HELLO!

A Hello. My name's Jenny. What's your name?

B Anna.

A Where are you from, Anna?

B I'm from New York.

A Hello. My name's Thomas. What's your name?

B Johann.

A Where are you from, Johann?

B I'm from Berlin. Where are you from?

A I'm from Oxford.

My name's Mayumi Kimura, and I'm a student. I'm 19 years old. I'm not married. I have two brothers and a sister. I live in a flat in Osaka, Japan. I want to learn English because it's an international language.

France Spain Greece

England Egypt Russia

Brazil Japan Germany

Mexico Hungary Italy

1 He's from Spain.

2 I'm sixteen.

3 Her name's Pat.

4 They're from Britain

5 Where's she from?

6 He's a teacher in France.

a

A Hello, Mary. How are you?

B Fine, thank you. And you?

A I'm OK, thanks.

A Hi, Dave. How are you?

B Not bad, thanks. And you?

A Very well. How are the children?

B They're fine.

c

A Goodbye, Chris.

B Goodbye, Anne. Have a nice evening.

A Thanks, Chris. See you tomorow.

a stamp a bag a map a key

an apple a postcard a ticket a notebook

an orange a letter a suitcase a camera

a dictionary an envelope a newspaper a magazine

The letters of the alphabet

/ei/ a h j k

/i:/ b c d e g p t v

/e/ f l m n s x z

/ai/ i y

/±U/ o

/u:/ q u w

/¿:/ r

The alphabet song

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p l m n o p q r s t l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

That is the English alphabet.

Spelling

name N-A-M-E

sister S-I-S-T-E-R

flat F-L-A-T

student S-T-U-D-E-N-T

doctor D-O-C-T-O-R

house H-O-U-S-E

letter L-E-double T-E-R

married M-A-double R-I-E-D

apple A-double P-L-E

job J-O-B

The conversation

A How do you spell your first name?

B J-A-M-E-S.

A How do you spell your surname?

B H-A-double R-I-S-O-N.

A James Harrison.

B That's right.

PEOPLE

Numbers

5

20

16

32

50

12

Phone numbers

791463

8596double2

503971

010 double 3 1 46589394

A What's her surname?

B Hopkins.

A What's her first name?

B Mary.

A Where's she from?

B England.

A What's her job?

B She's a journalist.

A What's her address?

B 35, North Street, Bristol.

A What's her phone number?

B 0272 478 2209.

A How old is she?

B Twenty-three.

A Is she married?

B No, she isn't.

This is a photo of Martin, his wife, and his children. His wife's name is Jennifer. She's a dentist. His daughter's name is Alison. She's twenty-three and she's a hairdresser. His son's name is Andy. He's nineteen and he's a student. Alison's boyfriend is a travel agent. His name is Joe.

a It's big.

b It's small.

c She's old.

d She's young.

e They're expensive.

f They're cheap.

g It's horrible.

h It's lovely.

i It's easy.

j It's difficult.

k They're old.

l They're new.

m They're hot.

n They're cold.

o It's right.

p lt's wrong.

72 Newton Drive

London Sw 6

3ed October

Dear David,

How are you? I'm fine. I'm in London, at the International School of English. I'm in class 3 with eight other students. They're all from different countries - Spain, France, Japan, Argentina, Switzerland and Thailand. Our teacher's name is Peter Briscall. He's very nice. He's funny and he's a very good teacher.

My new address is at the top of the letter. I'm with an English family, the Browns. Mr and Mrs Brown have three children. Thomas is fourteen, Catherine is twelve, and Andrew is seven. They are all very friendly, but it isn't easy to understand them!

London is very big and very interesting. The weather is good - cold but sunny - and the parks are beautiful! Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James' Park are all in the centre. It isn't easy to use the Underground, but I understand it now. It's very expensive!

English food is OK, but the coffee is horrible!

Write to me soon.

Love, Paola.

P.S. Is my English OK?

1.

Paola Hello. My name's Paola.

Kurt Hello, Paola. I'm Kurt.

Paola Where are you from?

Kurt I'm from Switzerland. And you? Where are you from?

Paola I'm from Rome.

Kurt Ah! I'm from Zurich.

Paola Zurich is very beautiful.

Kurt Yes, it is.

2.

T = ticket seller

P A ticket to Green Park, please.

T Two pounds fifty.

P One... two... and fifty p.

T Thank you. Here's your ticket.

P Thanks.

3.

B = Peter Briscall C = class

B Good morning!

C Good morning!

Good morning, Peter!

Hello!

B How are you today?

C Fine. OK

B How are you, Paola?

P I'm fine thank you, Peter. And you?

B Very well! Now, the lesson today is going to be about...

4.

C = assistant in café K = Kurt

C Yes?

