Practice English Conversation

English Conversation

2010-07-26T08:08:00.003+05:30

Everyday English
Improve English through everyday English listening and English conversation.

I have written a detailed book English conversation for all occasions, to learn English as Foreign Language. These tutorials on English Conversation have been prepared from my well known book English conversation for all occasions, which I wrote for Indian students to practice English.
English Conversation for All Occasions is a unique spoken English book of its kind, specially written to help Indian students. A quick look at the titles of the lessons would convince the reader that the book has been prepared by visualizing all types of situational conversations, which he may confront in his daily activities. Whether one converses with his family members or moves about to mix in society, he will not feel tongue-tied for want of appropriate words or expressions. In a post office or barber’s shop, at a hotel or taxi stand, every person who has read this book, will be able to speak English fluently and with confidence.

Good knowledge and satisfactory conversation drill is important in English speaking. These tutorials would not only prove an asset to the reader speak English fluently in his daily life, but also on special occasions like interviews for jobs, etc. He would be able to face the interviewers with equanimity and confidence.

All the lessons have been designed in a programmed fashion. Word-meanings, Phrases and exercises have been added at the end of every lesson to help the students master the topics.

All the lessons should be read along, not once but many times, so that the conversation comes easy to the reader when he faces spoken English situations. The author would feel rewarded for his labours, if the book helps men and women to face social relations with confidence.

This Tutorial should help all those readers who find difficulty in speaking fluent English as well as pronunciation. This blog will be completed in 45 tutorials.

I am planning to convert this whole blog into a audio visual course. Any donation to finance this project, through PAYPAL, is welcome.

I also welcome suggestions,corrections,improvements,images. Please send them in the form of
comments

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English conversation-Answering the telephone

2009-09-10T19:34:00.000+05:30

Answering the telephone

Telephone ringing sound.

Telephone Operator is answering the telephone.

Telephone Operator: Rama’s store. Good morning.

Telephone caller: Is that Rama’s store.

Telephone Operator: Yes. Whom do you want to speak to?

Telephone caller: May I speak to Miss Annie.

Telephone Operator: In which department of marketing organization, does Miss Annie work.

Telephone caller: Miss Annie is working In department of general sales.

Telephone Operator Right, I’ll connect you to department of general sales.

Telephone Operator : Answering the telephone call from the department of general sales of Rama’s stores) yes sir.

Marketing Manager: Please get me Mr. Raman for Travel India

Telephone Operator: Do you know the Telephone number or I should find telephone number sir?

Marketing Manager: No. Please look up the phone numbers directory.

Telephone Operator: I’ll do that. I’ll call you back later.

phone numbers directory

finding telephone address from telephone number directory

There is another incoming telephone call.

Telephone Operator: Rama’s store. Good morning.

Telephone Caller: What is your telephone number please?

Telephone Operator: I am speaking from telephone Number 445689

Telephone Caller: Is it 454589?

Telephone Operator: No. Sir, You have the wrong phone number.

Telephone Caller: Sorry. But you are sure that you are not speaking from Ayurveda Drugs?

Telephone Operator: I am sure Sir

Telephone Operator Answering telephone call

Telephone Operator Answering incoming call.

Telephone Operator: now calls up Mr. Raman at Travel India. She dials telephone number 619434.

Travel India 619434

Telephone Operator from Rama’s store: Is that Travel India?

Travel India Yes.

Telephone Operator from Rama’s store May I speak to Mr. Raman. Mr.Kukreti from Rama’s store would like to speak to him.

Travel India: Just a minute please.

Telephone Operator from Rama’s Store (Ringing Mr.Kukreti) Your call to Mr. Raman of Travel India, Sir.

Travel India (Ringing the internal telephone of Mr. Raman) Sir; there is a call from Mr.Kukreti of Rama’s store for you.

Mr. Raman All right. Please put him on. (Click on the phone) Hello

Answering the Telephone

Mr.Kukreti Answering the telephone ,Hello Mr. Raman Kukreti from Rama’s store. How are you?

Mr. Raman well, thank you. What can I do for you Mr.Kukreti?

Mr.Kukreti I want an cheap first class ticket to Bangalore and return

Mr. Raman When do you want to travel By air India flight

Mr.Kukreti On Friday, 23^rd by the evening flight if that is possible.

Mr. Raman Right. I’ll check on that and give you a telephone call. Should I send airline ticket to your office?

Mr.Kukreti Yes, that will be nice. Incidentally, please bill the cost of the tickets to Rama’s store.

Mr. Raman I’ll do that. Thank you. Good bye.

Air travel ticket

The telephone board has two outside telephone lines. A sales girl is used to making long distance calls.

Salesgirl (Tapping the phone) please connect me to telephone 351476.

Telephone Operator Whose telephone number is that, Madam?

Salesgirl Friend, don’t be so sticky. This is a personal call

Telephone Operator I’ll put it through, but don’t take too long over it. Here is your phone number ringing now.

Salesgirl Hello? Please call Sujata from upstairs.

There is a long wait.

Answering Telephone call

Sujata Hello. Is that Bela?

Bela Yes. How was the bonus party?

Sujata All right.

Bela Then?

Sujata Then what? I’ll tell you about bonus party when we train to travel in the evening. What are you doing?

Bela Nothing much. What is home information?

Sujata I’m getting so bored sitting at home.

Telephone Operator (Interrupting the conversation). Please try to finish. I have lots of official calls to make.

Bela All right. Tell me about the movie trailer you saw day before yesterday?

Sujata I’ didn’t enjoy it at all.

Bela Why? The movie was a bad print ?.

Sujata No, My mother was in a bad mood, because one of the potatoes turned out to be rotten?

Bela What have potatoes got to do with the movie?

Sujata Nothing. But my mother was in bad mood over the potatoes.

Telephone Operator Please finish. I am disconnecting now.

An outside call comes in. Answering the telephone.

Telephone Operator Good morning, Rama’s store

Telephone Caller What is the matter with your telephone I’ve been calling your number for the last half an hour and it has been engaged all the time!

Telephone Operator Sorry Sir. The number may have been busy. May I help you, Sir?

Telephone Caller Well, hurry up and get me Mr.Kukreti.

Telephone Operator I’m sorry sir, he has just gone out.

Telephone Caller Yes, please tell him that there are no seats available on the Friday evening flight to Bangalore. We have booked him provisionally for Saturday morning. Please request him to confirm this new schedule.

Telephone Operator Are you Mr. Raman from Travel India? Right Sir. I’ll convey your message to Mr.Kukreti as soon as he comes in.

Telephone Caller Thank you.

Telephone Operator You are welcome sir.

English conversation-Lift to Supermarket

2009-09-03T22:23:00.003+05:30

Lift to supermarket

Reena after drop off at the Regal bus stop wanted a lift to supermarket. She is waiting for bus to supermarket & stops a passing car and hitch a lift to her place of work.

Reena (Thumbing down a car). Excuse me Sir,
Which direction are you going?

Car driver:Why? What do you want?

Reena I was wondering Sir, Whether you could. Very
kindly give me a lift?

Car driver: where do you want to go?

Reena: I want to go to supermarket.

hitching a lift to supermarket

Car driver:I am not going in that direction of supermarket, nor do I have the time to go out of my way to drop you.

Reena That’s all right then, sorry to have bothered you

Car driver:(Driving off and muttering under his breath). These girls these days! They just stop anyone hitching lift! Bhu! What cheek!

Reena (Stopping the next car). Excuse me sir, would you be going towards the super Market?

Car driver:Yes, that is on my way. Do you want a lift?

Reena Yes, thank you very much Sir.I am going for shopping at supermarket.

Car driver: Get in the car . The door is unlocked.

Reena (Getting into the car). It is very kind of you to give me a lift. Just drop me at the turning to the Super Market please.

Get in the car

Car driver:Do you always hitch a ride to get to any work?

Reena Yes I do hitch a ride quite often. You see the bus express, I take doesn’t take me, close enough to my place of work or supermarket.

Car driver:I can see that you have problem. Isn’t there another bus to which could drop you within walking distance of your place of work?

Reena Yes, I guess there is a bus to connaught place which goes a bit further than the bus I took today. But that bus comes very infrequently. So I find it easier and quicker to come by bus to Regal and then to take a lift to the Super Market.

Car driver:you’ve got to be very careful these days. It is very unwise to sit in a car with a stranger. How do you know that this unknown person may not kidnap you?

Reena I suppose you are right. There is some risk involved in thumbing a lift. But normally, I only stop the car with respectable elderly looking gentleman.

Car driver:Why don’t you make it a point to stop only women driver or cars which have women occupants?

Reena There is a difficulty in that. At this time there are very few women riding in cars. Another thing is that women drivers hardly ever stop to give lifts.

Car driver:How about the boys? Do they find it easier to hitch-hike? It is safer for them anyway.

Reena It’s the same for girls and boys. People tend to feel sorrier for a girl and are likelier to stop for a girl than for a boy. In experience, I’ve noticed that people give lift to two girls or two boys or a boy and a girl, that is, to two person at a time few people will seat four or five people in their cars.

Car driver:Well, here we are. This is the Super Market.

Reena Thank-you very much Sir.

Car driver:That’s all right. But do be careful about asking for lifts, will you?

Reena Yes Sir, I’ll do that. I’ll be cautious in future.

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English conversation - At flights airport

2009-09-02T21:02:00.002+05:30

At flights airport

Airport Porter

Ranjan has arrived at the flights airport to catch flight B A 201 to Calcutta.

Ranjan: porter ! Porter?

Porter: Yes sir. Only one bag? What flight and flights airlines sir?

Ranjan: Domestic travelto Calcutta.

Porter: This way sir. Please pay Re 10 for porterage at the airline ticket booking counter.

Porter: airline luggage counter One piece sir? Here is your travel baggage ticket?

Rajan (To the poter). Has the flight to Calcutta been called yet?

Porter Yes sir. Please stand in that line and wait for your turn.

Voice on the P.A. system your attention please. Calling all passengers traveling by Bharat Airlines Flight No.201 to Calcutta. Passengers are requested to check in travel baggage at the ticket counter. Thank you.

Man at the Ticket counter: your air ticket to Calcutta , sir. Please place your luggage suitcase on weighing machine . As per the airlines luggageregulations, baggage allowance is only 20 kg.

Ranjan: Where is the weighing machine..I have some excess baggage

Man at the Ticket counter Just at your right hand side. Thank you sir. Here is your excess baggage ticket, Do you have any hand baggage.

Ranjan Yes, one piece.

Man at the Ticket counter Here is a baggage tag for your hand baggage. Please keep theexcess baggage ticket carefully sir. You’ll require it to claim yourexcess baggage at Calcutta. Here is your flight ticket and your boarding card. Thank you. Next please.

Airport Ticket Counter

Ranjan sits on a couch in the waiting lounge.

Girl on the P.A. System All passengers traveling to Calcutta by Bharat Airlines flight No.201 are requested to proceed for airport security check. Thank you.

Ranjan (Inside the security check enclosure).

What do you want to check?

Security Inspector Are you carrying any fire arms or a pointed instrument?

Ranjan No i do not have any kind of fire arms.

Inspector (Feeling Ranjan all over). This is just routine, sir. We have to be careful about security , you know. What with all these hijackings going on.

Ranjan Yes, the newspapers are full of it these hijackings. I wonder how these people do it?

Airport Security Check

Inspector One cannot be too careful. Do you have any hand baggage ?

Rajan Yes, this attache

Inspector Please open it. Right, that is all. Here let me stamp your Boarding card. Thank you.

Ranjan passes through the security check enclosure and waits in another lounge After ten minutes.

Hand Baggage

Girl on the P.A.system Bharat Airlines Flight 201 to Calcutta is now ready for departure. Passengers are requested to proceed to the aircraft. Please keep your boarding cards ready.

Ranjan (To the passenger walking next to him). Excuse me sir, which is the aeroplane that we board?

Passenger The airport shuttle bus standing at the entrance will take us to the aircraft.

airport shuttle bus

Ground Hostess Good evening sir. May I see your boarding card, please? Thank you.

Ranjan Excuse me, where do I go?

Ground Hostess Please get into that bus

Ranjan (sitting in the Bharat Airlines bus, talks to his neighbour). I must say, I’ am most impressed with the efficiency of the Airlines. Air travel is so much more organized, faster cleaner than any other form of travel. Don’t you think so?

Fellow Passenger Yes. It certainly is the fastest way of getting from one place to another. I am a businessman. Very often I travel to Delhi by the morning plane, do my work in Delhi and then return to Calcutta by the evening flight.

Aeroplane moving towards runway

Ranjan Isn’t that wonderful? You can travel 20000 miles in a day and do a full day’s work as well.

Fellow Passenger Yes, but this business of Security check wastes so much time. Then the planes are not keeping to their correct timings. Sometimes it can be very frustrating and upsetting too.

Ranjan Here we are Sir. May I hold one of your luggage bags ?

Fellow Passenger No thank you I can carry my bag luggage. Thank you all the same for the offer.

flying aircraft

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English conversation - Men haircuts

2009-09-01T07:36:00.002+05:30

Men haircuts

Mr.Verma: goes to have his new haircut at a hairdressing salon in the business market near his house.

Mr.Verma: Good evening. I want a new haircut please.

Receptionist: Right Sir. Can you please sit in that salon chair?

Mr.Verma: Can you give me an oil massage, too?

Assistant Certainly Sir. It is a very good practice to massageone’s hair regularly. A gentle oil message helps to tone up the hair. It helps the blood circulation in the scalp.

Mr.Verma Ah! This is wonderful oil massage . So relaxing.

hairdressing salon

Assistant I notice you don’t wear your hair long? You have almost a short hair cuts.

Mr.Verma I don’t like this fad of men keeping long hair cuts.. These days one can’t make out the difference between a boy and a girl. In any case, all these long hair cuts are for the young and not for me.

Assistant But you are a young man yet, Sir!

Mr.Verma; You are quite diplomat, aren’t you?

Assistant; I think I’ll have to wash your hair first, before I cut it. Please bend forward. There you are. Do you want it dried before I cut the hair ?

Mr. Verma; What do you recommend ?

Assistant: May be, I’ll cut hair first and then dry it if necessary. How would then dry it if necessary. How would you like to have your hair cut. Sir?

wash your hair

Mr.Verma : Short haircut. You know one has to look dignified at my age?

Assistant: Right Sir. Do you want to use hair cleaner for your neck, too?

Mr.Verma Yes, You can start hair cutting Please.

Assistant (Finishing the haircut and holding up a mirror behind Mr.Verma). Is that all right, Sir?

Mr.Verma That’s fine. Thank you. I don’t think I need to have my hair dry, do you?

Assistant Perhaps, I’ll dry your hair with a hand dryer. It is cold outside and you might catch a chill.

hand dryer

Mr.Verma All right, young man.Use electric dryer. In olden days one never heard of hair dryers in a barber s shop.

Assistant These days everyone has to use a hair dryer, because the hairs are kept long. Long hair for men are set into shape with a electric dryer.

Mr.Verma :You would hardly be doing any business. Not many must be coming to have their hair cut.

