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People have different interests as they get older.  Let's take a look at some of the most common interests of the middle-aged and senior citizens.  Read this conversation between a husband and wife:

Michiko:  What would you like to do tonight?
Michael:  I worked like a dog today so I think I'd like to just stay home.
Michiko:  That's fine with me.  I think I'll read a book.
Michael:  I think I'll watch some TV and unwind.  It's been a stressful day.
Michiko:  It feels great to relax after a busy day, doesn't it?
Michael:  It sure does.

Both the husband and wife wanted to relax.  There are some sentences you can use if you want to relax.  Read these example sentences:

"I just want to relax"
"I just want to unwind"
"I just want to take it easy"


Working on the job sometimes gives people stress.  Some jobs are worse than others but everyone experiences stress at one time or another. Read this conversation between a husband and wife:

Joe:  Hey, Nancy.  Let's go running.
Nancy:  Why?  Aren't you exhausted?
Joe:  Yes, but running relieves my stress.
Nancy:  I have a different way to relieve stress.
Joe:  What's that?
Nancy: Sleeping.
Joe:  Come on.  Running is good for you.  Why don't you try it?
Nancy: OK, I'll try it but you have to run really slow.
Joe:  I always run slow.

One way to relieve stress is through regular exercise.  Read these example sentences:

"Running relieves my stress"
"Running takes away my stress"


Some people take away their stress in other ways like swimming or walking.  For example, swimming or walking.

Health becomes more and more important for people as they get older. Besides playing sports, older people sometimes like to collecting things.





Read this next conversation:

Old Woman:  What kinds of collections do you have?
Old  Man:   I collect coffee mugs and spoons.
Woman:  When did you start collecting them?
Old Man:  I started collecting them about 5 years ago after I made a trip to the mainland.  Now I have over 100 mugs and 60 spoons.
Old Woman:  Where do you keep your collection?
Old Man: I keep it in the basement.
Old Woman:  That must take up a lot of space.
Old Man: That's OK.  I have a big basement.

Some people have more than one collection.  The old man's collection was fairly large.  It took up a lot of space.   Let's practice.  Read these example sentences:

"That must take up a lot of space"
"That must take up a lot of room"


Sometimes, it's hard to get rid of things because they have alot of memories.  You might say they have a lot of sentimental value.

Now, read this conversation:

Michiko:  Why do you have so many collections, Michael.
Michael:  I just can't throw these things away.  They have so many good memories.
Michiko:  It looks like a lot of junk to me.
Michael:  Junk, no way.  This is valuable stuff.
Michiko:  OK, I'll start calling you Michael the "pack rat".

Children like to collect things, like baseball cards or stamps or even stickers.   Read these example sentences:

"I like collecting stamps"
"What are your hobbies?"


　　


Michiko:  Did you ever collect things  when you were a kid, Michael?
Michael:  Yes, I used to collect old army things like medals or buttons or even old bullets.
Michiko:  Why did you collect those things?
Michael:  Because I wanted to join the army when I became older.

The things that children collect are usually cheap or inexpensive because kids don't have much money.   Another question that people might ask about a collection is:

"How many do you have in your collection?"


Of course you could use this sentence for other things.  For example:

"How many stamps do you have in your collection?"


Some children like to collect things they can find outside like bugs or geckos or snakes.  These small pests can sometimes scare the mother.  Read this conversation:

Kid:  Look what I found mom?
Mom:  What is it?  Oooh, Yuck,  don't bring that in the house.
Kid:  Why?  He's not hurting anything.  Besides, he eats all  kinds of bugs and cockroaches.
Mom:  Well, you can't just let him run loose.  Find a jar and put him in  it.  Make sure you put some holes in the lid or he'll die. Kid:  OK, thanks mom.





Now we are going to talk about interests for adolescent boys and girls.  Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood. Let's read this conversation between a mother and her adolescent son:

Mom:  How was your day, son?
Son:    It was OK.
Mom:  Did anything interesting happen?
Son:  No, it was a normal boring day.