P A coffee, please.

C Black or white?

P Sorry?

C Black or white? Milk?

P Ah! Black, please. No milk.

C Sixty p, please.

P Thanks.

P Urgh! It's horrible!

K English coffee is very bad!

5.

C = Catherine T = Thomas

C Is your teacher good, Paola?

P Pardon?

C Your teacher. At the school of English.

P Ah! Yes! Peter.

C Is he OK?

P Yes. He's very nice. He's funny.

T What's your dad's job, Paola?

P Pardon? I...

T Your dad. What's his job?

P My dad ...?

C Say father, Thomas, not dad.

T Ah, OK. What's your father's job, Paola?

P Now I understand. My father's job, yes.

Um... He's a doctor, yes.

T Ah, right!

a

sandwiches

a ham sandwich £1.50

a cheese sandwich £1.30

a tuna sandwich £1.70

a chicken sandwich £2.00

a piece of pizza 90p

a hamburger £2.50

an ice-cream 80p

a cup of tea

a cup of coffe

a Coke

an orange juice

a mineral water

A How much is a cup of tea?

B 50p

A How much is a cup of coffee?

B 70p

A How much is a Coke?

B 60p

A How much is an orange juice?

B 60p

A How much is a mineral water?

B 80p

A Hello.

B Hello. Can I have a ham sandwich, please?

A Here you are. Anything else?

B No, thanks.

A One pound fifty, please.

B Thanks.

A Thank you.

A Hi.

B Hello. Can I have a cheese sandwich, please?

A Anything to drink?

B Yes. A cup of tea, please.

A OK. Here you are.

B How much is that?

A One pound eighty, please.

B Thanks.

A Good morning.

B Morning.

A Can I have a hamburger and a cup of coffee, please?

B OK. Here you are.

A Thanks. How much is that?

B Three pounds twenty.

A One, two, three pounds ... twenty p.

B Thanks.

A Thank you.

WORK

Sister Mary comes from Ireland. She is a nun and she lives and works in a girls' school in Cork. She teaches French and Spanish. She likes her job and she loves the green countryside of Ireland. She goes walking in her free time.

Hans Huser is a ski-instructor. He is Swiss and lives in Villars, a village in the mountains. In summer he works in a sports shop and in winter he teaches skiing. He speaks four languages, French, German, Italian, and English. He is married and has two sons. He plays football with them in his free time.

Sister Mary

A Where does Sister Mary come from?

B Ireland.

A What does she do?

B She's a teacher.

A Does she speak French?

B Yes, she does.

A Does she speak German?

B No, she doesn't.

Hans Huser

A Where does Hans come from?

B Switzerland.

A What does he do?

B He's a ski-instructor.

A Does he speak French and German?

B Yes, he does.

A Does he speak Spanish?

B No, he doesn't.

Georges, Keiko and Mark

1 Georges comes from Paris.

2 Georges lives in London.

3 He works in the centre of Paris.

4 In his free time he plays tennis.

5 Keiko comes from China.

6 She lives in Washington.

7 She speaks French and German.

8 She's married to an American.

9 Mark comes from England.

10 He works in Liverpool.

11 He speaks Italian.

12 In his free time he goes walking.

Hear the sentences

1 She likes her job.

2 She loves walking.

3 She's married.

4 Does he have three children?

5 Where does he go?

6 She watches the television.

Frank Garret's day

a

A Good morning, sir. Can I see your ticket?

B Yes, of course. Here you are.

A Thank you. Maidstone next stop.

B Thank you.

A Good morning, boys and girls.

B Good morning, Mr Garret.

A Can I have your homework, please?

B It's on your desk, Mr Garret.

A Thank you.

c

A Goodbye, Frank. Have a good journey!

B Thank you very much.

A See you next Monday.

B Yes, of course. Goodbye!

d

A Excuse me. Is this seat free?

B Yes, it is.

A Thank you. It's cold this evening.

B It certainly is. And the sea's very black!

A Hello darling! Are you tired?

B Yes, I am. And cold.

A Sit down and have a glass of wine.

B Mmmm! Thank you. I'm hungry, too.

Listen to the time

It's five o'clock.

It's eight o'clock.

It's half past five.

It's half past eleven.

It's quarter past five.

It's quarter past two.

It's quarter to six.

It's quarter to nine.

It's five past five.

It's ten past five.

It's twenty past five.

It's twenty-five past five.

It's twenty-five to six.

It's twenty to six.

It's ten to six.

It's five to six.

Conversation about the time

A Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?

B Yes, of course. It's six o'clock.

A Thanks.

A Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?

B I'm sorry. I don't know. I don't have a watch.