Assistant On the contrary. Men with long hair have to send a lot of time in hair styling and they come to us often to have their hair washed, trimmed and set

Mr.Verma Do you dye hair, too?

electric dryer.

Assistant Yes, we do. For hair like yours, which are just beginning to turn grey, we recommend the use of henna (mehendi). This dyes your without any ill effects and is also a good conditioner .

Mr. Verma Mehendi or henna is a very old method of dying hair and was used by my grand parents.

Assistant To-day, the value of herbs lotions, oils, creams and beauty aids used by our grand mothers are being rediscovered. There you are, Sir. Your hair is all dry.

Mr.Verma Thank you very much. I enjoyed your barber stories & my chat with you. (gives him a tip and leaves).

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English conversation - The Walk

2009-08-30T21:59:00.002+05:30

The Walk

It is 5o’clock in the morning and Mr.Verma, is getting ready for the walk .

Mrs.Verma Is that you, darling. What are you doing up so early?

Mr.Verma :yes dear. Good morning..

Mrs.Verma :Good morning. Are you getting ready for the walk?

Mr.Verma :I am going out for the walk, you go to sleep for a while. I am going for country walk today.

Mrs. Verma: Can you find your clothes for the walk?

Mr.Verma: Yes. Don’t worry. I had taken out my old pants and shirt for running and walking. I am also taking the walking stick for country walk . Thank you all the same.

the walk

Mr.Verma: Leaves the house dressed for the country walk. After a little walk off the house meets Mr.Bannerji.

Mr.Bannerji: Oh, Good morning Mr.Verma. Are you out to walk around for some exercise?

Mr.Verma :Good morning Mr.Bannerji. Yes, I thought it is good idea to walk around for some exercise get some fresh air early in the morning. May I join you on the walk?

Mr.Bannerji: Do come along. It is nice to have some company when we walk. My wife comes along with me sometimes for the walk but she is quite irregular.

exercise

Mr.Verma My wife cannot get outfor the walk early in the morning. We have a large family and she has to prepare breakfast dinner for the children and for me. Our children go for charity walks in the morning

Mr.Bannerji Isn’t it a glorious day. So refreshing for the walk..

Mr.Verma Yes. I feel much better after a good walk in the morning. I have to sit at a desk the whole day and a treadmill fitness and exercise before going to work helps. It clears my head and puts vigor into my body.

Mr.Bannerji Some people prefer to take a walk after dinner.

Mr.Verma I get fairly late coming back from office. Then I have my young son with his lessons in the evenings. We take a walk after dinner.

Mr.Bannerji My friend, Mr.Gurbachan, does some vigorous exercise in his bathroom after the walk before leaving for work.

Mr.Verma I am old to tire myself out with stretch exercise early in the morning. I prefer a country walk in the morning'

A walk gives me an opportunity to breathe in deeply the pure and fresh morning air. In the office I hardly get any fresh air to breathe the whole day.

Mr.Bannerji: These days, fitness walking is getting very popular. Nearly all men come out for a fitness walks between five and six in the morning.

Mr.Verma I notice that it is the middle age and older people, who are out walking in the morning.

Mr.Bannerji Yes, it seems like that. The young business executivesgo to dance parties so often that they can hardly get up in time to get to the office in time.That is the reason for their missing a fitness walks.

Mr.Verma: Also perhaps they are at the prime of their youth and do not feel the strain like us older men.They do need need to replenish the energy by the fitness walks

Mr.Bannerji: There is a young man whom I see at 5 O’clock every morning. He jogs two miles every morning.

Mr.Verma He must be under athletics training in his college or he must be a sportsman.

Mr.Bannerji Yoga is very much in fashion these days. People say that yoga is the best form of exercise. Yoga exerciseshelp to keep young and it does not tire out a person either.

Mr.Verma I understand that is true. The principle of Yoga is that the backbone is kept supple. But I am also told one has to be extremely careful about doing yoga exercises. I know of a man who sprained his neck doing yoga.

yoga beginners

Mr.Bannerji I suppose at first one must get a proper yoga teacher to demonstrate the correct way of doing exercises.

Mr.Verma Well, Today the walk was very refreshing and informative. I must go home now and get ready for office. See you again tomorrow
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English Conversation - Home kitchen garden

2009-08-28T08:18:00.001+05:30

Home kitchen garden

Vikram How lucky you are to have a Home kitchen garden to play in! We do not have any place in front of our house to make a Home kitchen garden. Through my mother keeps plastic pots for planting flowers and growing organic vegetables in the driveway.

Ranjit We use the front Home kitchen garden for growing organic vegetables and flower plants particularly during the summer months, We sit on the lawn in the evenings. During winter sun holidays ,we have our lunch sitting out in the sun

planting flowers

Vikram Who looks after planting organic vegetables in the home kitchen garden?

Ranjit We have a vegetable gardener (Mali )who comes for an hour everyday, to mowing the lawn , pruning hedges, watering the plants and to gather dry leaves scattered on the lawn.

Vikram Can the vegetable gardener (Mali) do all that work in just one hour?

Ranjit No, he doesn’t do everything on the same day. My mother, my father, my grandfather and I, all help in after care garden.

home kitchen garden

Vikram Doesn’t your grandmother like growing garden?

Ranjit Oh yes, she does. She has a little tulsi plant in the flowers garden, to which she prays every morning. But she is too weak to do any work in the garden except watering the Plants.

Vikram Your garden designing was like this when you came to live in this house?

growing garden

Ranjit No, this was unoccupied house for a number of months before we all moved in. The grass on the lawn had all dried up and the flower had died. It seemed no one had been watering them. The landlord had taken unoccupied house insurance

Vikram You must have put in a lot of work to make such a pleasing green lawn and to plant colorful flowers which are blooming happily.

Ranjit My daddy looks after the lawn and vegetable Garden.My mother plants the flowers in home kitchen garden.

Bonsai

Vikram So your father must be watering the lawn a lot, to make sure grass grows green again.

Ranjit: Daddy wasn’t happy with the quality of the green grassalready planted, for it was full of grass weeds. Just before the rainy season, he called in some labourers and they dug up the whole lawn and removed all the old grass.

Vikram Then, how did he plant the new grass? Did he put in grass seeds?

Ranjit No, he didn’t put down grass seeds to grow the new grass. He brought tuffs of grass from the nursery and then planted them at short distances in lines.

Vikram It is wonderful how the new grass has taken root and spread itself out so evenly.

Ranjit My daddy spends an hour every day after he comes back from work, plucking out weeds. He also puts fertilizers sometimes and watering the grass every evening.

Vikram May I hold the water hose and water the lawn for you today?

Ranjit All right. And in the mean while I‘ll lightly dig up the flower bed.

Vikram Why? Are you taking out the flower growing in the beds?

Ranjit No. But my mother asked me to loosen the soil between the plants. If the earth is too hard the roots do not get enough air and water.

Vikram How beautiful the flowers garden looks! So many colours too, Pink, red, yellow, blue, green, mauve and white. The dark green hedge at the back of flowers garden looks like a high wall.

flowers garden

Ranjit On Sundays, grandfather cleans the lawn and the flower beds. He piles up the dried leaves in a heap and thenburns the dried leaves and the sticks.

Vikram That must be fun, like a big bonfire.

Ranjit It gives out a horrible blue smoke causing pollution which stings our eyes. Grandmother gets very irritated and coughs a lot.

Vikram It is getting dark and I’ll go home now. I’ve learnt a lot about how your daddy makes up his Home kitchen garden good by now.

pollution picture

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English conversation - Beauty parlours

2009-08-26T19:33:00.002+05:30

Beauty parlours

Reena has to go to, of her company and she decides to have her hair done up at beauty parlour. She telephones Susan’s beauty parlour in the city

Mrs.Verma Do you have a day off to-day, Reena?

Reena Yes mamma. I am going to bonus party of her company this evening with Ranjan. I think I’ll have my hair set to-day at beauty parlour in the city.

Mrs.Verma Yes. I think you do need to have your hair trimming as well ,at the beauty parlour.

Renna (Telephoning the beauty parlour. Hello, is that Susan’s Beauty parlour in the city ? Good morning. I want to make an appointment for a trims, spray shampoo and set, please.

Beauty Parlour Receptionist: All right, Madam. Would you like to have your hair trimmed by the beautician?

Reena: Is the beautician Lucy free at 11o’clock? Yes she is free. The beautician Lucy will do your hair trim

Beauty Parlour Receptionist: Yes, Madam. I’ll put you down for 11o’clock. What name did you say it was?

Beauty Parlour reception

Reena, Reena Verma

Beauty Parlour Receptionist: Right, Madam. We’ll expect you at 11o’clock this morning for your hair trim.

Reena leaves the house and takes her new hairspray with her. She arrives at Susan’s Beauty Parlour

Reena (To the receptionist). Excuse me, I have an appointment for a hair trim, spray shampoo and set.

Receptionist Good morning. Your name please?

Reena, Reena Verma.

Receptionist That’s right. We have put you down in our appointment book. Please take a seat for a moment, I’ll ring for the beautician Lucy.

The receptionist calls the beautician Lucy.

Lucy Hello, Reena. Nice to see you after a long time. Where have you been?

Reena I’ve been busy at the company office. Lucy first please trim my hair a bit. They have grown very shabby and the ends are splitting.

Beautician Lucy Come along.(Reena sits before the mirror). Would you like to have a short cut?

Reena No. I’d like to leave my hair long. Just cut off the ends which are splitting and shape the hair at the back a bit.

Lucy All right. You have such lovely straight hair. Long hair cut is in vogue these days. Your hair is soft and doesn’t fluff out. Just the right kind of hair to suit the current fashion trend. There that’s done. Now the shampoo boy will give you a shampoo.

Rollers and Curlers

The shampoo boy leads Reena to the sink and washes her hair out and wraps her

head in towel and brings her back to the beautician Lucy.

Reena It is so much easier to have one’s professional hair shampoo. It takes me so long to wash my hair at home.

Lucy I’ll have to use the big rollers on your hair. Do you want the ends turned out or turned in?

Reena Turned inwards, please.

Lucy Now I’ll put you under the dryer for forty-five minutes. Here are some magazines. If it gets too hot, just pull at this plug and the air will cool off. Are you comfortable? Would you like some coffee or tea?

Reena No, thank you. Can I take these ear covers off?

Lucy I think it is better that you keep them on. Or else, the hot air will burn your ears.

After forty-five minutes, Lucy takes Reena out from under

the dryer and takes out the pins and rollers.

Reena Did you apply a setting lotion?

Lucy No. Your hair doesn’t require it. Would you like a lot of back combing?

Reena No. Please don’t back-comb my hair at all. My hair fall when I comb them out later.

Lucy I’ll have to do a little bit of back coming anyway to style it. But only a little bit. This much won’t hurt you hair. A little back-combing is essential for soft hair like yours to give them some “body”. See that’s done. (holding a mirror behind Reena’s head) Do you like it?

Reena That’s lovely. Thank you.I wish to get beauty facial done,

beauty facial

Lucy Good.Would you like a pedicure or a manicure also? Nail beauty is very important for you.

Reena No, thank you. Not to-day. (Reena puts tip of Rs.50 on the table). Bye Bye, Lucy. See you next time.

Lucy Thank you Reena. Please come again for a beauty make up.

Reena pays for the work done on her and walks out of the beauty parlour.

pedicure or a manicure

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English conversation- About Banking

2009-08-25T06:43:00.001+05:30

About Banking

Reena has been asked by her boss to teach the graduate trainee in the banks accounts department of Rama’s store how to deposit money in current accounts with the bank checking account
.

Bank Building

Mr.kukreti (Calling Reena on the phone). Good morning, Miss Verma. Could you please come over to accounts office?

Reena Good morning, Mr.kukreti. I’ll be there in accounts office.

Reena enters accounts office office.

Mr.kukreti Ah! there you are. Miss Verma, meet Miss Hansa Mehta.

Miss Mehta, this is Miss Verma.

She’s been with us for some time and she’ll show you around this banks branch and explain to how you bank operations. Reena, please take Hansa to the bank hall and introduce her around. Explain to her all the bank procedures.

to be followed about cash payment and the export document, etc

Bank Staff

Reena Right Sir, I’ll do that. Come along Hansa. I was just going to the bank hall myself and I’ll take you along with me.

They both leave the room.

Hansa Thank you. I hope I won’t be too much of a nuisance. I really don’t know anything about banking. I want to open new checking account

Reena Don’t worry. You will learn checking banking as you get to handle the work assigned to you. This company banks with the Great National Bank at Central Street. Everyone at the bank is very helpful. Come let’s go. It isn’t too far and we can walk to the savings bank account section.

Hansa What do we have to do at the bank duty?

Reena We deposit check and cash earned at the store with the bank between twelve and one every day. First you go to the store cashier and collect the money to be deposited from the cashier. He also gives you payslips for the Cash deposit.

Cash deposit

Hansa I have a savings bank account of my own. I know that one hands in the pay in slip and the bank cheque to be deposited to the clerk dealing with one’s account. He receives bank cheque and stamps one part of the pay in slip and returns it to you.

Reena That is right. The procedure is the same except that in the case of the Store, where there are so many transactions every day, we have a checking bank account into which the bank cheque and cash collection is deposited. There is another thing you have to remember. The cash and bank cheque deposited are entered on different pay in slip.The cash deposited is presented to the cashier and not to the clerk.

Hansa What kinds of documents will be required to be deposited at the bank?

Reena You see, Rama’s Store has a large export business. We send consignments of fashion garments to a company in Britain. This British company has opened a “letter of credit” in favour of Rama’s store at the Great National Bank. But the money is paid to Rama’s store only when the consignment is actually shipped to Britain. You’ll have to present the shipping documents to the bank from time to time. When shipments are make so that Rama’s store’s account may be credited with the payment for the consignment of fashion garments ordered by the British firm

letter of credit

Hansa This sounds complicated. And where do I do all this?

Reena There is a separate department in the bank dealing with international trade. Then, there is a Foreign Exchange too.

Hansa Yes. At times, some of our customers pay us by Traveller’s cheques or with Foreign Exchange department . The store has to deposit this Foreign Exchange earned by it, with the bank with in twenty four hours.

Foreign Exchange

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English conversation - Travel by Bus

2009-08-23T17:23:00.002+05:30

Travel by Bus

Reena works at Rama’s store. Reena travels by a Bus to Rama'Store because there is no Rail Service there. She walks at 9AM from hometo take bus from a bus stand near her house and meets another Bus Traveler, a girl called
sudesh.

Annie: : Hello Reena.

Reena: Hello. When did the last bus come by from bus terminal?

Annie: Bus from the bus station came along about five minutes ago, but I couldn’t get on to it. There was such a frantic rush to get in.

Bus Stop

Reena: This is really awful. I wish people Waiting at the Bus Stop would learn to stand in a queue system.

Annie: You see everyone is standing at Bus Stop in a queue just now.

Reena: Yes, but when the bus draws up, the queue system is broken and even before
the passengers come out of the bus, those waiting outside are
crowding the entrance of the bus.