In this conversation, the son gave short answers to his mother's questions.  This is normal for children between the ages of 12 and 20. Teenagers sometimes don't feel like talking to their parents.  We call this stage in life, adolescence or puberty. Read these example sentences:

"Johnny is going through puberty"
"Johnny is going through adolescence"


One thing that almost every teenager  enjoys is music.  The only problem is, they sometimes play the music too loud.  Read this conversation:

Sister:    John, will you turn that music down please?
Brother:  What did you say?  I can't hear you.  The music is too loud.
Sister:    I said turn it down.
Brother:  But I like it loud.
Sister:    How can you stand it so loud?
Brother:  It relieves my stress.
Sister:    Well, it doesn't relieve my stress.  In fact, it gives me stress.

Read these example sentences:

"Will you turn that music down please?"
"Could you turn it down please?"





Teenagers enjoy being a part  of the group.  They want to fit in because if they donユt, they will be left out.  They want to have the same hairstyle, shoes, clothes and other things.  Read this conversation between a mother and her son while shopping.

Mom:  John, this shirt would look terrific on you.
John:  No way, that's really out!
Mom:  What do you mean out?
John:  It's out of fashion.
Mom:  How about these jeans?
John:  They look too new.  I'll have to make some holes in them.
Mom:  I'll never understand teenagers.

In this conversation, the son said:

"No way.  That's really out."

He means that the clothes are old fashioned or out of style.  Whenever something is in that means that it's in fashion or popular.  Read these example sentences:

"This shirt is in"
"These pants are out"

Read this next conversation:

Billy:  Let's play kickball.
Timmy:  No, I don't want to.  Dodgeball is better.
Billy:  I bet you're scared.  Let's have a jumprope contest instead.
Timmy:  OK.  The loser has to buy the winner a candy bar.
Billy:  You're on.  By the way, do you have a jumprope?
Timmy:  Of course but it's in my house.  I'll go get it.  Don't go away.
If you ever happen to be walking by a children's playground, you may
hear them saying:

"I bet……."

For example:

"I bet you're scared"

Most children enjoy riding bicycles or playing sports.  As a parent or teacher, you should tell them to be careful.  Read this conversation:

Kid:  Mommy, can I go outside and ride my bicycle?
Mom: No, I'm sorry.  It's too dark.
Kid:  Please, I'll be careful.
Mom: OK, but make sure you look both ways before crossing the street.
Kid:  I will.  Thanks, mom.

It's OK for parents to tell their children メnoモ but itユs a good idea
to give the reason why.

Here are some other examples. Everyone listen and repeat after me, everyone:

Kid:  Can I have a candy bar?
Dad:  No, it's too close to dinner time.

Kid:  Can I go outside and play?
Dad:  No, it's raining too hard.  You   might catch a cold.

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If you meet a disabled person, you can ask about their handicap but you have to be polite about it.  You should only ask if the other person feels comfortable.  Some people may not even want to talk about it.  You could say:

"May I ask a personal question?"


If you think they are willing to answer, you can ask one of these questions:

"May I ask what happened to your arm?"

"If you don't mind, can I ask what happened to your right leg?"


Now, read this next conversation:

Osamu:  Hi Michiko, how are you?
Michiko:  I'm fine, how about you?
Osamu:  I'm not doing too good.  I'm having a tough time getting around because of my leg.
Michiko: If you don't mind, can I ask what happened to your right leg?
Osamu:  I was involved in a fishing accident and had to have it amputated.
Michiko:  Oh, I'm so sorry.

Did you notice that the man said his leg had to be amputated?  This means that he had to have it removed. Read this example sentence:

"I had to have my right leg amputated"


Some people have handicaps because of an accident.  In the earlier conversation, the man said that he was in a fishing accident.  If you don't want to be specific you can just say:

"I was in an accident."


Some people were born with physical handicaps. That means they've had their handicap all their lives.  Read these example sentences:

"I was born with this handicap"

"I've had this all my life"


You may see someone who seems to be in trouble.  It would be nice if you offered to help them.  Read this conversation between a blind woman and a kind stranger:

Michael:  Can I give you a hand?
Michiko:  Just let me lean on you, don't grab my arm.  I need a guide.
Michael:  Am I doing it right?
Michiko:  Yes, you've been a big help.  Thank you very much.





When you see someone having trouble getting around you can say several different sentences.  For example:

"Can I give you a hand?"

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

or

"May I help you?"


