before and there wasn't a clock anywhere."


There are lots of other events where you are expected to give gifts. For example at wedding showers and baby showers.  At baby showers, people usually give baby gifts like clothes or diapers or other baby things.  Of course, it's hard to buy clothes for the baby unless you know what sex the baby is going to be.   Some people don't have any preference.  In that case, they might say:

"Either one is fine"

or

"I'll be happy with a boy or a girl"






What are some other times when you might give a gift?

Michiko:  How about on Valentines day?
Michael:  Yeah, that's a good one.





Let's read this conversation between a father and his daughter.

Daughter:  Did I get any mail today?
Father:  Let me see.  Yes you did.  You got a letter from Anthony. Who's that?
Daughter:  Oh, that's just some boy at school. He plays the violin in the school orchestra.
Father: He must be a special friend because there are hearts all over this card.
Daughter:  Oh, he's just a friend.

Another important time to give gifts is on Mother's Day or Father's Day.  Now, let's read this conversation on Mother's Day:

Johnny:  Happy Mother's day.
Mother:  Thank you.
Johnny:  Here are some flowers.
Mother:  Wow, they're so beautiful.  I'll need something to put them in.  Can you go in the kitchen and see if you can find a vase?
Johnny: Sure.  I'll be right back. Here you are.
Mother: Thank you.
Johnny: Don't forget to read the card.
Mother: Oh, I almost forgot.  "To the best mom in the world.  Love Johnny."  I think I'm going to cry.





Usually people like to give flowers on Mother's day.  Along with the flowers, people usually give a card.  It's polite to read the card in front of the person giving you the gift.

People can give flowers on any occasion.  In the conversation above, Johnny gave his mother flowers.  She asked her son to find a vase to put them in. Now, let's practice, everyone.  Read this example sentence:

"Can you go in the kitchen and see if you can find a vase?"


There are many other situations where people give and receive gifts. One of the most important ones is for married couples.  Every year they celebrate the day they were married.  This is called an Anniversary.  Some couples like to go out for dinner on that day or maybe take a trip together.  Let's read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Do you know what today is?
Michael:  Sure.  It's Wednesday.  Why?
Michiko:  It's our anniversary.  How could you forget?
Michael:  Uh, hmm.  Oh, I didn't forget.  I was planning to surprise you.
Michiko:  Oh, really.  And what were you planning to surprise me with?
Michael:  That's a surprise.  I can't tell you.

Probably the worst thing you could do is forget your wedding anniversary because that day is so important.

On any special occasion, people may ask:

"Do you know what today is?"


In the conversation above, the husband forgot the wedding anniversary.

 At that time, the wife might use one of these sentences.  Read these
example sentences:

"How could you forget?"

"What were you planning to surprise me with?"





Each wedding anniversary has a special meaning and there are lists of
gifts to buy for each year.  For example, the first year is paper.  So
you should buy something made of paper.  Of course, the 25th is the
Silver Wedding Anniversary and the 50th is the Golden Wedding
Anniversary.

Now, read this final conversation:

Michael:  Thanks for all of the nice gifts.
Michiko:  It's no trouble.  We're sorry we couldn't get you more.
Michael:  No, these are great.

You know the old saying, "it's the thought that counts."  I know that although these gifts are small,  they are from the heart and so they are treasures to me.





If you can't buy an expensive gift, don't worry about it.  Sometimes,
the cheaper gifts have more value because they come from the heart.

• 1994fashion1.mp3
• 1994fashion2.mp3
• 1994fashion3.mp3
• 1994fashion4.mp3
• 1994fashion5.mp3

Many Americans like their eyes to stand out.  So they put on a lot of eyeliner and eyeshadow.  Eyeliner goes right over and under the eye. Eyeshadow fills up the eyelid, or the space between the eye and eyebrow.   Now, let's read this opening conversation:

Sarah:Do I look good in green eyeshadow?
Bob: Well, it doesn't really match your complexion.
Sarah:What color would look good on me?
Bob:  How about purple?
Sarah:How do I look now?
Bob: You look glamourous!  It really does something for you.