Waiting at the Bus Stop

Annie: Unfortunately, in the morning everyone is in such a hurry to take Bus to travel to their Work that ,they forget all rules of fair play and politeness and keep pushing to enter the Bus, It is really terrible.

Reena: Here is the bus to local queue system.

Conductor: Please wait for these getting off to descend first. Now, you can come in this Double Decker Bus.

Annie: One bus ticket to Regal, please.What is the Bus fare.

Conductor: Here you are ma’am. That will be Five Rupees.

Reena: Does this bus go to Rama’s store?

Conductor: Where is that?

Reena :That is close to the super Bazaar Bus Station.

Bus Station

Conductor This coach bus service will drop you about a kilometer short of the super Bazar. Shall I give you a Bus ticket for Regal as well?

Reena Yes, please. Here is Five Rupees.

Sudesh Haven’t you been on this bus route before?

Reena No, I’ve only recently taken up this job. For the last week I’ve been
traveling by a bus service which drops me near the plaza cinema.

Conductor Come along please, everybody up in front. Make room at the back of Bus coach..

__________________________________

Double Decker bus

Reena: What is the Bus Timetable. How long does it take to get to the Regal? Do you have Bus map

Annie:No,I Do not have a Bus Map. At this time of the day, there is a lot of traffic on the roads and I expect it’ll take about forty-five minutes.

Reena: Where do you work?

Annie: I work as a business marketing manager at Bookghar.com , That is not far from where the bus Stop will drop us. What about you? How will you get to your Rama’s store?

Reena: Oh, I’ll manage somehow. There are many buses to my place of work.I’ll either walk or I’ll hitch a ride. I don’t suppose that a scooter man would go such a short distance.

Annie:It is getting quite chilly in bus travel these days.

Reena: Shall I ask the Bus driver to lower the window? Yes? (To the
Bus Driver. Excuse me, please. Would you mind very much if
we shut this window? My friend here has a cold. Thank you so much.

Annie:That was kind of you. What is the quarrel going in the bus coach ?

Reena: It appears that there is some unpleasantness between a passenger
and the bus conductor. The passenger is offering the bus conductor a
hundred rupee note for bus fare and the conductor hasn’t the change.

Annie:There is one thing that one must do when travelling by bus service and that
is, keep change handy with you.Every one carries change in metro Rail Service.

Reena: Well, the conductor ought to have change, but I suppose one can’t
expect him keep changing hundred rupee notes every now and then.

Annie:Look, there is an old lady who hasn’t found a seat. I wish these
young healthy boys would get up and offer her a reserved bus seat.

Reena: You keep sitting; I’ll let the old lady have my seat. (To the old lady).
Madam, would you care to sit here?

OLD lady Thank you every much, child. I was falling over every time the bus
moved off or came to a stop. Thank you, thank you.

Annie:Reena come, may be all three of us can squeeze in.

Reena: No, don’t bother. I can stand. It is only a short way off now.

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English Conversation - Marketing Office

2009-08-21T06:23:00.001+05:30

Marketing Office

A scene in Ranjan’s marketing office. Ranjan works in the marketing departments . He has the Office Keys. His colleagues in the marketing office,are Prema and Niren sen. Mr. Prasad and Mr.Kuldip singh are, members. Mr.Chatterji is the senior marketing manager. Ranjan is the office assistant manager of marketing office.

Ranjan (Entering the office) Good morning Prema and a fine morning to you Niren.

Prema Hello Ranjan. How are you to-day?

Niren Good morning. Did you finish the survey of electric goods dealers yesterday?

Ranjan Yes.I interviewed for survey question ,ten no. twelveelectric goods dealers in the chandni chowk area, to find out the comparative sales reports of various of marketing brands of electric bulbs. How about you? Did you finish covering the south Delhi market

Niren Yes. I’ve got all the survey questionnaires filled out.

Prema Then perhaps both of you can give me your survey reports, so that I can compile management report on your findings.

Ranjan I have to have my management report typed.

(Ringing the telephone-is that Mr.kuldip singh?

Mr.Prasad No, Mr.Verma. This is Prasad, Good morning Sir.

Ranjan Where is Mr.Kuldip singh?

Mr.Prasad He hasn’t come in yet, Sir. Can I do anything for You, Mr.Verma?

Ranjan No. But please tell Mr.Kuldip singh to see me as soon as he comes in, Right?

Mr.Prasad Yes. Mr.Verma (Ranjan rings off).

marketing office.

Is Kuldip singh late to marketing office?

It isn’t like him to be late. He used to be one of our most conscientious workers but he seems to be taking a easy now-a-days.

Prema Well. I hope he isn’t ill or anything like that. There is loads of work to be done to-day. Mr.Chatterji has called all three of us for a staff meeting of marketing office at 4o’clock this afternoon to discuss this market survey report.

Ranjan I think I’ll have to tighten up the office discipline among the staff.

The door opens. Mr. Kuldip singh enters in with some office papers in his hand.

Kuldip Singh I ‘m terribly sorry. I’am late for the staff meeting ,Sir. I do apologize.

Ranjan What happened to you, Mr.Kuldip Singh?

You’ve been late to work thrice this week.

Kuldip Singh I missed my bus Sir.

Prema you have a lot of work about customer service satisfaction survey to do today.

staff meeting

Niren Have, you typed out the letters about survey management, I gave you yesterday?

Kuldip Singh Yes, Mr.Niren, here are the papers of meeting agenda also..

Niren Thank you (reading the typed letters about survey management,). Who typed these letter?

Kuldip singh Mr. Prasad did. Aren’t they done properly?

Niren Please send Mr.Prasad to me when you go back to companies office.

Mr.Prasad enters the marketing office.

Mr.Prasad You sent for me Sir?

Niren About these letters that you typed yesterday, the typing is all right but I’d appreciate if you would use a webster dictionary to check on the correct spellings of words.

Mr.Prasad I’m sorry Sir. I’ll use online dictionary to recheck the spellings and retype the letters on office computer.

Niren I’ve corrected the spellings, this time. But do be careful in future, will you Mr. Prasad?

Mr. Prasad Yes Sir, I’ll be careful.

office computer.

Mr.Prasad leaves the marketing office room.

Prema One has to have a particular skill in getting work done in marketing office these days.

Ranjan The secret is to be polite yet firm with the junior office staff. Unfortunately if one is too friendly with the staff they tend to take it as a sign of weakness.

Prema Oh, but there is no call to be pity with the staff.

Niren There is no cause to act superior if the companies office staff do their work conscientiously. Nevertheless some authority has to be maintained. Though one does not have to be a slave driver nor need one wreck the nerves of the staff members with scoldings.

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English conversation - Doctors Clinic

2009-08-19T22:22:00.002+05:30

Doctors Clinic

Vikram has had a bad fall. Mrs.Verma takes him to emergency Doctors Clinic

Doctors Clinic Receptionist Good morning, Madam

Doctors Clinic

Patients waiting to make appointment

Mrs.Verma Can I see Dr.Raman? My son his hurt his knee.

Receptionist Did you make an appointment, Madam?

Mrs.Verma No. But then I hadn’t expected my son to have a fall and hurt himself. I couldn’t make an appointment for child accident, could I have? But I must have the child’s wound dressing urgently.

Receptionist Don’t get excited, Madam. The doctor does attend to emergencies, though normally the doctor is so busy that he can only see patients who have made prior appointment.

Mrs.Verma Then what shall I do? Shall I go to urgent care hospital?

Receptionist Please wait here, Madam. I’ll fit you in between the appointments. In the mean while, please fill in this form. Is the child’s knee painful bleeding ?

Mrs.Verma No. The bleeding has stopped.

Receptionist Please wait in the waiting room and I’ll

Call you the moment the doctor is free.

Mrs.Verma and Vikram join the group of people sitting in the waiting room. Dr.Raman comes to the door.

Dr.Raman Mrs.Verma?

Mrs.Verma Yes. That’s me. Good morning,

Doctor Patients discussion

Dr. Raman I understand your son has had a fall and has nasty bruise. Come along young man. I’ll have a look at you.

An elderly woman gets up and hurries forward towards the doctor.

Elderly woman Oh Dr.Raman, you can’t see him first. It is my turn. I’ve made an appointment.

Dr.Raman Hello, Mrs.Sonu, I know it is your turn, but this child needs immediate attention. I’ll see you right after child’s wound dressing.

Dr.Raman It won’t be long, Mrs.Sonu. Please excuse me for a few minutes. Mrs, Verma, please bring your son into the treatment rooms.

All three of them go into the treatment rooms of Doctors clinic.

Dr.Raman (Examining the wounds). This is a nasty

Cut, but not too serious. There is nothing to worry about. I’ll clean it, put some tincture iodine on it and do bandage dressing lightly.

Vikram Oh! That hurts.

Doctor is examining the patient

Dr.Raman You are a young child. I’ll give you an injections to ward off any infection. There you are. That is a good boy.

Mrs.Verma Will he be all right doctor? Aren’t you going to give any prescription medicines?

Dr.Raman There is no need for any prescription medicines. He’ll, be all right. The knee will be all right. The knee will be a bit stiff for a few days. In case gets fever or the pain is too severe, give him one of these tablets?

Mrs.Verma After how many hours do I give him one of these tablets?

Dr.Raman Don’t give him a tablets unless he feels very uncomfortable with pain. Give the tablet, if he gets fever. Then come and see me again at Doctors clinic, in the morning. These tablets are only a precaution.

Mrs.Verma Do you think he’ll get fever, doctor?

Dr.Raman No. Don’t worry. I think he’ll be all right. But in case he does get a temperature, then come back to me again. Well, young man, be careful the next time you get off a bus.

Mrs.Verma Where do I pay your consultation fees and for the medicines?

Dr.Raman At the reception counter, Madam. Goodbye.

Mrs.Verma Thank you very much, doctor.

Vikram Thanks, Doctor Raman

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English Conversation - Marketing Shop

2009-08-18T21:30:00.003+05:30

Marketing Shop

Mr.Rao, the salesman for Technical sales, has to deliver some fluorescent tubes to Vasant Vihar Marketing Shop . Mr.Rao, who is not too familiar with the roads and retail markets in Delhi, asks about how to get to Bright Lights shop in the Vasant Vihar market.

Mr.Rao Excuse me, could you please tell me how to get to the lighting shop called Bright Lights shop?

Marketing Shop

Passer-by Bright Lights shop? Where is this Marketing Shop situated?

Mr.Rao This shop is in Vasant Vihar retail market. Where is that Vasant Vihar?

Passer-by Vasant Vihar is one of the residential colony in south Delhi

Mr.Rao How far is it from connaught place ? Do you think I could walk to Vasant vihar retail markets?

Passer-by Oh no. I don’t think you can walk to Vasant Vihar retail markets carrying that heavy looking parcel. It is about ten kilometers away.

Mr.Rao I didn’t realize it was so far away. I think I’ll hire a scooter rickshaw to take me to the Vasant Vihar retail markets. Which is the shortest route to Vasant Vihar?

autorickshaw

Passer-by Perhaps the travel route would be to down Janpath to the Central Secretariat. Then take the road leading to Teen Murti. From Teen Murti, take the straight road called shanti path till you come to the crossing or Ring Road.

Mr.Rao Is Vasant Vihar retail market is near Ring Road?

Passer-by It is a little beyond the crossing of ring Road and Shanti path. You ask the scooter driver on straight ahead on Rao Tulla Ram Marg till you come to a big detailed road map which reads Vasant Vihar.

Mr.Rao And there about is the retail market in the colony?

Market shops

Passer-by As soon as you enter the vasant Vihar residential colony, take the first turing to the right. After approximately 200 yards, you’ll hit the retail market on the right hand side of the road.

Mr.Rao Thank you very much for guiding me about the shortest route to Vasant Vihar retail markets.

Passer-by That’s all right. The scooter stand is around the corner of the next building.

autorickshaw in front of Market shops

Mr.Rao Thank you again. It is very kind of you to help a stranger.

Mr.Rao reaches the Vasant Vihar retail markets by autorickshaw

Mr.Rao Excuse me, is there a shop called Bright Lights shop in this market?

Passer-by Yes, there is.

Mr.Rao Could you tell me where it is, please?

Market Shops

Auto Service & Auto Repair

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English Conversation - Cooking Lunch

2009-08-17T19:35:00.001+05:30

Cooking Lunch

It is early in the morning and Mrs.Verma is Cooking Lunch in the kitchen. She is being helped by the part-time servant boy called bachoo. Reena also gives a helping hand.

Cooking Lunch

Mrs.Verma Reena, wake up Bachoo and ask him to fetch four for from the depot.

Reena Right mama, I will call for Bachoo andget the bottles of milk.

Mrs.Verma What shall we cook for lunch today?

Reena All of us, except you, will be out for lunch. Papa, Ranjan, Vikram and I need packed lunch.

Mrs.Verma In that case, I will make sandwiches for all of you. Because sandwiches are easy to carry and paranthas taste stale when eaten cold.

Reena Don’t we have lunch bags?

Mrs.Verma Yes. But there is only one. I will make a vegetable dish and paranthas for your father and give him the lunch bag He has a long day at the office and needs something to fill him up.

Reena In fact, come to think of it mama, Ranjan can take a snack food at the coffee kiosk near his office. And I too can eat at the cafeteria restaurant . So don’t pack lunch for the two of us.

Mrs.Verma In that case, I am making sandwiches only for Vikram. I will put in a piece of the pineapple cake and give him an apple as well.

Reena What quick lunch recipe will you cook for yourself, mama?

Mrs.Verma Oh, I will make a hot sandwich for my self and eat it along with a cup of coffee.

subway sandwiches

Reena Can I help you with food or lunch anything before I go into the bathroom to get dressed for work?

Mrs.Verma Be a dear and cut up the onions and the tomatoes. Could you slice the cucumber thin? I will peel the potatoes for making sandwiches for all.

onions and tomatoes

Reena Bachoo is back with the bottles of milk.

What shall I ask him to do next for cooking the lunch recipes?

Mrs.Verma Ask him to sieve the atta and knead it into dough for the paranthas.

Reena Here, I have put the milk on the fire to boil. Will you watch it mama, while I chop cut the vegetables?

Mrs.Verma Yes I will watch the milk for ice cream dessert come to a boil.

Reena What kind of milk is this?

Mrs.Verma We get skimmed milk, that is milk without cream, in the morning.

In the evenings. We get full cream milk This milk is good for making chocolate puddings and for making cheese (pannier).

Reena Bachoo has finished making the dough.

Mrs.Verma Then ask him to grind a little bit, of ginger (lasan) for the potato curry for papa.

Reena Shall I spread butter on theslices of bread for making sandwiches?

Mrs.Verma No don’t worry. I will do that.

You must be getting late.

Reena I’ve still got a few minutes.

What do you want to fill the sandwiches with?

Mrs.Verma We will give Vikram cucumber sandwiches. Don

‘t forget tosprinkle some salt and a little pepperover the cucumber filling.

Reena There, it is all done. Vikram’s sandwiches are ready. I will go now to get dressed.