FREE TIME

Ann McGregor

On Fridays I come home from the BBC at about 2.00 in the afternoon and I just relax. On Friday evenings I don't go out, but sometimes a friend comes for dinner. He or she brings the wine and I cook the meal. I love cooking! We listen to music or we just chat.

On Saturday mornings I get up at 9.00 and I go shopping. Then in the evenings I sometimes go to the theatre or the opera with a friend - I love opera! Then we eat in my favourite Chinese restaurant.

On Sunday... Oh, on Sunday mornings I stay in bed late, I don't get up until 11.00! Sometimes in the afternoon I visit my sister. She lives in the country and has two children. I like playing with my niece and nephew, but I leave early because I go to bed at 8.00 on Sunday evenings!

A

A Do you go out on Friday afternoons?

B No, I don't.

A What do you do?

B I just relax.

A Do you stay at home on Friday evenings?

B Yes, I do.

A What do you do?

B I cook dinner for friends.

B

1 What does he do on Sundays?

2 I stay at home on Thursday evenings.

3 He lives here.

4 I eat a lot.

5 Where do you go on Saturday evenings?

6 She likes cars.

Mr Forrester

Mr and Mrs Forrester have a son and a daughter. The son lives at home, and the daughter is a student at university. Mr Forrester is a journalist. He works for The Times. He writes articles about restaurants. "I love food!" he says.

Mr Forrester's holidays

"Every spring the children go skiing, so my wife and I go to Paris on holiday. We stay in a hotel near the River Seine. We have breakfast in the hotel, but we have lunch in a restaurant. French food is delicious! We walk a lot, but sometimes we go by taxi. After four days we don't want to go home and go back to work."

The Seasons

AL WHEELER FROM CANADA

We have long, cold winters and short, hot summers. In summer I go sailing and I play baseball, but in winter I play ice hockey and go ice-skating. We have a holihay home near a lake, so I go fishing a lot, too. My favourite season is autumn, or fall, as we say in North America. I love the colours of the trees-red, gold, orange, yellow, and brown.

MANUELA DA SILVA FROM PORTUGAL

People think it's always warm and sunny in Portugal, but January and February are often cold, wet, and grey. I don't like winter. I meet friends in restaurants and bars and we chat. Sometimes we go to a Brazilian bar. I love Brazilian music. But then suddenly it's summer and at weekends we drive to the beach, sunbathe, and go windsurfing. I love summer.

TOSHI SUZUKI FROM JAPAN

I work for Pentax cameras, in the export department. I don't have a lot of free time, but I have once special hobby - taking photographs, of course! I like taking photographs of flowers, especially in spring. Sometimes, after work, I relax in a bar near my office with friends. My friend, Shigeru, likes singing pop songs in the bar. This has a special name, Karaoke. I don't sing - I'm too shy! I just watch him.

Conversations

1

M = Manuela J = Jane

F = Manuela's friends P = Portuguese man

M Hello, everybody! This is my friend Jane, from England.

F Hi!

Hello, Jane!

Hello!

J Hello. Pleased to meet you.

M Sit down here, Jane.

J Thanks.

P Do you like this music, Jane?

J Mm. Is it American?

P No, it's Brazilian jazz!

M Come and have a drink, Jane...

2

T = Toshi J = Jones

T Mrs Jones! How do you do?

J How do you do?

T Please, come in. You're from our office in London, aren't you?

J Yes, that's right.

T Welcome to Tokyo! Do you like our headquarters here?

J Yes. It's very big. How many people work here?

T About six thousand people. Do you want to see our offices?...

3

A = Al M = Mick

A What do you want to do today, Mick?

M Ooh, I don't know. What do you ...

A Well, do you like fishing?

M Yes. I sometimes go fishing in a river near my house in Scotland.

A Well, here it's different. This is a very big country. I go fishing on a lake. It's hundred kilometres long!

M A hundred kilometres!

A Yeah! There are fish this big! Are you interested? Do you want to go?

M OK!

A Right. You want a fishing line ...

Social English

a

A Excuse me!

B Yes?

A Do you have a light?

B I'm sorry. I don't smoke.

A That's OK.

A I'm sorry I'm late. The traffic is bad today.

B Don't worry. Come and sit down. We're on page 25.

c

A Can I open the window? It's very hot in here.

B Really? I'm quite cold.

A OK. It doesn't matter.

d

A Excuse me!

B Can I help you?

A Can I have a film for my camera?

B How many exposures?

A Pardon?

B How many exposures?

A What does exposures mean?

B How many pictures? 24? 36?

A Ah! Now I understand! 36, please.

PLACES

A Is there a stereo?

B Yes, there is.

A Is there a clock?

B No, there isn't.

A Are there any book?

B Yes, there are.

A Are there any magazines?

B No, there aren't.