If you want the opinion of your friends on your eyeshadow, you can ask these questions.  Read these example sentences:

"Do I look good in indigo eyeshadow?"

"Does indigo eyeshadow look good on me?"


When women choose eyeshadow or lipstick, they want to make sure the color matches their complexion.  In the conversation above, the man said:

"It doesn't really match your complexion."


Then the woman asked:

"What color would look good on me?"


Now when you compliment someone and you don't know what to say, you can use this sentence:

"It really does something for you"


This means that either the color, style or material makes the person look better than normal.   Make-up doesn't stay on all day so women have to reapply it.  Now, let's read this next conversation:

Michael:  That movie was so romantic and sad.
Michiko:  Yes, I loved it!  I cried so much!
Michael:  Me too.
Michiko:  Is my make-up smeared?
Michael:  A little, right under your left eye.

In this conversation, the woman's  make-up came off because of her tears.  They asked each other about how they looked.   Read these example sentences:

"Is my make-up smeared?"

"Is my mascara running?"





Women are concerned about how they look.  They often go to make-up demonstrations or have a  make over. Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Where are you going today?
Michael:  I have an important business meeting at the Kahala Hilton.
Michiko:  And you're wearing that?  You look like you're going to a golf game!
Michael:  Why?  Don't these pants match this shirt?
Michiko:  No, it looks strange.  You'd better change that shirt.

In this conversation, the wife and husband were discussing the husband's clothes.  He wasn't sure if his pants matched his shirt. The wife said:

"You look like you're going to a golf game."


He was dressed appropriately for playing golf.  You can use this sentence for any occasion, for example:

"You look like you're going to a party."

or

"You look like you're going to a funeral."





Also, if you want to know if your clothing or accessories match, you can use one of these sentences.  Read these example sentences:

"Do these pants match this shirt?"

"Does this bracelet go with this outfit?"



   







When clothes are too plain and you want to add something to make them more fancy, we say:

"Dress it up"


Dressed up means someone is wearing nicer clothes than he or she normally does.  Don't get mixed up with "dressed up" and "dress it up."  Read both of them used in a short conversation:

Michael:  Wow, you're really dressed up today.
Michiko:  Yeah, this is an old outfit but I dressed it up with some nice accessories.
Michael:  Oh, so that's the secret.

Now, let's read this next conversation:

Wife:   I was looking forward to our dinner date all day today.
Husband:Me too, it'll be nice to be alone together without the kids.
Wife:  Do you like this dress?
Husband:  Yes, it's gorgeous.
Wife:  Honey, could you zip me up?
Husband:  It's kind of stuck.  Move your hair.  There, I got it.
Wife:  Thanks dear.
Husband:  Could you help me put on my tie?  I canユt do it right.
Wife:  Sure.

The wife and husband had to help each other dress because often formal clothes are hard to put on.  If you want to compliment someone, you can say one of these sentences:

"You look gorgeous"

"You look fantastic"

 or

"You look glamorous"





One problem many women have with their dresses is that they canユt  zip them up or fasten their buttons by themselves.  They may have to ask for help.  Read these example sentences:

"Could you zip me up?"

"Could you button me up?"

 or

"Could you button my dress for me?"


Men sometimes need help with their ties or shirts.  Men, you can use this question:

"Could you help me put my tie on?"


Sometimes, you might accidentally get a small stain on your clothes.

Read this short conversation:

Michael:  There's a small stain on your sleeve.
Michiko:  Is it noticeable?
Michael:  No, not really.


In this conversation, the woman was concerned about whether the stain was noticeable.  She said:

"Is it noticeable?"


She could also have said:

"Can you see it?"


Now, let's read this next conversation at the store:

Michael:  Hi, may I help you?
Michiko:  May I see those earrings?
Michael:  Yes, here you are.
Michiko:  Oh, they're clip ons.  Do you have any pierced earrings like this?
Michael:  Yes, here.  Opps, be careful, the backing almost fell off.
Michiko:  The post is 14 K gold?
Michael:  Yes, that's right.  How about this necklace to go with these earrings?  They match perfectly!
Michiko:  All right, I'll try it on. Could you help me with the clasp?