Mrs.Verma Run along now.You have been a great help. I will finish making papa’s lunch.

cucumber sandwiches

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Business letter writing

2009-08-16T18:46:00.000+05:30

English conversation
Business letter writing

Ranjan’s job with Technical sales involves business letter writing & answering every day. “Technical Sales” had advertised for students tojoin a coursethat the company is going to run for management openings

Ranjan Niren, what new business letter you are writing this morning?

Niren I am drafting a sample letter to be written to all the dealers.

Ranjan I was wondering whether you could help me out with answering some of these letters that I’ve been receiving for our management training course, We have to send them blank application form.

Niren Is there any problem in writing letters or sending the blank application forms.? Are there too many queries for you to deal with?

Ranjan It isn’t only the volume of letters that have to be answered that worries me, what is a greater nuisance is trying to find out who has written the letter, which department it pertains to, and what exactly the letter writer wants. It wastes so much of my time.

Niren Yes I know. So many people seem to think they have to tell us their life story and all the orries of the world in addition to all their achievements, while writing letters. They do not know business letter writing.

Ranjan I have a good mind to make out a sample letter and post it to all those who want admission or are asking for details of the course. Have a look at this sample letter ..

Niren (Reading from Ranjan’s sample letter).

(1) Please state your full name, address and date on the top right hand corner of the letter paper. (2) Below that, on the left hand side, please state letter address , the designation of the person concerned and his address. For instance. “Director of Courses” or “sales Executive “; Technical Sales, New Delhi. (3) After the customary form of greeting, “Dear Sir”, please add a line as to the subject of the letter and underline it, before continuing with writing letters. For instance, management training course 1978 or spares for brand Citu lighting systems.

Ranjan You see. If all this information was given in an orderly manner, it would be much easier for me to handle the filled in application forms. with efficiency and ease.

Niren Moreover, applicants & officials writing business lettersshould be advised to keep to the point and concise writing. All the news about the weather, family health and the state of mind of the writer should be kept out of business letter writing.

Pen and Paper for a Business Letter

Ranjan Yes. quite right. Personal information should be included only in private letters written to persons with whom one in intimately acquainted.

Niren Is that to say that if a person is seeking a rebate in fees charged for the course on the ground that his father is ill and his mother is the only earning member of family, such information should not be included informal letter?

Ranjan That is not what I mean. If a person is seeking a concession, the grounds for the request should be stated briefly. A long involved story is not going to help the writer more than a simple statement and verification of the facts.

Niren How about the job candidate mentioning his qualifications in the application form?

Ranjan In case the candidate has a doubt in his mind about whether his professional qualification or adequate in respect of the requirements of the course, he could make a direct inquiry and also state his present academic status. But he should not try to convince us that though his education qualifications are not up to the required standard, yet he feels confident that he would stand first in the course.

Niren Have you made out a sample letter?

new business letter

Ranjan Yes, It reads like this.

RAKESH SAKSENA,

B 24/76, Hauz Khas,

New Delhi-110021,

7^th Jan. 1990.

The Director of Admissions,

Management Training Course,

Technical Sales,

New Delhi.

Dear Sir,

Admission for the Management Training Course 1990.

This refers to your advertisement in the Times of

India, dated 1^st Jan. 1990. I wish to enroll for your

Management Training Course. Please send me the application

forms for admission and any other relevant

information. Enters space My father’s income is below Rs.1000 a

month. I will be grateful if I could be given some

concession in the fees charged.

I have done my graduation, but the college I

attended is not recognized by the University. Please

let me know whether I would be eligible for joining

your course for management trainees.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Rakesh Saxena.

Niren I think that’s fine. Go ahead and get copies of the sample letter cyclostyledand send them off.

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Business letter writing

English Conversation - Outdoor Games activities

2009-08-15T21:36:00.005+05:30

Outdoor Games activities

Ranjan and Niren are discussing the recent Outdoor Games Activities that they have witnessed.

Niren What Outdoor Games activities did you enjoy during the weekend?

Outdoor Games Activities

Ranjan I had a great games day. A friend of mine is in the Army. On Saturday he took me to watch the great outdoor game show. I saw Inter Battalion athletic championships held at the Stadium

Niren I too saw an athletic championships meet some years ago, when I was in college. What did you see?

Ranjan This was the last day of competitions which had been going on for a week. There were three team games . At first, there was athrilling march-past. All the athletes marched past the saluting daislooking proud, smart and well-built. They were so full of enthusiasm that one’s blood coursed wildly.

Niren : How many playground games were held? Usually, on the final games day only the short distance races are run in fun outdoor games.

Ranjan : That is true. The finals for the 100, 200, 400, and 800 meters races were held in fun outdoor games. There were relay races as well as hurdles and steeple-chase. The finalists for the field events, like javelin-throwing, discus-throwing and shot-put , were also performing for games in the center of the field. Long-jump, pole vault and high jump were judged for games at the far end of the field.

Niren : How did they manage to carry out so many events for games at the same time?

Ranjan : The tracks for the track events like running races and hurdles were marked at the outer edge of the field. A space was left for ball game and discus throw in another section of the sport stadium. Each event had its own officials-the starter, time keeper and a judge. In this way, in a matter of three hours a number of finals of outdoors sports were held.

athletic championships

Niren What about sports like hockey, boxing, basketball and volleyball?

Ranjan These fun outdoor sports are not included in athletics. The long distance races like the marathon race, 1500 meters and 10,000 meters had already been held. Thee active games function ended with the prize distribution. The winning team was really triumphant but there was an exhibition of real sporting spirit. The losers were not despondent or quarrel some or complaining. The winners shook hands with the losers. The losing team sportingly acknowledged the excellence of the winning team. It was a remarkable display of physical games and good sportsmanship

volleyball match

Niren I too went to see a football match. It was a match between two local sporting teams.

Ranjan How did you enjoy the youth games? Was it a tame affair?

Niren Considering that all the players were amateurs and not professionals ,the fun game matches were are of quite a high standard. In fact I feel that a couple of players had great potential

Football Match

Ranjan My favourite game at school was cricket

Niren Do you still play cricket? No but i enjoy watching the Indian Cricket team Playing the International cricket test match.

Ranjan No. It takes up too much time. I had taken economics in college and couldn’t afford to spend so much time practising and playing cricket

cricket test match

Ranjan That is true. And our national game is hockey at which we excelled till a few years ago.

Niren Yes, but cricket is one of the mostpopular games in India, judging from the interest of people in listening to cricket live commentary.

Hockey Match

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English Conversation- Part time courses

2009-08-15T08:46:00.002+05:30

Part time courses

The Delhi Institute of management and Services, runs, a number of Part time courses which are job oriented. A number of prospective students come in to get information about these Part time courses.

Student (Coming up for the Enquiry ). Good afternoon. Excuse me Miss. Is this the DIMS Enquiry office?

Receptionist Good afternoon.Yes. This is the DIMS Enquiry . Can I help you?

Student Yes please. I want to see the Director Delhi institute of management.

Receptionist What would you like to see , about?

Student I would like to find out about the different kinds of Part time courses that you run.

Receptionist This is the list of different kinds of Part time courses .

Student Are these the only Part time courses .

Receptionist Then perhaps I can help you. The Director is busy right now. What would you like to know? Here is a list of all the Part time courses, Institute runs .

University distance learning courses

Receptionist There are approximately twenty online management course for you to choose from? We also have thirty graduate courses. What are you interested in?

Student You see, I have a three-month summer vacations, starting next month and I was wondering what professional courses I could do with myself.

Receptionist The courses we conduct are mainlyuniversities courses. We run Technical and Secretarial courses, Language classes, courses in Business Management and public Relations and a number of others. What degrees courses you are studying?

Student I am studying in the second year for a Degree course in business and I wanted to do a more specialized kind of study during my october holidays. What would you suggest?

Receptionist That depends on what you are planning to take up as a career after your graduation. (The telephone rings). Excuse me a moment. I’ll speak with you after attending to the phone. (Speaking into the phone). Good morning, DIMS…..Yes, we do run a Part-time course for Export management. The course duration is five weeks and the total cost is Rs.3500 for the entire course. Yes. We have a correspondence mba as well. The next course begins in two weeks time. That’s all right. Thank you Sir. Good bye.

Student Miss, do you think that I should do the business management course online?

Receptionist For the business management course online, the minimum qualification is a B.A degree. Perhaps you could join that course next year. Look if you want to do a course for a period of two to three months, why not have a look at our college prospectus for the professional courses and then make up your mind. You might be interested in learning a language or in doing a secretarial course or……….

Part time courses

Student That is a good idea. Please let me have a copy of the college prospectus . I’ll think about it. I’ll come back again. Are there any forms to fill in?

Receptionist Yes there are?

Student Can I pay the fees by business cheques or by cash?

Receptionist Yes, certainly. We accept fees by business cheques or by cash.

Student One last thing, Miss. Do you award certificates or a training diploma or some such thing?

Receptionist Yes Sir. Depending on the course you join and depending on your performance, we evaluate the level of your improvement and achievement. We do award certificates or a diploma, whatever the case may be.

Student Right, Thank you Miss.

Receptionist You are welcome. Good bye.

Another gentleman comes up to the counter.

Receptionist Good afternoon Sir.

Gentleman Good afternoon Ma’am. I am working in a factory in the supervisory grade. I wanted to find out whether you are running any course for Export management in the evenings?

Receptionist Yes. Sir. Which course would you be interested in? Here is our college prospectus. Please have a look at it.

Gentleman (Looking through the list) Yes. You do run a number of courses covering nearly every subject. Let us see, now may be, for me this course on Labour Laws would be useful. Yes, I think I’d like to do this course.

Receptionist Here are the form for admission and the college prospectus. The fees are mentioned in the prospectus. The next course is beginning on the 15^th of next month.

Gentleman Can I borrow your pen please, lady?

Receptionist Would you like to sit at that table? It has a pen and ink set too. You can study the college prospectus and then fill out the admission form.

Gentleman Thank you, Ma’am. You’ve been very helpful.

college prospectus.

A student attending the secretarial training course comes to the counter.

Student Good afternoon Ma’am. I am a student from the secretarial training course. Is my result ready?

Receptionist What is your name please?

Student I am Rajiv Sachdeva. I finished the course last week.

Receptionist I’ll find out. Please wait for a few minutes. (Calling another secretary and getting a copy of the result). Here you are Rajiv. Congratulations you’ve done very well indeed.

Student Thank you. I am pleased with my result. Now I’ll do another part time course in the PBX. The too will be useful.

award certificates

Receptionist That is a good idea, if you are training to be a secretary. I t is useful to know all the aspects of secretarial skills. Would you like to get an admission form?

Student Yes, Ma’am.

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English conversation - About Pet

2009-08-13T07:52:00.006+05:30

About Pet

Walking to school along with his schoolmate, Deena shah, Vikram discusses the About Pet they both have.

Deena Do you love pet? Do you have a pet?

Vikram We had a doberman dog last year, but he died. We all loved him so much , who died of dog disease.

Deena how did he die? He did not get dog lyme disease treatment? Do you have any knowledge about dogs?

Vikram Our Doberman dog Tommy was run over by a speedy car.Our Doberman dog was quite old, abut ten years, but he would have lived yet for another four or five years.

Deena If you feel sad, why don’t you keep another small pet dog?

Vikram My mother says that in this town there is a big servant problem. She has to do all the housework herself and she has no time to train a puppy. Training for dogs is not an easy job.

Deena My elder sister sent me a small dog puppy from Sikkim.

Vikram What this dogs breed was called?

Deena It is called an ABSO. Dog puppy has long black hair and is always going to remain very small.

small dog puppy

Vikram Why does small dog puppy have such long hair, I wonder, if it is such a small dog?

Deena My sister says that it has this thick coat for long cold. Oh you must see this . Small dog puppy he is the sweetest little thing in the world. It looks a ball of black wool.

Vikram Have you decided Dog name ?

Deena We are going to call him Gompu, because we got him from a Gompu, which is a temple in Sikkim.

Vikram Where do you keep small dog puppy Gompu?

Deena Gompu sleeps in a little basket in my room. He has got a collar too. Dog puppy is very tiny but he sits up in dog baskets kept in different rooms .Dog puppy gives a sharp little bark to wake me up in the morning. He can already do a few dogs tricks.

Vikram Before we came here, my father was posted at Ferozepore. I used to have a pair of white pet rabbits . This white pet rabbits couple had a number of babies. Soon there were so many white pet rabbits that we didn’t know where to keep them.

Deena What did you do with white pet rabbits couple and number of babies. then?

Vikram I traded them for bajris (coloured birds) with the priest in the church close by.

Deena Oh! How clever of you?

Vikram Now my sister is planning to buy a Siamese kitten.

Deena Cats have a soft, furry coats but they are not as faithful as dogs.

Vikram My sister Reena has information about cats. Cat pets are clean and easy to manage.

Deena But Cat pets scratch and mew so softly that they cannot warn you about
outsiders coming into the house.

Vikram Oh, but about dogs, They too can be a nuisance and dog bite can be very embarrassing.

Deena Don’t you, like the dogs any more? You used to have a british dog before and you loved him a great deal. What’s happened to british dog now?

Vikram I loved Tommy. He was one of the best dogs & faithful companion. He would give me his paw to hold as a sigh of welcome when I returned from school. He was very brave
too, I used to feed the dog myself every day and mamma used to brush his coat
often.

Deena Then why keep cat pets now?

Vikram My sister wants a cat pet . May be we’ll buy a dog later. But I ‘am not sure that
the dog and the cat will be friends together.

Deena Hum. That might be a problem I’m thinking of getting a bowl to keep goldfish
in. What do you think of this idea?

Vikram We’ll discuss about pets on our way back from school. Here is the school bus.

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English Conversation-- Morning Breakfast

2009-08-11T05:18:00.004+05:30

Morning Breakfast

The mother, Neera Verma has the Morning Breakfast ready to serve to her family.

Mother Come along everybody on glass top dining table for Morning Breakfast .

Reena Mamma, I’ll lay the Breakfast table. what are the breakfast foods for today

Ranjan I’ll bring in and serve the breakfast meals.

Mother Yes, that will be a big help. Thank you.

Father Well, well. What is the breakfast menu this morning?

Reena To begin with, there is porridge with milk.

Morning Breakfast

Mother I’ve made scrambled eggs for Morning Breakfast today. Papa is having his fried egg.

Ranjan Vikram, would you like some butter bread?

Vikram Yes please. And jam toast as well.

Mother That is a pretty table flower arrangement you’ve made, Reena.

Father Please pass me the salt and pepper , Ranjan. Thank you.

Vikram Yummy, scrummy! The jam toast is delicious.

scrambled eggs

Reena Be careful. Do not spill your food on the round table cloth, Viki.

Vikram Why does papa always sit at the head of the table?

Ranjan Because papa is head of the family so that is his place.

Reena And mamma sits at the other end of the table.

Vikram Mamma, What’s for lunch today?

Mother I am planning to make red meat curry, dal fried rice and some salad

Vikram What about a plum pudding?

ice cream dessert

Mother I’ have already set the ice cream in the fridge

Father When you finish your meal be sure to fold your table napkins.