Picture A

There are four pictures on the walls and a mirror. There are three people in the room, a man, a woman, and a girl. There's a lovely fire and the cat is in front of the fire, sleeping. There's a lamp near the window, and a clock on the wall near the mirror. There's a photo on the television and there are some newspapers on the floor near the television. There's a glass of beer on the table in front of the man. The television isn't on.

Picture B

There are two people in the room. There's a man on the sofa and a woman next to him. The cat's in front of the fire. There are four pictures on the walls. There are two plants, one on the left of the fire and one on the right. On the table in front of the man there are some cups and some books and on the table next to the sofa there is a telephone.

It's a modern kitchen, nice and clean with a lot of cupboards. There's a washing machine, a fridge and a cooker, but there isn't a diswasher. There are some lovely pictures on the walls, but there aren't any photographs. There's a radio near the cooker. There are some flowers, but there aren't any plants. On the table there are some apples and oranges. Ah! And there are some cups and plates next to the sink.

What's in my bag? Well, there's a newspaper - a French newspaper - and there's my dictionary. I have some pens, three, I think. There's a photo of my wife and a photo of my children. I have my notebook for vocabulary, of course. I write words in that everyday. I have some keys, and that's all! I don't have any stamps and I don't have a bus ticket. Oh, and I have a letter, from my bank manager. He wants my money!

Where they live...

Anne-Marie

I live in a house in the country in Provence in the south of France. It's an old farmhouse, about five hundred years old, with very thick walls, so it's warm in winter and cool in summer, but it's difficult to look after because it's so old. There are three bedrooms, two quite big and one small, and they have wonderful views over the countryside. I have a garden where I grow flowers and vegetables. I live with my animals! I have two dogs and eight cats.

Harry

Where I live things are big. I live in Texas - that's the second biggest state in the USA - and I live with my wife and our four children. We have ten cars because we all like driving. Sometimes we drive 150 kilometres to go to a restaurant! Our house is three years old, and it's kind of big. There are fourteen or fifteen bedrooms, I don't know exactly, and outside there are two swimming pools and... a golf course ... and some grass for my plane to land on.

Dave and Maggie

Maggie We have a small house in an area of Dublin called Donnybrook. It's quite a small house. There's a living room and a kitchen downstairs, and then two small bedrooms upstairs, but it's big enough for us. There's my husband and me, and our son, Thomas.

Dave The houses around here are about a hundred years old and people are very friendly. People don't want to move away, they want to live near their family, so my parents are very close...

Maggie ...and my mother lives next door! We have a small garden where Thomas plays, and I go out and have a chat with my mother!

Thanos

I live in a flat on the fourth floor. I live alone. There's a kitchen where I cook and eat, a living room with a balcony, and two small bedrooms. I live in Athina - you say Athens in English - but not in the centre of town because there are too many cars. It's a nice area. The shops aren't too far, and the flat is comfortable. It's about five years old, which I like. I don't like old buildings.

Everyday English

a

A Excuse me! Is there a chemist's near here?

B Yes. It's over there.

A Thanks.

A Excuse me! Is there a sports club near here?

B Yes. It's in Queen Street. Take the second street on the right.

A Thanks.

c

A Excuse me! Is there a newsagent's near here?

B Yes. There's one in Church Street next to the bank and there's one in Park Lane opposite the swimming pool.

A Is that one far?

B No. Just two minutes, that's all.

d

A Is there a cinema near here?

B Take the first left, and it's on the left, opposite the flower shop.

A Thanks a lot.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Match the sentences with the pictures

a

A Can you speak Japanese?

B No, I can't.

I can't hear you. The line's bad.

c

A Can you use a word processor?

B Yes, I can.

d

I can't spell your name.

Cats can see in the dark.

f

She can type fifty words a minute.

a I can type, but I can't spell.

b He can sing and he can dance.

c A Can you cook?

B Yes, I can.

d They can ski, but they can't swim.

e We can read and we can write.

f A Can she drive?

B No, she can't.

Sarah

Well, there are a lot of things I can't do! I can't draw and I can't drive a car, but I want to have lessons. I can... I can type and I can use a word processor, because I have one at work and I use it all the time. What about sports? Mm. Well, I certainly can't ski, but I'm quite good at tennis, yes, I can play tennis. Well, I usually win when I play with my friends. And I can swim, of course. And I can cook. I think I'm a very good, well, no, just good... a good cook! Now, then ... languages. I can speak French and German, I don't know any Italian at all, and I know about five words in Spanish - adios, mañana, paella - no, I can't speak Spanish! And I can't play any musical instruments, not the piano, the guitar, or anything.

A What day was it yesterday?

B It was Thursday.

A Where were you yesterday?

B I was at school.

A Were you at home yesterday?