In this conversation, the woman was trying to put on some accessories at the shop.  Read these example sentences:

"How about this necklace to go with these earrings?"

"Could you help me with this clasp?"


Now, when you have dressed the right way, put on nice make-up then you are ready to learn be in a fashion show.

Read this conversation:

Rona:  Frank, we're going to be in a fashion show!
Frank:  Really?  What kind of fashion show?
Rona:    It's a fund raiser for the Women's Creative Crafts Organization.  We'll model vintage and hand sewn clothes.  Can I ask you to show me how to walk?
Frank:  Sure Rona, it's easy. First keep your back straight.
Rona:  Like this?
Frank:  Yes, but keep your shoulders back yet relaxed.
Rona:  How about my stomach?
Frank:  Pull your stomach in, and stick your chest out a little.
Rona:  I think I've got it, but what do I do with my arms?
Frank:  Just swing them naturally.
Rona:  All right, I've got it.
Frank:  Remember, don't slouch. You have a tendency to do that.
Rona:  O.K. keep reminding me.

One thing you shouldn't do when you walk or sit is slouch.  Slouch means to let your head and shoulders droop forward.  Another part of being a model is walking.  You can't walk too slow, too fast, or too bouncy.  Once you learn how to walk and be poised, you are all set for the fashion show.

Read this final conversation after the fashion show:

Michiko:  How was I?
Michael:  You were great- really natural.
Michiko:  I had butterflies in my stomach.
Michael:  I couldn't tell at all.  You did a fine job.

Read this example sentence:

"I had butterflies in my stomach"

• 1994driving_a_car3.mp3
• 1994driving_a_car4.mp3
• 1994driving_a_car5.mp3
• 1994driving_a_car1.mp3
• 1994driving_a_car2.mp3

Let's begin by reading this opening conversation:

Michael:  Boy, it sure is crowded today.
Michiko:  Yeah, there are a lot of cars out.
Michael:  Watch out for that cat!!
Michiko:  That was a close call.  I almost hit it.
Michael:  It was a good thing I was watching.
Michiko:  I have to pay more attention to my driving.
Michael:  That's O.K. everyone gets distracted once in a while.

In any kind of emergency, you don't have time to say a lot of words. You can just say:

"Watch out!"   or   "Look out!"


In the conversation above, did you notice that the woman said:

"That was a close call"


That means she almost hit the cat.   Another way to say the same thing is:

"That was a close shave"


When you are driving a car, you might have to honk your horn.  When you are a pedestrian, the only way to warn someone is by using your voice.  Parents also warn their children at home.

Read this conversation between two people in a car.

Michiko:  What's the fastest way to get to Kaneohe?
Michael:  Taking the freeway is a lot faster than going through the side streets.
Michiko:  I want to change lanes. Can you tell me when it's clear?
Michael:  Not yet.  A car is coming.
Michiko:  Can I go now?
Michael:  O.K. go fast.

When you want to go somewhere quickly, you can ask:

"What's the fastest way to get to Kaneohe?"

or

"What's the best way to get to Kaneohe?"


Many cars in America don't have a side view mirror.  A rear view mirror is required by law. When you change to a right lane it's kind of hard to see, so passengers can help the driver.  You can ask them:

"I want to change lanes"

or

"I want to get over"





Now that you have told them what you want, you can ask:

"Can you tell me when it's clear?"

"Is it clear?"

or

"Is it O.K. to change?"


If you are the passenger, you can answer by saying:

"Not yet.  A car is coming"

or

"Go ahead.  It's clear"


Now, read this next conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, do you have your driver's license?
Michiko:   Yes, I just got it 3 months ago.
Michael:  Who taught you?
Michiko:  My husband and a few friends.  I was glad I didn't have to go to driving school.

Remember that most Americans don't go to driving school so if you are curious about how they learned how to drive, you can ask:

"Who taught you?"