Ranjan Vikram, lay your fork and knife straight on your plate

Vikram I hate to drink milk in the morning breakfast.

Reena But you have to drink it. Let me add some Bournvita to your milk, then it will taste better.

Mother Who will give me a hand with clearing the table?

napkin folding

Everyone We all will.

Mother Mind, no one drops the china crockery

. Please place all the plates near the sink.

Reena I’ll rinse out and wipe the silver cutlery.

Ranjan I’ll dry out the plates and the glass tumblers.

Father And I’ll put china crockery in the cupboard.

china crockery

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English Conversation - About The House

2009-08-09T06:56:00.001+05:30

About The House

After the washing up, Mrs.Verma takes Mrs.Ganapati to show the house.

Mrs.Ganapati I must say that you have managed to settle in the apartments house very quickly.

Mrs.Verma We are used to state to state moving the house so often that I am used to packing up and opening up fast. I have a sort of a system worked out for moving a house.

Mrs.Ganapati You are right. One has to plan out home setting.What has to be done first and what to next, instead of rushing around doing everything .Decorating rooms and moving heavy furniture at the same time. Furniture damage can not be prevented.

Mrs.Verma This is our drawing room. I have had the loose covers for the drawing room furniture.

apartments house

Mrs.Ganapati You have very attractive blinds and curtains. they set off the loose covers of sofa covers very effectively.

Mrs.Verma We have used half the space of this room , as a modern dining room.

Mrs.Ganapati You have done well to put up a light folding partition in between.

Mrs.Verma We did that, so as to enable the children to eat fresh prepared meals , while my husband and I areentertaining visitors in the drawing room

Drawing room

Mrs.Ganapati What is in that sideboard furniture?

Mrs.Verma I store the glass crockery and cutlery sets in the sideboard. It is easier to take out glass crockery and cutlery sets , when we have to set table for the lunch and dinner, rather than having to bring it all the way from the kitchen.

Mrs.Ganapati This must be your master bedrooms furniture..Yes this is master bedroom with new furniture,

Mrs.Verma It is also used as a dressing room. It is great convenience to have an attached dressing room

stainless steel cabinets

Mrs.Ganapati What about this study room?

Mrs.Verma This study room is always in shambles. The children study here as well. It is in a great mess in the morning when they leave for school. Books strewn around the room and clothes littered every where.

Mrs.Ganapati Where do you plan to fix the T.V set?

Mrs.Verma It will have to be kept in the drawing room. It is a large room in the house and also it will not distract the children when they are studying . If we put it in children's bedroom, the children will be sitting on bedroom beds the whole evening

study room

Mrs.Ganapati I do like spotlessly clean kitchen. What gleaming utensils!Which kitchen cleaner do you use?

Mrs.Verma Thank-you for making such complementary remarks. I am flattered. I am pleased about the house , because it is well ventilated. It enables the smells of cooking to it escape outside, instead of filling the whole house with smells of masalas being fried.

Mrs.Ganapati You have a lovely home and you do work hard to keep it clean and beautiful. I must run along now. Good-bye.

Mrs.Verma Good-bye. Thank you for dropping in and giving your ideas about the house..

new cabinets

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English Conversation- The Post Office

2009-08-07T19:25:00.001+05:30

The Post Office

Vikram goes to the post office to buy postal stamps and to register professional letters.

Vikram ;(At the counter selling stamps). I want
twenty letter forms and 10 stamps of Rupees 5 each, please.

Postal Clerk : Counting off twenty letter forms and 10 stamps . Here you are.

Vikram :How much letter forms and 10 stamps cost?

Postal Clerk :Each letter form is for 5 rupees.

So twenty letter forms will be worth rupees hundred. Rs fifty for 10 stamps.

Vikram :Here are One hundred & fifty rupees . Where do I register professional letters in the post office?

The Post Office

Postal Clerk : Please go to the Registered letter counter.

Vikarma:(Going up to the Registered letter Counter) I want to send this padded envelope as registered letter , please.

Postal Clerk :Have you given the complete postal mail address of the addressee and also the sender’spostal address?

Vikram : Yes, Sir.I have written the postal mail address.

Postal Clerk: Right. Now let me weigh the padded envelope to decide the postal charges. (Put the letter envelope on the postage scale) .Value of stamps required will be Rs 10.00 . Please go back to the postal stamps counter, buy postal stamps worth ten, stick it on this envelope and then come back to me.

Vikram goes to buy postal stamps and comes back to the Registered Letters counter.

Vikram: Here you are. The postal stamp has been affixed. Is the Post Office open tomorrow?

Postal Clerk: No, the Post Office will close for three Post office Holidays.

postage envelope

Postal Clerk :That’s good. Now I’ll give you a payment receipt and paste stamps on your padded envelope There you are, here is your payment receipt.

Vikram:Thank you. What else can we send from the post office here? What other postal service availablehere. Also tell me what are the office hour of the Post Office.

Postal Clerk :We also have online postal service here. And the postal clerk at the other end of the room sends off telegrams. You can also buy Indian Stamps and first day covers. Any one can send money to anyone . You can send money order to any postal addresses.

Vikram : (walking over to the telegrams counter). How do I send a telegram, Sir?

Postal Clerk: You fill out this form. Fill in the name and address of the person to whom you want to send telegram. Then you write message. Finally you write your own name and address.

Vikram: Do I have to put any postal stamp on the telegrams ?

Postal Clerk : No. You pay us for every word used in the telegram. The rates per word for ordinary and urgent message are different..

telecommunications equipment

Vikram : Thank you.

Vikram goes back to the stamps sale counter in the post office.

Vikram : Excuse me sir, can I write a letter to my pen friend in England on this Inland Letter form?

Postal Clerk : No. For writing a letter to a person who lives outside India, you have to pay more money. If you write a letter enclosed in an envelope, you have to pay airmail postage Rs.6.50 for stamps, . If you buy an Airmail stamp, that will cost you Rs 4.50.

Vikram : It seems to be very expensive to write to pen friends.abroad.

Postal Clerk: You could write by sea-mail. That would be cheaper but your letter will take longer to each your friend.

Vikram :I think I’ll write to my friend by sea mail.

Postal Clerk : Certainly. Here you are.

Vikram And I’ll pay you Rs.4.50. What is the address of the post office.

Air mail letter form

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English Conversation - Outdoor Picnic

2009-08-06T20:50:00.006+05:30

Outdoor Picnic

Ranjan, Reena, Niren and Prema decide to go on a outdoor picnic. They all meet at Ranjan’s office to plan the picnic details.

Niren :Hello, Reena. Nice to see you at our office for planning a picnic.

Prema :Hello, Reena. Good of you to have come over and discuss about Picnic food ,as well as picnic desserts.

Reena :Hello, all of you. Ranjan suggested that I should come over and meet you during the lunch hour regarding this outdoor picnic.

Ranjan: I thought we might finalize the details for the picnic activities and picnic games tomorrow.

Prema :Where are we going for outdoor picnic?

Picnic spot

Niren: I would like to go to a picnic at a location where we can run and then relax in the sun and enjoy a lazy day. I am tired of rushing around madly.

Reena : Let’s choose a picnic areas where we can take a long walk as well. I sit all cramped up in my office the whole week. I’d like to stretch my legs a bit.

Prema: Then which picnic areas should we go?

Ranjan: I think just the outdoor place where Niren and I can run and the girls can walk. How about the khajjiar Often called India’s Switzerland.

forests

Prema: So refreshing to find everything good, pollution free environment and quiet. Never seen such a Scenic ,scenic mountainin India.It is Great place for Honeymooners

Niren: Yes. Watch those ponies going inside the trees. It seems they have all the time in the world.

Ranjan: I am not sure whether I would not have liked to have been a farmer, growing crops, keeping chickens instead of leading the high speed life of a business executive

Reena: I think You would not be bored with in three days, Ranjan. There is so much of picnic activity like powered paragliding. A paraglider can enjoy the real fun. I will see Zorbing for the first time.

paragliding

Zombing?

Reena I think we will take a look at the . Kids play area at the end of the ground

Ranjan Right. Then we’ll meet you girls after an hour of pony Ride.

After an hour they meet again at the edge of the lake.

Ranjan I am Astonished.. I have never seen such a picnic spot.

Kids Play area

Mountain Photography

Ranjan What about Lunch Boxes , Can we leave it in the car.

Reena We’ll get Lunch Boxes out of the car?

Niren While you are getting it, I’ll take a little nap sleep before lunch. Wake me up when all is ready, will you?

Ranjan I’ll help the girls. You go to nap sleep.

Prema Do you think that the carbonated drinks will still be cold?

Ranjan I’ll dip them in the cold water to cool them again

Reena Here are the carbonated drinks bottles, Ranjan.

Prema Shall we lay out the lunch boxes under that tree?

Reena I hope we won’t have bird droppings in our food.

Ranjan In that case, let us sit in the ground over there.

Reena There, everything is laid out. Ranjan, go and wake up that lazy fellow Niren.

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English Conversation- Shopping Plaza

2009-08-05T15:09:00.001+05:30

Shopping Plaza

Mrs.Verma goes once a week to the Shopping Plaza to make family shopping. This week Mrs.Ganapati is accompanying her. Both of them are walking to Shopping Plaza along the pavement. Bachoo is following them.

Mrs.Ganapati Why are we taking Bachoo along to Shopping Plaza?

Mrs.Verma He will help us carry the heavy packages. The Shopping Plaza is close enough for us to walk to.

Mrs.Ganapati Do you go to the Shopping Plaza regularly? Why not send the servant with shopping address ?

Mrs.Verma I prefer to visit the Shopping Plaza myself for window shopping . That way I can choose better and fresh vegetables, fruit and meat and I also get to know the current prices of food stuffs and other items.

fresh vegetables

Mrs,Ganapati Is groceries shopping once a week enough? Do the vegetables, Fruit and other things last you for a week?

Mrs.Verma No. Not really. Bachoo has to go to shopping plaza again during the week to buy more vegetables. But I go to the shopping plaza on Friday and stock up the fridge with food for the weekend, when the whole family is at home.

Mrs.Ganapati I‘’ ve got my shopping list all ready. What all you have to buy for kids shopping?

Mrs.Verma The bread man comes to the house every day and so I buy fresh eggs, bread and butter from him. I buy my dry rations from the ration shop on a monthly basis. You know things like flour (atta), pulses dal sugar, cooking oil (ghee) etc. For my weekly shopping. I visit the green grocer, the market shop and the butcher at shopping plaza. Then there are other odds and ends to be bought from holiday store.

Mrs.Ganapati I’ve got to visit the cobbler too. I think I‘ll request him to send his man to my house. There are many shoes to be repaired. I must also remember to visit the electrician. Some of the wiring in our house needs replacement.

Mrs.Verma If we have time, we’ll visit the cloth shop as well. I am planning to buy new curtains for the guest room. Have you found tailor?

Mrs.Ganapati Oh, I do all my stitching at home. When you buy the curtains material, I’ll help you sew and make up the curtains.

Mrs.Verma That would be very kind of you indeed. I hope bachoo has brought along an empty basket for the vegetables shopping (looking at bachoo). Thank God, he has remembered to bring a shooping satchel to store the parcels in.

Mrs.Ganapati Do you buy bakery cakes, or do you bake at home?

Mrs.Verma I haven got a good oven, but I get cakes very seldom. For a birthday or an anniversary, may be.

cake shop

Mrs. Ganapati You must visit the new self service stores outlet at the Shopping Plaza. It is so much easier to choose your own stuff and you don’t have to wait around so long waiting to be attended to, by a salesman.

Mrs.Verma How do you pick out items which are stacked on the higher shelving system?

Mrs.Ganapti For that you need assistance. They do have a couple of salesgirls who will come along with a ladder and take things down. This self-help has a home delivery service too.

Mrs.Verma Is there an extra charge for home delivery service?

Mrs.Ganapati No. And what is more appreciable is that the owners are polite and considerate to the customers. Even the delivery boys who run around are cheerful and bright.

Mrs.Verma shall we go to the shops together?

Mrs.Ganapati Perhaps it might save time if we both did our shopping independently and then meet at an agreed place after one hour, so that we could go home together.

Mrs.Verma That is good idea. Where shall we meet after an hour? Shall we meet at the books shop? I am going there for books shopping.

Mrs.Ganapati Which one? Do you mean the book stores or the stationary shop? Why not meet at the music shop? They have a small soda fountain and we could have a cold drink before returning home.

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English Conversation- Building Elevator

2009-08-05T06:00:00.001+05:30

Building Elevator

Ranjan works on the eighth floor of a ,. Each morning he has to go up in the building elevator to the office. Ranjan is standing in the queue with a colleague of his, prema.

Ranjan pressing the elevator button

elevator button

Ranjan Good morning prema. You are looking well this morning.

Prema Good morning to you too. You too are looking smart, (Ranjan is in conversations with other passengers waiting to enter the elevator)Thank Goodness there isn’t such a long line for the Elevator this morning.

Ranjan Here comes the glass Elevator. It takes only eight passengers. I think we can all get in. Come on, get in ahead of me.

Prema No, no, Ranjan. You were in the line. before me, you get in first.

Ranjan That doesn’t matter, ladies first always.

They both get into the lift to go to their office floors.

passengers waiting to enter the elevator

Prema in conversations with Ranjan That was very chivalrous of you. It is nice to come across a young man who has polite manners and etiquette. These days, men treat women with even more discourtesy because they say that if you women are to have equal rights, you must share the discomforts equally too.

Ranjan I guess one could argue this subject in many ways. But personally I am of the opinion that man must have manners and etiquette to show courtesy to a lady.

Prema How about the ladies who work in a subordinate position to a man.

Ranjan This is a situation which occurs all the time. And I do notice that the men are not quite sure as to how to deal with their women employees.

Prema I think that a girl or woman who is working under a man in a subordinate position must give him the respect due to his position.

Ranjan You are quite right. Of course discipline must be maintained. But if the boss shows some courtesy which is only good manners, it doesn’t take anything away from his authority.

Prema What exactly do you mean?

Ranjan For instance, let us take the situation in which a man and a woman working in the same office floor have to travel together to some place. The man is senior to the lady. Who do you think ought to enter the lift first?

Getting out of glass Lift

Prema Well, normally, if there was no office relationship, the lady should enter first. But in this case, the matter would be decided by whoever is standing in the line ahead gets in first in the glass elevator.

Ranjan Not really. After all the two people working in the same office building do know each other. I see no harm in the gentleman letting the lady stand in front of him. In the same way, even though he is senior, he should open the door of the taxi or car for the lady to get into the vehicle. Even though people work at various grades in an office yet accepted office codes of courtesy ought not to be forgotten.

Prema Well, now I know whom to ask for a lift.

Ranjan You’re always welcome.Building elevator reaches office floor. The elevator door opens

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English Conversation- about Credit Card

2009-08-04T08:38:00.007+05:30

English Conversation- about Credit Card

Customer entering the Bank of Delhi and inquiring about bank account credit card

Banker – Good morning Sir, can I help you?

Customer – Yes I would like to know what credit card you can issue.