B Yes, I was.

A The restaurant was cheap. But the food wasn't very good.

B Could you play the piano when you were six?

A No, I couldn't.

Sue Were you at Eve's party last Saturday?

Bill Yes, I was.

Sue Was it good?

Bill Well, it was OK.

Sue Were there many people?

Bill Yes, there were.

Sue Was Tom there?

Bill No, he wasn't. And where were you?

Sue Oh... I couldn't go because I was at Adam's party! It was brilliant!

At the airport

This is flight information for today, 24 June. British Airways flight BA 516 to Geneva at gate 14, last call. Flight BA 516 to Geneva, last call, gate 14. Scandinavian Airlines flight SK 832 to Frankfurt at gate 7, last call. Flight SK 832 to Franfurt, last call, gate 7. Air France flight AF 472 to Amsterdam is delayed thirty minutes. Flight AF 472 to Amsterdam, delayed thirty minutes. Lufthansa flight LH 309 to Miami, now boarding at gate 32. Flight LH 309 to Miami now boarding at gate 32. Virgin flight VS 876 to New York, now boarding at gate 20. Flight VS 876, now boarding at gate 20. Passengers are reminded to keep their luggage with them at all times. Thank you.

A Ah!... BA 476 to Madrid. That's our flight.

B Was it gate 4 or 14?

A I couldn't hear. I think it was 4.

B Ssssh! There it is again. It is gate 4.

A OK. Come on!

A Can I see your passport, please?

B Yes, of course. Here you are.

A Thank you very much. That's fine.

A Can I have your ticket, please?

B Yes, of course. Here you are.

A Do you have just one suitcase?

B Yes. This bag is hand luggage.

A That's fine. Smoking or non-smoking?

B Non-smoking, please. Oh... and can I have a seat next to the window?

A Yes, that's OK. Here's your boarding pass. Have a nice flight!

A Can I have your tray please, madam?

B Yes. Here you are.

A Thank you. And can you fasten your seat belt? We land in ten minutes.

B Yes, of course.

A Excuse me. I think that's my suitcase.

B I'm sorry. My suitcase is red, too.

A Is this yours?

B Yes, it is. Thank you very much.

A Hello. Are you Marie-Thérèse Scherer from Switzerland?

B Yes, I am. Are you Mr and Mrs Barnes?

A Yes, we are. Welcome to England, Marie-Thérèse. Was your flight good?

B Yes, it was, but I don't like flying.

C Never mind. You're here safely now. Come on, the car's outside.

a Was it Gate 4 or 14?

b Can I see your passport, please?

c Smoking or non-smoking?

d Can I have your tray please, madam?

e Excuse me. I think that's my suitcase.

f Welcome to England! Was your flight good?

THEN AND NOW

Ellen Peel

Ellen's father died in the war in 1915 and her mother died a year later. Ellen was twelve years old. Immediately she started work as a housemaid with a rich family in London.

She worked from 5.30 in the morning until 9.00 at night. She cleaned all the rooms in the house before breakfast. She earned £25 a year.

In 1921 she moved to another family. She liked her new job because she looked after the children. There were five children, four sons and one daughter. She loved them, especially the baby, Robert. She stayed with that family for twenty years. Ellen never married. She just looked after other people's children until she retired when she was seventy years old.

a I was only twelve years old when my mother died and I started work.

b I was always tired in my first job because I worked very long hours.

c I started work at 5.30 in the morning and I finished at 9.00 in the evening.

d Now I live in a village, but in 1920 I lived in London.

e Now I look after my five cats. In the 1920s I look after five children.

f I loved all the children, but I loved Robert especially.

g Robert's over seventy now and I still see him. He visited me just last month.

Past Simple verbs

worked lived died started

loved finished looked visited

cleaned liked stayed moved

Where was she born?

When did she die?

When did her father die?

When did she marry Prince Albert?

Where did they live?

How many children did they have?

Past Simple verbs

had came worked went

left hated got gave

become wrote changed won

lost found bought sold

Kevin

What can I remember? Well, I left school in 1982. I was unemployed for two years, but then I found a job in an office. I sold computer software to businesses.

Suddenly computers were everywhere! Banks, hotels, hospitals, schools, homes. My Mum and Dad bought video recorder in 1985, and my little brother got a computer video game for his birthday in 1986.

Near the end of the 1980s things got worse and in 1990 I lost my job.

Now, sport. Well, in 1980 the United States didn't go to the Olympics in Moscow, and in 1984 the USSR didn't go to the Olympics in Los Angeles, but they both went to Seoul in 1988.

Argentina won the World Cup in 1986, and Germany won it in 1990.