"How did you learn to drive?"

or

"Who taught you how to drive?"


Now when you have gotten your permit and practiced driving, it is time to take the road test.  You can either go to the police station very early or make an appointment.





Now, read this conversation as woman makes an appointment.

Police:  Hello, may I help you?
Michiko:  Yes, I'd like to make an appointment to take the road test.
Police:  Is Wednesday at 9:30 o.k.?
Michiko:  I'd prefer to have something in the afternoon.  Are there any openings after 12?
Police:  There's an opening at 2:30 on Thursday.  Is that all right?
Michiko:  Yes, that's fine.

The main thing to remember from this conversation is how to ask to take the road test.  You can use one of these questions:

"I'd prefer to have something in the afternoon"

or

"Are there any openings after 12?"





Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Well, today is the day!
Michael:  Are you ready?
Michiko:  I think so.  I've been practicing for months!
Michael:  Do you have everything you need?
Michiko:  Yes, I have my permit, no-fault insurance, and proof of registration for  the car.  Do I need anything else?
Michael:  No, I don't think so.
Michiko:  I'm jittery.
Michael:  There's no need to be nervous.  You're ready!  Just do your best!





When you take a road test you will need to have three things;  your driving permit, your no-fault insurance and proof of registration for the car you will be using. In this conversation, the woman mentioned that she was jittery.  That mean nervous.  Read these example sentences:

"I feel nervous"

or

"I feel jittery"


Before someone takes the test, you can wish them well by saying:

"Good luck! "

or

"Do your best!"


Once you get a driver's license you can drive anywhere.  There's one thing that most people have problems with; It's parking! Let's read this next conversation between two people looking for a parking space.

Michael:  Michiko, keep your eyes open for a parking space.
Michiko:  That lady looks like she's leaving.
Michael:  Why don't you ask her?
Michiko:  Excuse me, are you leaving?
Lady:       No, I just came.
Michiko:   O.K. thanks.
Michael:  I see another space on the other side.  Let's drive around.
Michiko:  Oh no, someone was already waiting for it.
Michael:  Should I just wait here?
Michiko:  Yeah, something should open up.
Michael:  There's a guy pulling out right over there!
Michiko:  All right, Michael!  We finally got a space.

In this conversation, Michael told Michiko to keep her eyes open for a parking space.  That means to look for one.   Read that sentence again:

"Keep your eyes open for a parking space"


It is common to try to follow people who are walking in the parking lot.  But sometimes you can't be really sure if they are leaving, arriving, or just putting packages in their car.  So you can ask :

"Excuse me, are you leaving?"

or

"Are you going?"





Now if you were the person to whom the question was asked you could respond by saying:

"No, I just came"

or

"Yes, I'm leaving"


Read these example conversations:

Michael:  Excuse me, are you leaving?
Michiko:  No, I just came.

Michael:  Are you going?
Michiko:  Yes, I'm leaving.

In this conversation, Michael noticed that a car was pulling out. That means that a car was coming out of a space.  "Pulled in" means to drive in.  Read these example sentences:

"Mother just pulled into the parking space"

"There's a guy pulling out right over there"






When you are a passenger or driver in a car there may be certain requests that you might want to make.  Read this conversation and see how many requests you can hear:

Michael:  I'll give you a ride home, Michiko.
Michiko:  Thanks. Could you turn the air conditioner off?  I'm a little cold.
Michael:  Can I open the window?
Michiko:  Sure.  Then I can smoke.
Michael:  Would you mind not smoking in the car?  The smell stays for a long time.
Michiko:  I'm sorry, I didn't know you quit smoking.
Michael:  Oh, it's starting to rain.
Michiko:  Could you roll up your window?  I'm getting wet.
Michael:  Here's your house.  Oh, and by the way be sure to slam the door because last time you didn't shut it well.
Michiko:  O.K. thanks for the ride.

There were 5 requests in this conversation.  Read them again:

"Could you turn the air conditioner off?"

"Can I open the window?"

"Would you mind not smoking in the car?"

"Could you roll up your window?"

"Be sure to slam the door"