Banker – sir, should I tell you about banking credit card. The Bank of Delhi,offers best business credit card .

Customer – But I need a credit card for personal use. I do not have any credit card history. I know about it, but I have some more queries regarding the various bank account credit card. can I apply for one credit card online also.

Banker – sir let me give you all the information about credit card

and then you can very well decide what credit card you want to go for ?

Customer – That would be great .

Banker- What is your age sir?

Customer – What is the minimum age for credit cards

Banker – It is 23 yr, for salaried or self employed person.

Customer, What are the documents required by,The Bank of Delhi for issue of credit card?

Banker – If it is for public limited Company ,mnc, Govt. Organization any one of pay slip ,salary certificate, income tax returns, form 16..

But for Proprietorship , partnership ,private limited company –

it is pay slip, income tax returns, form 16

Customer- What about self employed person?

Banker-If it is for for self employed – income tax returns and other bank Account documents specific club membership required for the card

Customer -----What are eligibility criteria for the various credit cards?

Banker -There are 5 types of Credit cards available -

1) For EMI Credit Card , a person has to have an income 240000 p.a

2) For Titanium Credit Card , a person has to have an income 480000 p.a

3) For platinum Credit Card a person has to have an income 480000 p.a

4) For Signature Credit Card a person has to have an income 1200000 p.a

our bank also offers credit card balance transfer free.

Customer---- What if I have any problem in getting my Monthly credit card statement?

Banker- Please call 24 hour customer care number of your city and you would get the problem resolved solution

Customer---- What is the credit period for paying the billed amount? Is it called a credit card zero percent.

Banker -For gold, silver,& blue credit card , maximum period available is 48 days after that card credit interest rate will be charged. But bank rewards the customers who pay the credit card bills in time.

Customer – If my cheque is dishonored, will I be charged any interest by credit card issuer for it? Do you offer credit card insurance also.

Banker – Yes, A fee of Rs 250 will be charged by the bank for dishonor of your cheque

Customer What is the best way to pay the credit card bill?

Banker – You can pay the bills by cash, draft, cheque , or if you have the Bank of Delhi saving account you can transfer the Billed amount online or by calling customer care also .

Customer How much time it take to reflect the payment in the credit card account?

Banker – it takes 3 working days to reflect by cheque or draft and if cheque is non the bank of Delhi ,the it takes 5 working days.

credit card bill

Customer - What if my card is lost or damaged, what is the process to get a new one?

Banker – Sir, you need to call up the customer care centre to block the card, if lost or damaged and they would issue a new credit card in seven days.

Customer - Can I use my bank account credit cardfor the purchases on the internet?

Banker - Yes Sir, your bank account credit card can be used for all the expenses on the internet.

Customer – What do I do If my credit card application gets declined?

Banker – You do not have to worry, just call up the customer care centre

Customer- Tell me if I cross my credit card limit by chance?

bank account credit card

Banker – if you make a transaction that exceeds your credit limit, it is upto the bank credit cards transaction, and if approved they would charge for the amount exceeded the limit

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English Conversation-the dinner party

2009-08-03T07:10:00.002+05:30

The dinner party

Ranjan and Reena send the dinner invitationsto their friends, Niren and Prema for the dinner party at their house. Mr and Mrs.Verma have gone out of station on a holidays travel and have taken Vikram along with them.

Ranjan & Reena sat down to decide the dinner party menu. They decided the dinner party recipes .They discuss the food typeto be cooked. They decide to cook vegetarian food recipes instead of chicken foods.

Reena Yes. All the Dinner party food is cooked. It has only to be heated up. Mrs.Ganapati was very sweet and helped me with the cooking dinner party food this morning.

Ranjan Who is going to make the puris? It will look very rude if you go off to kitchen for half an hour before the dinner party to heat the dinner party food and fry the puris.

Dinner party food

Reena Don’t worry, Bachoo can make puris, I’ll slip away for just a few minutes to arrange the Dining tables and chairs.

Ranjan That is better. Is everything else in order ? How about the drinks with the dinner party?

Reena The dining tables and chairs are is laid, the house cleaned with the help of Vacuum Cleaner and the flower decoration. All the fruit drinks and soda drinks have been kept in the Refrigerator to be chilled. I’ve arranged the glasses on a tray. Now, does that satisfy you?

Ranjan This is the first time that our friends are coming over for dinner and that is why I want dinner party planning to be just right.

Reena I wonder whether they’ll be expecting a big dinner party. They’ll be terribly disappointed to find just the two of us.

Ranjan No. They know that it will be just the four of us. In fact, I told them that the dinner party is not very big, but asked them to spend an evening with us and have potluck after that.

Reena Oh ! I forgot to mention to you that Prema telephoned and asked whether she could bring along a cousin of hers who has come from Bombay.

Dining tables and chairs

Ranjan I see. That is why you’ve laid five places for the dinner party. Anyway, who is the cousin ? A lady or a gentleman?

Reena I really don’t know. I didn’t ask her.

Ranjan Do we have some good western music?

Reena Yes. I’ve want to listen Classical music. It will rather set the mood for the evening. And another thing Ranjan, for heaven’s sake, please don’t talk shop the whole evening. That will be very boring for the cousin and for me. Besides, don’t you talk shop about bulbs and tubes in the office?

Ranjan All right, all right. Don’t get so worked up. I know it is not polite manner to talk business at a party.

The bell rings. Reena has a quick look at the mirror and parts her hair into place

Listen Classical music

Reena Ranjan, am I looking all right for the dinner party?

Ranjan Just fine. They are at the door. I’ll go and get them.

Reena Just a moment, Ranjan. Should I keep the outdoor wall light on or should I switch off , switch on the table lamps? They give a softer effect.

Ranjan Do what you like. But make it right enough for us to be able to see each other. Let it not be such dim lights that we can’t see beyond our noses.

Ranjan goes to the door and receives party guest. Reena waits for them in the Sitting room. The guests enter.

Niren Good evening, Reena.

Prema Hello Reena. You haven’t met my cousin, Tilak Sharma. Tilak, this is Reena.

Tilak How do you do?

Reena Well thank you. I understand that you’ve come recently from Bombay.

Tilak Yes, that is right. And I am a lucky man to have been invited for the dinner party to your lovely home on my first day in Delhi.

Sitting room

Reena You are very kind. Are you on a holidays travel or will you be staying long.

Tilak For the moment, I am on a business trip. But there is a possibility of my being posted to Delhi.

Prema Now before you start quarreling. What will you have for drink?

Prema Any fruit drink or soda drink.

Ranjan Tilak, what about you?

Tilak I’ll join you in whatever fruit drink you are having?

Ranjan You have a choice of beer, gin-and-lime or a cider or would you prefer a whisky and soda? Niren, how about you?

Niren I’ll have best beer, if you have any.

Ranjan Yes, we have best beer. And Tilak, what is your preference?

Ranjan Reena, what would you like to drink?

Reena I’ll have a soda drink, please.

Ranjan Would everyone like ice in the drinks?

Prema Not for me please. If it is chilled in the fridge that is good enough for me. Thank you.

Ranjan brings in the tray of drinks and serves them around.

drinks mix

Tilak Today weather is very good. I must say you have very pleasant weather in Delhi. Bombay was hot and sultry. One perspires so much in Bombay that one’s clothes are soaked within minutes of getting out of the house.

Niren Is that so? I’ve never been to Bombay. I would very much like to visit the Bombay city one day. I’ve heard a lot about the city. I believe it is very big and busy and the traffic is unbelievable. It is one of thebiggest business centres too.

Reena There, you people start business talk and money-making , again.

Niren Sorry, Reena. That was not meant to disturb your pretty head. I must compliment you on the flowers decorations. A very artistically arranged.

Prema And the clssical music is so soothing. Have you bought any new records or cds.

Ranjan To tell you the truth, the classical music CD are brought by either Reena or our kid brother Vikram

Bombay City

Reena excuses herself and lays the dinner dishes on a side tray.

Reena Prema, Tilak, Niren, dinner is served. Shall we move over to the dinning room?

Prema Just as you wish.

They all move to the dinning room. The lights are switched off and only candles are lit on the dinning table.

Prema Fabulous.What is dessert menu

Niren Ice Cream with chocolate.So romantic

Reena We are going to have a combination of a buffet with a sitting dinner. Please serve yourselves at this side board and then sit at the table.

They seat themselves, eat the dinner, and admire the good cooking.

Reena Shall we have coffee in the room?

Prema If you say so, yes.

They move back to the sitting room. Have coffee and chat a bit. Then the guests are ready to leave.

Prema Well thank you so much for a delightful evening Reena. Thank you Ranjan. Goodnight.

Tilak Reena, many thanks for having me over the dinner party at the last moment. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Goodnight and thank you again. (to Ranjan) Thanks. I hope we can meet again sometime.

Niren Reena, dinner party setting was superb. You must have worked very hard. Thank you for asking me over. I hope this won’t be the last time. Good night

Reena Ranjan, see you in the morning

coffee drink

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English conversation - Scooter Ride

2009-08-02T09:13:00.002+05:30

Scooter Ride

Ranjan is about to leave from home to office by scooter, when the telephone rings. It is his colleague Pillay on the line.

Ranjan (speaking into the telephone). Hello, this is Ranjan.

Pillay Hi! Pillay here. My Motorcycle repair is still incomplete . How are you going to office to-day?

Ranjan My uncle has parked his Petrol scooter at our house for a month. So I intend
driving it to get to work and back.

Pillay could I take a scooter ride with you?

Ranjan certainly. Can you walk to my house? We will have the scooter ride from here.

Pillay No problem. I’ll be there in ten minutes for the scooter ride to office with you.

auto rickshaw

Ten minutes later, auto rickshaw stops in front of the Verma house and pillay gets off.
Ranjan (Wheeling his scooter out of the driveway) Hello, there. Did you come in that auto rickshaw? Why didn’t you tell me?
I would have picked you up.
Pillay Kind of you friend. But it was no problem hopping into a auto rickshaw and coming over to your place.

motorcycle ride

Ranjan Look, even the pillion rider has to wear a helmet. Do you have one?

Just wait a second and I’ll ask papa , I think he has a new helmet ,which you can borrow.

Ranjan goes into the house and returns with a new helmet for pillay for the scooter ride to office

Pillay Thank you. I seem to have given you a lot of trouble.Have you tried an electric scooter. Is it better than petrol scooter.

Ranjan You are welcome. There is no trouble in helping each other out, is
there?Do you know any scooter dealer. I wish to buy a 125 cc scooter.

Pillay There will be no problems if I am checked by the
police for wearing a helmet.. Yes , I know a dealer who sells 50cc scooter.

Ranjan Here, the scooter comes off the stand. Now I will kick the start pedal.
Then I will Kick the gears and now we are ready to move off. Are you O.K
sitting at the back?

Pillay Yes, yes. Just fine. Don’t drive too fast to avoid scooter accident. Though I am not a lady and my hair won’t fly off. But I’ve never sat behind a scooter before, so I’m a
bit nervous.

Ranjan Never sat on a scooter I have a motorcycle? Where have you been living friend? On the moon ? Anyway, you must learn to ride a scooter.

Pillay You are right, I must learn to ride a scooter because next year I am
planning to buy electric scooter. Is it difficult?

Ranjan What? To drive a scooter? Oh no! It is very easy. If you know how to
ride a motorcycle, then a scooter is no problem. It is a much steadier
vehicle, than a cycle.

Pillay Are you going to buy a petrol scooter or electric scooter?

Ranjan I was thinking of getting a motor cycle. It has more power and speed. I
love the roaring sound it makes. It makes a man feel like a man. You
know what I mean?

Scooter Ride

Pillay But I was thinking that for me a50cc scooter.would be too good
. You see, though don’t tell anyone as yet, but I may be engaged
next month. If that happens, then I’ll be married by this time next year.

Ranjan Getting engaged! Congratulation, old boy! That calls for a celebration.

Pillay Not yet, not so fast. Only a proposal has been made as yet. Nothing is
finalized. May be the girl may not like my face.

Ranjan Then buy yourself a 50cc scooter., quick. And take her for a scooter ride. That would be quite romantic and it will help her to overcome any hesitation.

Pillay I say, look out in front of you. You nearly crashed into that bus.

Ranjan Don’t get nervous old boy. You just hang on fast and I’ll get you safe and
sound to the office.

scooter accident.

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English Conversation- Public Library

2009-07-31T21:12:00.005+05:30

Public Library

Hansa I say Reena, why is it necessary for me to be member of Books library? Any way, why does the public Library insist on library membership?

Reena It is like this. Most commercial companies insist that their employees in the management level should become members of leading clubs so that they get to meet a wide circle of people. In the same way, Rama’s store recommends that the management level personnel under training should become members of the worldwide Library, which is a public library close to the office.

Hansa What kind of library books does the office expect me to read library books available at this public library

Management level - Executives Trainees

Reena The idea is that besides your practical training in the various departments of the store, you should do some private reading of library books and do in depth study about the subjects that you are dealing with.

They both enter the books library and go up to the desk of the chief Librarian.

Reena Good morning, Mr. kapur. This is Hansa Mehta from our store. She wants to become a member of your books library.

Librarian Good morning Miss Verma. Miss Mehta, please fill in this Library membership application form.

Hansa I’ll do that. Reena could you please fill in where I have to be introduced by another member?

Reena Sure. Here you are.

library books

Hansa What should I fill in special interest column

Reena I would say, write Business and Management.

Hansa (to the Librarian) Here you are, Mr. Kapur, the card is duly filled in.

Labrarian, Thank you I’ll have your prepared.your library card . It will take a few minutes to enter. Would you like to look around the School library in the meanwhile? Perhaps, you can choose the High school books you would like to take out.

Reena All the bookcase shelvesare marked and arranged subject-wise. This public library has a particularly good section on Business and Management

Hansa What kind of first edition books should I draw?

Reena Take something on marketing or Business and Management and may be international banking and international trade

Library Card

Hansa They seem to have the latest literature fiction as well.

Reena Oh yes. This is a very big books library and they have books on every subject. Their reference section is really very good.

They select three books and return to the Librarian’s Desk.

Librarian Ah! I see you’ve selected the books you’d like to borrow. Your Reader’s Tickets are ready. You can keep the books for two weeks. Can I have the books please? They have to be a stamped. Thank you.

Hansa Do you use the public library a great deal?

Reena At first I did do a lot of background reading. Even now I use the reference section quite often. I borrow a number of the best seller books too.

Hansa I’m sure it is very good idea to have become a member of the books library. Thank you for bringing me and introducing me

bookcase shelves

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English Conversation-- About Family

2009-07-31T08:13:00.009+05:30

About Family

Vikram, a young boy about ten years old, is standing near the gate of his
house at B- 12, Mahesh Nagar. Another boy Ranjit comes along on his bicycle
and smiles at Vikram.

Vikram: Hello. I am Vikram.

Ranjit: I am Ranjit Mehra. How do you do?

Vikram: I am well, thank you.

Ranjit: Are you new here?

Happy family

Vikram: Yes, our family moved in here only a few days ago, where do you live?

Ranjit: I live with my family in the next block, down the road.