What about politics? Well, Mrs Thatcher was our Prime Minister for the whole of the 1980s. Reagan became the US president in 1981, Gorbachev gave the world glasnost and perestroika, and the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. Then all sorts of things changed.

Silent leters

a walk d writer g work j half

b listen e autumn h short k foreign

c know f farm i high l daughter

a talk f white

b born g knife

c bought h wrong

d world i cupboard

e anwser j Christmas

Special occasions

A Ugh! Work again! I hate Mondays!

B Me too. Did you have a nice weekend?

A Yes. It was wonderful.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday, dear Kate.

Happy birthday to you.

A How many Easter eggs did you get?

B Six. What about you?

A Five. I had them all on Easter morning before lunch.

B Did you?

A And then I was sick!

B Ugh!

A Congratulations!

B Oh... thank you very much.

A When's the happy day?

B Pardon?

A Your wedding day. When is it?

B Oh! We're not sure yet. Some time in June, probably.

A Hello! Merry Christmas, everyone!

B Merry Christmas! Come in, come in. It's so cold outside.

A Wonderful! It's Friday!

B Yes. Have a nice weekend!

A Same to you.

a Did you have a nice weekend?

b Happy birthday!

c Merry Christmas!

d Have a nice weekend!

e Congratulations!

HOW THINGS BEGAN

THE HAMBURGER

An American chef from Connecticut, Louis Lassen, made and sold the first hamburgers in 1895. He called them hamburgers because sailors from Hamburg in Germany gave him the recipe. Students from Yale University and businessmen loved them and bought them. Kenneth Lassen, Louis' grandson still sells hamburgers in Connecticut.

TELEVISION

A Scotsman, John Logie Baird, transmitted the first television picture on 25 October, 1925. The first person on television was a boy who worked in the office next to Baird's workroom in London. In 1927 Baird sent pictures from London to Glasgow. In 1928 he sent pictures to New York and also produced the first colour TV pictures.

THE BALL-POINT PEN

A Hungarian, Laszlo Biro, made the first ball-point pen in 1938. In 1944 the Bristish Army bought thirty thousand because soldiers could write with them outside in the rain. At the end of the war 'Biros' quickly became very popular all over the world. In 1948 a shop in New York sold ten thousand on one day.

A Did you know that Marco Polo brought spaghetti back from China?

B Really? He didn't! That's incredible!

A Well, it's true!

A Did you know that Napoleon was afraid of cats?

B He wasn't! I don't believe it!

A Well, it's true!

On 1 June 1992 a French burglar broke into a house in Paris. He went into the living room and stole two pictures. Then he went into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and saw some cheese. He was hungry, so he ate all the cheese. Next he saw two bottles of champagne. He was very thirsty, so he drank both bottles. Then he felt sleepy. He went upstairs for a rest, but he was tired and he fell asleep. When he woke up the next morning, there were four policemen around the bed.

HOW WE MET

Wendy Mint

Well, it was five years ago. A Sunday evening five years ago. I was in the bath and the radio was on. Er... I always listen to pop music in the bath. Suddenly I heard this voice, the disc jockey's voice. It was beautiful, really beautiful. Warm and friendly. I thought, 'Oh! What a lovely voice!' I think I fell in love then, with his voice. Well, I listened to the end of the programme and I heard his name, Oliver Mint. I loved the name, too.

Well, er... usually I'm quite shy, but this time I wasn't. I went to the telephone and I rang the radio station. I couldn't believe it! Suddenly there was his voice on the telephone! And we talked and talked, for about half an hour. And he said, 'Where do you live?' so I told him, and then he said, 'Can we meet?' And I said 'Yes, please!' So we met in an Italian restaurant the next evening. I was so nervous, but it was wonderful! We got married a month later and now we have a lovely baby boy. He's nearly two!

Trevor Richards

Well, I have a baker's shop. I make all the bread and cakes for it. And one day ... it was a very hot day in summer, er ... the summer of 1976, and it was lunchtime and er ... this beautiful girl came into the shop. She was with some friends and I could hear that they weren't English, but they spoke English very well and er ... they all bought sandwiches and went to the park. Well, I couldn't forget her. The way she smiled, the way she laughed, her blue, blue eyes. I waited and watched every lunchtime but she didn't come back into the shop.

Then suddenly, there she was again, and so I said, 'Hello again. You're still in England, then?' And she said, 'Yes. But this is my last day. I go back to Sweden tomorow.' And she smiled. Now, usually I'm shy, but I took a small pink cake and I wrote I love you on it. And when she asked for a chicken sandwich, I looked into the blue, blue eyes and I gave her the cake! She laughed and said, 'I didn't know English men were so romantic!' Well, after that she went back to Sweden, but we wrote letters and in 1978 we got married. Now we work together in the shop and we have three children.