If you want to express your thanks for someone helping you, you can say these sentences.  Read these example sentences:

"You've been a big help"

"Thank you very much"


Now read this conversation in an elevator:

Michael:  Please hold the door.
Michiko:  You just made it.
Michael:  Yeah, thanks.  Are you going up or down?
Michiko:  Down.  What floor?
Michael:  Second floor, please.
Michiko:  Go ahead, I'll hold the door for you.
Michael:  Thank you.

In this conversation, the man was a handicapped person.  If there is someone older or handicapped you should let them go before you.  You can just say:

"Go ahead"


If they are handicapped and need a little extra time getting out, you could say:

"I'll hold the door for you"





Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, did you hear about Cindy?
Michiko:  No, I didn't.  What happened?
Michael:  She was in a car accident!
Michiko:  Is she all right?
Michael:  No, she's been hospitalized for two days.
Michiko:  What kind of injuries does  she have?
Michael:  She had a few broken ribs, bruises and cuts.
Michiko:  I'd better go visit her.
Michael:  Yeah, we can go together.

In this conversation, Michael said:

"She has been hospitalized for two days."


If somebody's been in the hospital, you would want to know what was wrong.  You can ask these questions.  Read these example sentences:

"What kind of injuries does she have?"

"How was she hurt?"


Now what do you say when you go to visit someone?  It might be kind of uncomfortable if you're not used to it.

Let's read a conversation at the front desk of a hospital:

Receptionist: Hi, may I help you?
Visitors:  Yes, What room is Cindy Barnard in?
Receptionist:  Let's see.  She's in room 201.
Visitors:  Thank you.  What are the visiting hours?
Receptionist:  Visitors are allowed from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Visitors:  What time is it now?
Receptionist:  It's 8:35.
Visitors:  Oh, I don't have much time, do I?
Receptionist:  Not really.
Visitors:  O.K. thank you.

When you go to see a friend in the hospital you may want to know where your friend is.   Read these example sentences:

"What room is Cindy Barnard in?"

"Where can I find Cindy Barnard?"


Another question you might need to know is how long you can stay. You can ask this question:

"What are the visiting hours?"


At a hospital, you should ask about the visiting hours.  If you say, What time are you open?  that would sound funny.  When you have found the room you can go up to visit the patient.   Patients in the hospital are there because they have various injuries and illnesses.

Read this example sentence:

"She had bruises and cuts from the accident"


When people are in the hospital they are there to rest or recuperate. So you should ask the patient if it's a good time to visit.  They may not want to be bothered because they are either tired or in pain. Now, read this conversation:

Michael:  Hello Cindy, is this a good time to visit?
Cindy:  Yes, come in.
Michael:  How are you feeling?
Cindy:  Not so good.  My body aches all over.
Michael:  I was really shocked to hear about your accident.
Cindy:  Yeah, I can't believe it either.  It happened so fast.
Michael:  So how are you recuperating?
Cindy:  My injuries are healing slowly.
Michael:  Wow.  We'll be pulling for you. Cindy:  Thanks.


In this conversation, the friend said:

"Is this a good time to visit?"


If they say "yes", then of course, you will ask how they are feeling. Now, let's practice.  Read this example sentence:

"Is this a good time to visit?"


Sometimes, you might not know what to say to them.  You can tell them you are shocked or sad about their accident.

Here are some common phrases that people use:

"I was shocked to hear about your accident"

or

"I'm sorry to hear about your accident"


To recuperate is when your body is healed from injuries.  Read these example sentences:

"How are you recuperating?"

"How are you recovering?"


If you were the patient, you might say:

"My injuries are healing slowly"

or

"My injuries are healing quickly."





Usually people bring their own things to the hospital but they appreciate it if you bring them a book or something.  If the person answers vaguely, you can add the word "in particular."  This means you want to know specifically why they want.

Read this example conversation:

Michael:  I'd like some of my clothes.
Michiko:  Anything in particular?
Michael:  I want my blue sweater and purple pajamas.

Finally, when you get ready to go, you can use some of these sentences:

"Take care"

"Get well soon"

or

"Take it easy"


Read these example conversations:

Michiko:  Take care.
Michael:  You really cheered me
up.
Michiko:  Get well soon.
Michael:  Thank you for visiting me.

Michiko:  Take it easy.
Michael:  Thanks for coming by.

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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."

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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

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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"