Vikram: Ranjit, would you like to come in and meet my family members ?

Ranjit: Thank you. I would like to meet your family

Family house

Family House of Ranjit Mehra

Family House of Vikram

The two boys go inside the family house. Mr Vijay Verma is watching the family video

Vikram: Papa, this is my friend, Ranjit Mehra.

Ranjit, this is my father, Mr. Vijay Verma.

Ranjit: Good morning, Sir.

Mr. Verma: Good morning to you too. We are glad to have you at our family house.

Vikram: Meet my mother, my sister Reena didi and my elder brother Ranjan
bhaiya. (all are watching the family video)

Ranjit: Pleased to meet your happy family Vikram.

Vikram: Come along Ranjit, I’ll take you to my room.

Ranjit: You have a nice big room.

Vikram: I am glad you have liked it. I share this room with my elder

brother Ranjan.

Ranjit: Which is your bed?

Vikram: This one. I make my bed every morning. This is a spare cupboard where
we store the extra bedsheets, pillow covers ,blankets and quilts etc. for the family needs.

My bed

Ranjit: That must be your brother’s wardrobe.

Vikram: Yes. I have to be very careful about keeping my room tidy. I study at the

desk Near the window

Spare cup board

Ranjit: I, too, share my room but with my grandfather in the family.

Vikram: How many brothers and sisters do you have?

Ranjit: I do not have any brother or sister.

But my grandparents live with us .

Vikram: How many rooms do you have in your house?

Ranjit: Well, we have drawing-cum-dining-room, two
bedrooms,

Two bathrooms, a small sized study room, a kitchen and a garden.

Vikram: That sounds like a big house. Do you have a garden as well?

Ranjit: Yes. My mother grows beautiful flowers around the edge of the lawn.

Small window Garden

Vikram: Ranjit, it is time for breakfast. Will you eat with My family ?

Ranjit: No. thank you. I must be going now. My mother will be wondering as to

what has become of me.

Vikram: All right. May I come to your house in the afternoon to play in your
garden?

Ranjit: Yes, please do come. My parents will be very happy to meet you.You can watch the family TV show

Vikram: Thank you for visiting us,It was family fun

Ranjit. You must come again,

Ranjit: Good-bye Vikram. I’ll be waiting for you in the afternoon.

____________

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English Conversation - the gift shop

2009-07-31T07:22:00.006+05:30

The gift shop

Mrs. Verma is out to buy family christmas gifts for her family from the gift shop .She drops in at “Good Value Store”, a popular gift shop which stocks an assortment of ,.

Salesman Good morning, Madam. Welcome to“Good Value Store” May I help you. We have started christmas sale on all family christmas gifts

Mrs.Verma Well, I’m just looking around. I want to buy some christmas items

Salesman Have you anything particular christmas items in mind?

Mrs.Verma I was thinking of buying a pen and pencil gift set for my husband.That will be best gift for christmas

Salesman I’ll show you the ones we have. Here is a beautiful ,and parker ballpoint set. Here is a briefcase with letter writing material and parker pen and parker ballpoint set.is fitted in it. Then there are many colour schemes available.

Mrs.Verma How much do these parker pen and parker ballpoint set cost?

Salesman These parker pen and parker ball point set are Rs.1500 each.

Mrs.Verma That is too expensive. My budget is only Rs.500.only

Salesman Then why don’t you buy for your husband a good Parker pen? We have a variety of them.

Mrs. Verma No, I think I want to gift wine to my husband.

Saleman Then how about a office briefcase?

Mrs.Verma He has a fairly new one already.

Salesman I know what would make a unique christmas gift. Have a look at these tie and hand kerchief sets of gift shop.

Mrs.Verma Yes. These are really very smart and unique christmas gift. Yes, I’ll buy this one. Now, I have to buy gifts for my grown up son and daughter and one for my younger
son, who is nine.

Salesman For your elder son, I suggest an aftershave lotion or a shirt perhaps? What is
his collar size?

parker pen and parker ballpoint set

Mrs.Verma A shirt? No, I think I’ll take an aftershave lotion for my elder son.

Salesman Then would you consider buying a best perfume for your
daughter?

Mrs.Verma No, I want something different. Something that she wouldn’t normally buy
herself.

Salesman Let us see. A quilted handbag of gift shop would be very useful.

Mrs.Verma Yes…….. But I’m not sure what colour or shape she would like.

Salesman What about some hand made paper white with matching white envelopes? Here are some beautiful pads and envelopes.

Mrs.Verma I’m sure Reena would love these. Thank you. Could you pack this hand made paper white with matching white envelopes please?

Salesman Of course. With pleasure.Do you want any wedding envelopes?

hand made white paper with matching white envelopes

Mrs.Verma For my younger son, I know he would like the new series of the games and puzzles

Salesman I’m sorry Madam, but we don’t keep games and puzzles. Why not buy the young man some puzzle books that he might like to read.

Mrs.Verma He borrows book from the library. I think he’d enjoy working on the games and puzzlesform a toy shop.

Salesman Just a minute. I’m sure we do have something in our shop for your little boy.
How about these new broad belts with the leaping tiger buckles. These are
very much in vogue these days.

Mrs.Verma I suppose I could take the belt….But no. I’ve decided on the games and puzzles for Vikram. Thank you, that’s all please make out the bill.

Salesman Right, Ma’am. But what about buying something for yourself? A fabric handbag
perhaps?

games and puzzles

Mrs.Verma No, thank you. I’ll wait for my husband to buy a ladies gift for me. Don’t you agree?

Salesman Quite right. Here is your bill, Ma’am. Would you please pay at the cash
counter over there?

Mrs.Verma which address you will send the gifts to?

Salesman At the delivery counter, which is next to the cash counter.

Mrs.Verma Thank you very much for your assistance.

Salesman You are welcome. A happy Diwali to you Ma’am. Do drop in again.

send the gift parcels

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English Conversation-about advertising

2009-07-28T22:04:00.004+05:30

about advertising

Prema Narian has been assigned the job of dealing with the media group to prepare an advertising program for brand ‘N’ of ,. The advertising executive from Technical Adverts. (the media group) is one Mr.Ganguli.

Mr.Ganguli (Entering Prema’s office) Good morning Miss Narian. I am advertising executive Ganguli. I believe you wanted to see me?

Prema Good morning, Mr.Ganguli. Yes, we are keen to open the advertising program for our electric bulbs and fluorescent bulbs.

Mr.Ganguli I see we’ve been working on the advertising program for nearly two months now.

Prema Have you brought the new media plan with you this morning?

Mr.Ganguli Yes, I have the whole lot of our recommendations here. Here is our report on how your product stands vis-à-vis your competitorsof electric bulbs and fluorescent bulbs.in the market.

Prema Have you worked out the new media plan, that will be inserted in the national newspapers?

Mr.Ganguli Yes. We have made a series of three advertisment, to be released in national newspapers and magazines. My media group advertising Agency feels that you should advertise heavily not only in the national newspapers but also plan a Blog for free advertising, mail advertising,window advertising.

our Media plan also put up hoardings and neon light sign. We also suggest that you make counter displays for dealers to exhibit in their shops. Cinema advertising would be an effective medium for you to use as well. Bus backs too attract attention.

Prema All this sounds very interesting. Of course, we would like to use all the media planavailable. But how much would all this advertising program cost?

Mr.Ganguli We have worked out a advertising budget too for you. We have suggested a breakdown of expenses, distributed over the media plan , over a period of three months. You will notice that radio commercials is one of the most popular methods.

hoardings and neon light sign

Prema (Looking at the budget proposals). Good Lord! You’ve worked on a advertising program budget of Rs. 5 crore to be spent in three months! That is a huge sum of money. I’m not sure that the Directors will agree to spend this enormous sum of money.

Mr.Ganguli Look here, Miss Narian, you are marketing new product in the market which has three best brands of electric bulbs and fluorescent bulbs already selling. To make any headway or impact on sales. Your advertising program has to be intensive and concentrated one. If you spend a small amount of money and an ad appears once a month, it will make no impression what-so-ever on the readers and consumers.

electric bulbs and fluorescent bulbs

Prema You mean to say that unless we make repeated insertions which will be noticed by the readers, the money spent will be wasted.

Mr. Ganguli Precisely. You’ve hit the nail on the head.

Prema I’ll have to discuss your media and budget proposals with the marketing Manager. Perhaps, for the beginning we might decide to going for heavy newspaper advertising, bus backs and hoardings.

Mr.Ganguli Mind you, though the decision is yours, but I must point out that the initial advertising campaign must be a hard hitting one, if you want to introduce your product effectively. Perhaps, you could afford to drop radio advertising for the time being.

Prema I’ll talk this matter over with you next week, after I have had consultations with our higher management and financial departments. I have to check on the percentage of the manufacturing cost that has been allocated for the promotional advertising products.

radio advertising

Mr.Ganguli Here are the layouts for the ads for newspaper advertisments. What do you think of them? If you were to approve them, then we can go ahead with the final artwork.

Prema Not so fast. Mr.Ganguli. Please give me time to study these layouts. Have you stressed the point that we are the only company producing bulbs and tubes made from wholly indigenous parts?

Mr.Ganguli Yes and we have added other selling points too.

Prema These ads are too big. We can save money by reducing the size of the ads. Don’t you think so?

Mr.Ganguli No. No. No. By putting in a small advertisment which many people miss seeing, what do you gain?

Prema All right. Don’t get excited Mr.Ganguli, Let me study all this advertising program and we’ll finalize everything at our next meeting Thank you for coming to see us to-day.

7777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777

Small Advertiment

English Conversation - Indian Festival

2009-07-28T13:26:00.002+05:30

Deepavali

Vikram Mamma. Today we have a holiday for Indian Festival -Deepavali

. My teacher told me that this is hindu festival day when Hindu godLord Rama returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing the king of Lanka, Ravana. The Hindus all over the world celebrate this Hindu festival.

Mrs. Verma Lord Rama rescued sita from Ravana .The Hindus celebrate the dussehra festival on that day.

Reena Vikram, did you see the dussehra festival celebration where they burnt the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran?

Mrs.Verma Yes, I took Vikram to witness the dussehra festivalcelebrations. I am glad to see that you are working hard to help your mother with preparation for the auspicious evening to celebrate Deepavali

Indian Festival -Deepavali

effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran

Vikram Didi, why are you decorating door entrance?

Reena I am making a “rangoli”. Then I will hang a string of mango tree leaves at the entrance.

Vikram Why do you do all this on all the Hindu festivals like Divali, pongal navratri, janamashtmi ?

Reena To prepare a welcome for Goddess Lakshmi.

Mr.Verma He has gone to bring the deewas (mud lamps) which Mama had left out on the roof to dry.

Vikram After the puja in the evening, will we light the deewas and the wax candles?

Mr.VermaYes, all of us will light the deewas and the wax candles because it is called festival of lights .We let off the crackers that we bought yesterday.

rangoli

a welcome for Goddess Lakshmi.

Vikram What fun! When will the evening come? Can’t I let off a few crackers just now?

Mrs.Verma Why not wait till the evening, Vikram ? You can have some Indian Sweets. We have brought barfi and jalebi from Indian Sweets market.

Ranjan (carrying a basketful of deewas and wax Candles). Here you are Mama. Shall I arrange them on the doorway on the roof and along the balcony?

Mr.Verma We might as well do that now in the morning. But pour the oil into the deewas only at about 5o’clock in the afternoon.

Reena I’ll make the cotton wicks for the deewas. How many shall I make

Ranjan Make about 200 wicks. We’ll put 200 deewas and we will decorate the the rest of the house with wax candles. The oil for the deewas is very expensive, so we can’t have too many of wax candles.

Reena Deewas look prettier and last longer as compared to wax candles. But I guess it can’t be helped.

Vikram Our house will look so beautiful with so many lights glittering like a wedding.

Deepavali festival lights,

Mr.Verma It won’t look like a house glittering with small bulbs all decorated for a wedding. The Deepavali lights are soft and glimmering.

Ranjan I love to celebrate Deepavali Festival It is a happy and very auspicious day.

Ranjan Deepavali Festival is also an occasion to meet all our relatives and friends.

Vikram When will all the people come for Deepavali celebrations?

Mrs.Verma People will drop in at all hours of the day and later in the evening.

Vikram Is that why you have prepared so manyDeepavali sweets?

Mrs.Verma Yes. And Vikram, be sure to greet everyone with “Deepavali Mubarak” or Shubh Diwali.

Deepavali Sweets

******************************************************************************

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English Conversation - To Learn English

2009-07-27T21:52:00.005+05:30

To Learn English

Subramanium and Rakesh are two friends. They are intending to learn English

Rakesh Subramanium, I am thinking of joining adult classes to learn English .

Subramanium I was also thinking to learn English . These adult classes seem to be very popular these days.

Rakesh What I have been wondering about is whether to join adult classes or to study book which deals with day to-day conversational situations.

Subramanium For me. Perhaps the best course of action is to join evening classes. I am not always sure about my pronunciation.

Rakesh In my case, my English grammer is rather weak. Why not go and consult the teacher of English conversation adult classes and take her advice .

Subramanium and Rakesh go to the teacher of the English conversation adult classes.

Subramanium Excuse me. Madam. My friend and I want to improve English conversation. We will be obliged if you could please guide us as to how to go about it.

Teacher Good morning. I am Miss Newman. I don’t believe we have met before.

Subramanium Sorry I forgot to introduce myself. I am Subramanium and this is my friend Rakesh.

Teacher I’ll be happy to advise you about improve english. To begin with, you can join the English conversation adult classes.

Rakesh We were wondering whether it is absolutely essential to join evening classes or whether we could learn the language by studying books which deals with day to-day conversational situations .

Teacher That depends on what you feel ,you are lacking in your command of the language. If it is a matter of correcting your English pronunciation. It is very difficult to learn phonetic pronunciation from a phonetic guide. . You have to listen very carefully to the correct English pronunciation of words.

Subramaniun We do have the problem of English pronunciation . Rakesh feels unsure about his English grammar as well.

Adult classes

Teacher Conversational English practice is conducted by talking about situations which occur in our daily life. Grammar rules are the basis of any language. But in the case of gentlemen like you, wh o already have a good working knowledge of English, some background of grammar rules and quite a large vocabulary, the effort is to instill confidence and fluency in your speech. Grammatical mistakes are often committed by even professors of the language. But glaring blunders are pointed out to the student in grammar lessons ,and he is reminded about the application of basic grammar.

Rakesh I have seen that in some books on conversation, some correct and incorrect grammatical usages are mentioned. So, in case my problem is only to learn grammar, then I suppose that I do not need to attend adult classes.

Teacher If you are only concerned with grammar lesson, then it is not great necessity to have a teacher and you can check on your difficulties in grammar lesson from a book. In fact, some books on conversational English contain a lot of information as well on a variety of subjects which would help you improve your general knowledge as well.

Subramaniun Then do you suggest that we merely buy a book on English conversation for all occasions ?

English conversation book

Teacher You could do that. In any case, some book or books will have to be bought even if you will join a evening class in English conversation. The best way to learn a language is to read it, then listen to it when it is spoken correctly and then speak it yourself.