The ordinals

first second third

fourth fifth sixth

tenth twelfth thirteenth

sixteenth seventeenth twentieth

twenty-first thirtieth thirty-first

Dates

the first of April April the first

the second of March March the second

the sevententh of September September the seventeenth

the nineteenth of November November the nineteeth

the twenty-third of June June the twenty-third

the fifteenth of July, nineteen sixty-seven

the twenty-ninth of February, nineteen seventy-six

the nineteenth of December, nineteen eighty-three

the third of October, nineteen seventy

the thirty-first of May, nineteen ninety-three

1 The fourth of January

2 May the seventh, nineteen twenty-two

3 The thirtieth of August, nineteen sixty-five

4 A It was Friday. I know it was Friday!

B No, it wasn't. It was Saturday!

A No. I remember. It was Friday the thirteenth. The thirteenth of October!

5 A Oh no! I forgot your birthday.

B It doesn't matter, really.

A It was last Sunday, the second. June the second. Oh I am sorry!

6 A Hey! Did you know this? Shakespear was born and died on the same day!

B That's not possible!

A Yes, it is. He was born on April the twenty-third, fifteen sixty-four and he died on April the twenty-third, sixteen sixteen!

FOOD AND DRINK

A I don't like tea.

B Oh, I do. Well, sometimes. But coffee's horrible.

A Yeah.

B I don't like wine, either.

A My dad does, and my mum. They have it every day.

B I quite like apple juice, but it can be really sweet and yuk.

A I love beer! When my dad has some, I always take some.

B Milk, I like milk.

A Me, too, especially on cereal.

B Water's just water. It's boring.

A I like bread, but only if there's nothing else.

B Mmm! I love bread and cheese.

A I hate cheese. But I adore ice-cream. Mmm! Any ice-cream! All ice-cream! Yummy!

B So do I. And chocolate. Lovely chocolate!

A Mmm, chocolate! I quite like rice, but not a lot.

B Me, too. But I like fruit.

A Yeah, I like fruit, especially strawberries and apples.

B Oranges are boring, but bananas are OK.

A I like bananas with a bit of milk and sugar.

B Oh, yuk! That's disgusting!

A No, it isn't. ... I don't like eggs at all.

B What about the rest? Biscuits, yes. Sandwiches, no. Tomatoes, yuk.

Both Hamburgers, YES!

A I'm thirsty.

B Would you like some tea?

A No, thanks.

B Would you like some apple juice?

B Oh, yes, please!

A I'm hungry. Is there anything to eat?

B Would you like a biscuit?

A No, thanks. I'd like a sandwich.

B Cheese? Ham?

A Cheese and ham, please!

1 Good afternoon. Can I help you?

2 Who's your favourite writer?

3 What would you like for Christmas?

4 Do you like animals?

5 Here's the wine list, sir.

6 Have some cream with your strawberries!

A Good afternoon. Can I help you?

B Yes. I'd like some fruit, please.

A Who's your favourite writer?

B I like books by John le Carré.

A What would you like for Christmas?

B I'd like a new bike.

A Do you like animals?

B I like cats, but I don't like dogs.

A Here's the wine list, sir.

B We'd like a bottle of French red wine.

A Have some cream with your strawberries!

B No, thanks. I don't like cream.

A Morning.

B Good morning.

A How can I help you?

B I'd like some orange juice, please.

A Er... sorry. There's apple juice, but no orange juice.

B Oh! What's that? Isn't that orange juice?

A Oh, yes. So it is! My eyes! There you are.

B Thank you. And some potatoes, please.

A A bag like this?

B Yes, fine. Now, some milk.

A Sorry, I sold the last bottle just two minutes ago.

B Oh, dear! What about some coffee?

A Yes. There you are.

B Thanks. Orange juice, potatoes, milk, coffee ... A kilo of apples, please.

A I don't sell apples.

B Really? That's strange. What about cheese? Do you have any cheese?

A No, I don't sell cheese, either.

B No cheese? That's incredible! OK. Now, I want some pizza, but I'm sure you don't sell pizza, do you?

A Yes, sir. Pizza with mushrooms, pizza with cheese and ham, pizza with sausage, and pizza with tomatoes.

B Wow! Can I have some ... pizza with cheese and ham, please?

A Sorry, sir. Usually I have pizza, but not on Thursday. Today's Thursday.

B I see. I don't suppose you have any bread.

A You're right.

B Pardon?

A You're right. There isn't any bread.

B Tell me. Do you do a lot of business?

A Oh, yes, sir. The shop's open all the time.

B What do people buy?

A All the things you can see.

B Well, that's all for me. How much?

A One pound twenty, please.

B Thank you. Goodbye.

A See you again soon, sir.

B (to himself) I don't think so.