Rakesh That means that both the ears and the eyes have to be used.

Teacher That is the best method. Of course. But if you do not have enough leisure or spare time available to attend a class, a book could be a substitute as a guide to help you along.

Evening classes

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English Conversation - Art Exhibition

2009-07-27T09:23:00.005+05:30

Art Exhibition

Art Exhibition

It had been announced that 62 French paintings were to be exhibited at the national gallery of art Hansa and Reena decided to go to see art Exhibition.

Hansa Reena, are you going to see the art exhibition of French paintings at national gallery of art?

Reena Yes. I guess we ought to go to national gallery of art. It is supposed to be one of the best cultural events of the season

Hansa And these are the original painting. I under stand, except for a similar art exhibition in Japan, this art exhibition has never been held anywhere else in Asia.

Reena So I hear. Let’s go together, shall we? When does it open ? The Art exhibition I mean.

Hansa There are still another couple of hours to go. We will enjoy these paintings of famous artists.

Reena I wonder which art works are being exhibited. I do hope that there are number of impressionists like Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin.

impressionists

Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin.

Hansa Some people are crazy about famous artists like Modigliani, Picasso . I must say that I don’t understand modern artists, do you Reena?

Reena I suppose I don’t always understand what a modern art painting is supposed to depict. But I do, at times appreciate the geometric shapes and color and shapes put together. I do appreciate drawing portraits.

national gallery of art

-artists like Modigliani, Picasso

Hansa I was told that art is supposed to be the artist’s vision of the world and the objects he sees. So, if there are distortions in the proportions of the figures paintings , that is meant to show how the artist sees these people and objects. I am interested in painting landscape

Reena All art is a projection and outpouring of the artist’s inner feelings, but, I think modern art has tended to become a sort of gimmick as well. Painting is now said to be a method of “breaking space” in a novel and interesting manner.

painting landscape

Hansa What is the meaning of breaking space?

Reena There is a space; it might be a huge well, a big canvas or smaller one. The artist has to fill up that blankness with some combination of colours and shapes. He might like to make a geometric arrangement of nails on the board or just paint one black dot on a white background or make anything which he thinks is artistic and different according to him.

Hansa Have you been to see the Indian paintings on permanent exhibition at the National Gallery of Art?

breaking space

Reena Yes I have. They have been arranged very well. The Rajput and kangra minitures are in different sections and the Indian paintings are in different rooms. In fact, separate rooms are available to each Indian artist.

Hansa Which is your favourtie Indian artist?

Reena I am very impressed with the work of Amrita Shergil.

Hansa Indian painting has begun to get recognition only recently, after independence. The colonial rulers tended to denigrate and ignore all kind of art of India. And creative activity was at a stand – still.

Reena Most of Indian artist, in every field, heavily imitated the British with the result that little greatness was achieved.

Hansa Will there be guides to explain the paintings of the French masters at the forthcoming art exhibition?

gallery paintings

Reena I heard that at art exxhibition there will be what is known as “lec-tours” These are lec-tours. Every view carries a small radio receiver and earphones. As the viewer goes around the gallery. Voices on the receiver playback pre-recorded tapes explaining about the artist and his work.

Hansa This must be a new feature they’ve introduced. I believe the whole introduced. I believe the whole National Gallery of Art is being air conditioned too, so that there is no deterioration in the paintings.

Reena I would like to see the art exhibition more than once. The first time with a guide or with a “lec-tour” and then I’d like to see the art paintings at leisure and study each one minutely to understand what marvels the artists have created.

Hansa I’ll come along too. I hope there won’t be too much of a rush at art exhibition. One would want to enjoy beautiful creations unhurriedly and without being jostled.

artists gallery

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English Conversation - At Restaurant

2009-07-27T05:43:00.013+05:30

At Restaurant

Ranjan is meeting prema for lunch at downtown restaurant both of them have been out meeting clients and have decided to meet for lunch to discuss the prospects of selling the products of their company.

Ranjan : (Who has arrived earlier) Hello, Prema. I am glad you were able to come. Did you get my message to meet at downtown restaurant?

Prema: Hello, Ranjan. I’m sorry I’m a bit late. I got your message about meeting you for lunch just as I was leaving for my appointment with the builders of Akash Deep. I could’t get away any earlier.

Ranjan : Don’t worry. I haven’t been waiting long. Where would you like to sit? Shall we sit in that corner?

Prema: Yes, let’s. It will be quieter over there.

Ranjan: How was your day?

Prema : Quite successful. But very tiring. People are interested in our products but are hesitant to switch over to something new. I was wondering whether…… .

Ranjan: Before me get involved in a deep discussion lets order lunch. (Calling to the waiter) waiter.

Waiter: (Placing menu cards before both of them). Good afternoon. What would you like to order for lunch?

Ranjan: Prema, What would you like to eat? A soup to begin with?

Prema : No, thank you. I don’t think I’ll have soup. I’ve never been here before, so I
don’t know what their specialties are.

Ranjan: (Reading the menu) would you like some south Indian food?

Prema: No.Let me see. Waiter, are the prawns fresh?

Waiter: Yes, Ma’am Absolutely fresh. Why don’t you try some fried prawns with Chinese fried rice?

Chinese meal.

Ranjan: That is a good suggestion. Let’s have a Chinese meal.

Prema: All right, you order, Ranjan.

Ranjan: Right Let’s have a plate of chicken fried rice, sweet and sour prawns and an American chopsey. Prema, would you like mushrooms or bamboo shoots?

Prema: No, thank you. What you’ve ordered is more than enough.

Ranjan : What about something to drink? An orange juice or a leman squash or……..

Prema : I’d love to have a Limca to drink.

Ranjan : That’s good. Waiter, a Limca cold Drink for the lady. And a fresh lime juice for me. And please serve us quickly. We haven’t much time.

Limca to drink

Waiter : Right Sir. It won’t be long.

(Writing down the order).

Ranjan: You were about to make a suggestion about our marketing policy.

Prema: I was wondering whether we couldn’t recommend a cut in in the price of our product. As it is, the profit margin is very small. And the overhead costs of introducing a new product are already very high.

Prema: But we could increase the price once we have established ourselves in the market.

The waiter arrives with LIMCA soft drink.

Waiter : Here you are Sir. Limca for the lady to drink and a fresh lime for you sir.

Ranjan : Thank you. Please hurry up with the lunch order.

Waiter : In a moment sir. Will you have some low fat dessert?

Ranjan: (Looking at the menu again). Prema, what would you like? An ice cream, a soufflé or low fat dessert?

Prema: Nothing at all. Thanks.

Ranjan: (Closing the menu-card and handing it back to the waiter). No dessert, thank you.

Waiter: What about coffee?

Ranjan : Will you have coffee after downtown lunch, Prema?

Prema: Yes, Please. I’ll have coffee.

Waiter: with cream or milk?

Prema : Black please.

Waiter: And for you, sir?

Cup of coffee

Ranjan : Oh! I’ll have coffee with milk but please. Be quick about it.
The waiter hurries away.

Ranjan : I’m not sure how well it would go down psychologically if we cut on prices. It might give people the impression that our’s is an inferior product.

Prema: Well then. You have to offer other forms of incentives. After all, why should people buy our product and not keep using the brand that they are always used to!

Ranjan: You are right. We’ve got to scratch our heads and come up with what is known as a “unique selling preposition”. What is it that our brand has

lunch dishes.

Ranjan : Ah! here comes the lunch. Let’s leave the lighting systems alone for a while and enjoy our lunch.

Prema : (Eating the food) Mmm! This is delicious. So many restaurants serve Chinese food. But I haven’t had food which is quite so well prepared as this. How did you discover this downtown restaurant

Ranjan : Just by chance. Actually I was visiting an office in the next block. It was lunch time and I looked around for a place to eat and found this downtown restaurant. It isn’t very grand but the food is wholesome. I’m glad you like it.

Prema : Thank you for bringing me at restaurant.

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English conversation - Taxi to Airport

2009-07-26T13:20:00.006+05:30

Taxi to Airport

Ranjan has to travel to Calcutta on business. He has to take a taxi to airport.

Mrs.Verma How long will you be away. Ranjan? How will you travel to Calcutta

Ranjan (packing his suitcase) I expect to be away for three days, mama. I am going to travel by Air

Mrs.Verma Is that all luggage you are taking with you? Only one suitcase?

Ranjan Yes. I am only allowed 20 kg. For baggage on my air ticket. And I am carrying one brief case with the official papers.

Mrs. Verma What about your bedding during the stay at Calcutta?

Rajan I can’t carry a bed roll by air. Moreover, I’ll be staying at a hotel. The bedding and bathroom linen are provided by the hotel.

Mrs.Verma How are you going to travel to airport?

Ranjan In a taxi. Mamma, could you please telephone for an taxi to airport for me.

Mrs.Verma You finish your packing and I’ll ring for a cab. The taxi to airport arrives and Ranjan goes out. Bachoo is carrying his office bag, and suitcase and Ranjan is Holding his briefcase.

Ranjan Taxi, taxi. Did you come from the taxi stand?

Taxi Driver Yes Sir, somebody called from your house for a taxi to airport.

Ranjan Yes, that must be for me. Open the luggage boot and put the suitcase in, please.

Taxi Driver (After storing the baggage). Where to, sir?

Rajan (Getting into the taxi). To the airport please.

Good bye mamma. Don’t worry about me. I’ll b fine.

Give my love to Papa, Viki and Reena. Bye-bye.

Taxi Driver Should I drive directly to the airport, Sir ?

Ranjan Yes please. How is it that you Speak Fluent English?

Taxi Driver Oh that! I am a graduate. Sir I couldn’t find a job. So, I took a car loan from a bank, bought a car and am plying it as a yellow taxi.

Ranjan How does it work out as taxi? I mean how do you like the job of a taxi driver and do you earn enough?

Taxi Driver job of a taxi driver is a lot of hard work. I find that to be successful at any business. One must run it oneself. I am able to earn enough.

Ranjan I say, there is only one hour left for my flight to take off. Do you think we’ll reach the airport in time?

Taxi Driver I think so. Sir. It will take us another fifteen minutes to reach the airport.

Ranjan But please do not drive fast.

Taxi Driver Don’t worry. Once we get out of the connaught place rush, there is not much traffic on the outer route and we will make good time.

Ranjan How long have you been driving the taxi?

Taxi Driver It is now over a year sir, since I bought my taxi, Do you travel often?

Ranjan This is my first trip by air. I believe that one ought to get to the flight terminal at least one hour before take-off. Do you think we’ll be late?

Taxi Driver Don’t worry sir, you’ll get there forty-five minutes ahead of time and that is sufficient time for you to check-in.

Ranjan We are nearing the airport terminal now, aren’t we?

Taxi Driver Yes, sir. Here we are. Shall I drive to the Domestic airport or the International terminal?

Ranjan To Domestic Airport , please. Thank you. How much is the fare?

Taxi Driver The meter reads seventy rupees and sixty paise sir.

Ranjan Here is Hundred rupees. Please take seventy rupees and sixty paise and return the change to me. Thank you

Taxi Driver (Driving off). Have a good trip sir.

Ranjan Thank you very much.

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English Conversation- Hotel Reception

2009-07-26T09:44:00.009+05:30

Hotel Reception

Mr.Verma has gone on tour to Lucknow. He enters in the Chitra Hotel and goes to the Hotel Reception

Hotel Receptionist Good afternoon, Sir. Can I help you?

Hotel Reception

Mr.Verma Good afternoon. Can I get a room in the Hotel please?

Hotel Receptionist Have you made a Advance booking, Sir?

Mr.Verma I’m afraid I haven’t done any room reservation. I tried to do hotel online booking. I believe that hotel reservation software was not working then

Hotel Receptionist What kind of a room do you want, Sir? A double room or a single room?

Mr.Verma A single room, pleas Hotel double room

Hotel Receptionist Let me see. (Looking at the register). We are fully booked up at this time of the year. No, we haven’t a single room available, sir.

Mr.Verma But please do try to help me out. I wouldn’t know where else to stay.

Hotel Receptionist would you like to see the hotel Manager, Sir? He just might have some rooms reserved for emergencies.

Mr.Verma Thank you. Can you direct me to the Hotel Manager, Please.

Hotel Receptionist I’ll trace him for you in the hotel. Just a moment, Sir.(Talking into the phone). Please get me the Hotel Manager. He might be in booking office or he might have gone on a round of the hotel. It he is not in the booking office, try the North Indian Restaurant. Thank you

North Indian Restaurant.

Mr.Verma In the mean while, can someone get my baggage out of the taxi?

Hotel Receptionist Why not. Of course. (Tapping a bell for the porter. To the porter.) Please get the gentleman’s bags out of the taxi. (To Mr.Verma) please do sit down. I’ll speak to the Manager of the Hotel about a room for you, Sir.

Mr.Verma What is the room tariff in this hotel.

Hotel Manager at Hotel Reception
Hotel Manager discussing with guest at Hotel Reception

Hotel Receptionist We charge Rs.1000 a day for a single room Sir.(The telephone rings.). Yes, I want to speak to the Hotel Manager. I am speaking from Hotel Reception. Good afternoon. Sir. I have a small problem. There is a guest here who has just arrived from Delhi. He wants a single room and we haven’t any single rooms vacant. Is there some way of helping him out, Sir?

Hotel Manager Just a moment. I’ll come down myself.

Mr.Verma (Approaching the hotel reception desk again). Could you get me a single room?

Hotel Receptionist The Hotel Manager is coming down here and then we’ll see what can be done. Don’t worry, Sir. We’ll try our best to help you out.

Hotel Manager Good morning, Sir. I am the Hotel Manager. What is the problem?

Hotel Receptionist The gentleman here has no reservation but requires a single room. All the rooms are booked up.

Hotel Manager (Looking at the register). How long do you want to stay, Sir?

Mr.Verma Just for one night. I’m catching the afternoon train tomorrow.

Hotel Manager All right. I think we can accommodate you. Miss Prashar, give the gentleman one of the room booked for the German group. Their plane has been delayed and they will now be coming in tomorrow by lunch time. Will that be all right, Sir?

Mr.Verma Thank you very much.

Manager. You are welcome.

Hotel Receptionist Here you sir, Sir. I am giving you a single room on the second floor. Will you please fill in your name and address in the hotel registration book please Thank you.

Mr.Verma Does the room rent include meals also?

Morning Tea

Hotel Receptionist No, Sir. Meals are charged separately. Here is your room key. We’ve put you in room 206. The porter will take you bags up to your room. Is there anything else you would like, Sir?

Mr.Verma No. Thank you very much.

Hotel Receptionist It is a pleasure, Sir.

Porter This way, Sir.

Mr.Verma Oh yes, for got to mention. Can I get morning tea at 5o’clock tomorrow morning?

Hotel Receptionist Certainly Sir. We’ll call you at 5 o’clock tomorrow morning, with tea. If you want to eat your meals in the hotel, you can either call hotel registration book, or come down to eat in one of the indian restaurants.

Mr.Verma Thank you again
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