A Have another cream cake, my dear. They're delicious!

B I couldn't. I'm full.

A Oh, go on!

B Well, all right. Just one more. That chocolate one.

A Yes, please. Who's next?

B Hello. Can I have a chicken and salad sandwich in a brown roll, please?

A Salt and pepper?

B Yes, please.

A Anything else?

B Yes. An apple and a mineral water.

A Two, three... three pounds forty.

B Thanks.

Mum Tom! Lily! You're late. It's 8.30!

Tom I know, I know. I'm ready.

Mum Where's Lily?

Tom In the bathroom, I think.

Mum Still? Lily? Lily?

Lily Yes, Mum?

Mum Come on! It's 8.30.

Lily OK

Mum Are you ready, Tom?

Tom Yes, Mum.

Mum Don't yes Mum me.

Tom No, Mum.

Mum Right, Lily, are you ready?

Lily Where's my school bag?

Mum I don't know. It's your bag.

Tom Here it is.

Mum Right. See you later. Give me a kiss. Bye, see you.

All Bye! See you!

A Yes, please.

B Hello. Can I order a take-away, please?

A Yes, sir. What would you like?

B A chicken curry ... not too hot.

A Yes, sir.

B And some rice. That's all...

A Thank you, sir. About fifteen minutes. Is that OK?

B That's fine, thanks.

Dad Come on! It's ready.

Lily Pardon?

Dad It's ready. Dinner's on the table.

Lily OK.

Tom Mm! It smells good! What is it?

Dad Spaghetti Bolognese. Come and sit down.

Mum How was school today?

Tom OK.

Mum Were you late?

Lily No. Well, a little.

Same family + G = Grandmother

G Mm. That beef was lovely, my dear.

M Thank you, Mother.

D Some more wine, Mum.

G No, thank you, James. One glass is enough for me. Really, Jane, I don't know how you make your gravy, but it's always so delicious!

M You say that every time, Mother, and I tell you how I cook it every time. It's always the same way. Meat juices and vegetable juices. Now, Mother, what about some desert? There's fruit salad or apple pie and cream. What would you like?

G Well, just a little, then.

M Which one?

G Both, of course.

A Good evening. Can I help you?

B Yes, please. Could I have a room for the night?

A Certainly. A single room or a double?

B Single, please.

A Would you like a room with a shower or a bath?

B A shower. How much is the room?

A £72 for the room and breakfast. Would you like an evening meal?

B No, thanks. Just breakfast. Can I pay by credit card?

A Yes, of course. We take Visa and Access. Could you sign the register, please?

B Yes, sure. Do you want my address, too?

A No. Just a signature. Do you have any luggage?

B Just this one bag.

A Here's your key. Your room number is 311. I hope you enjoy your stay.

B Thanks.

DESCRIBING PLACES

The country is cheaper than the city.

The country is safer than the city.

The city is noisier than the country.

The country is healthier than the city.

The city is more expensive than the country.

The city is more interesting than the country.

The city is better than the country.

A The country is quieter than the city.

B Yes, that's true. The city is much noisier.

A New York is safer than Lodon.

B No, it isn't. New York is much more dangerous.

A The streets of New York are cleaner than the streets of Paris.

B No, they aren't. They're much dirtier.

A Paris is bigger than Madrid.

B No, it isn't. It's much smaller.

A Madrid is more expensive than Rome.

B No, it isn't. Madrid is much cheaper.

A The buildings in Rome are more modern than the buildings in New York.

B No, they aren't. They're much older.

A The Underground in London is better than the Metro in Paris.

B No, it isn't! The Underground is much worse.

Fran Why did you leave? You had a good job in London.

Amy Yes, but I've got a better job here.

Fran And you had a beautiful flat in London.

Amy Well, I've got a house here.

Fran Really? How many bedrooms has it got?

Amy Three. And it's got a garden. It's nicer than my flat and it's cheaper. Everything is much cheaper here.

Fran But you haven't got any friends!

Amy I've got a lot of friends here. Everybody is very friendly. People are much friendlier than in London.

Fran But the country's so boring!

Amy No it isn't. It's much more interesting than London. Seaton has got shops, cinemas, theatres, and parks. And the air is cleaner and the streets are safer.

Fran OK. OK. Everything is wonderful! So when can I visit you?

a Seaview is the most expensive house.

b Park House is the most modern house.

c Seaview is the biggest house.

d Seaview has got the biggest garden.

e Park House is the nearest to the town centre.

f Park House is the farthest from the sea.

A The Ritz is a very expensive hotel.

B Yes, it's the most expensive hotel in London.

A Hambledon is a very pretty village.

B Yes, it's the prettiest village in England.

A Everest is a very high mountain.

B Yes, it's the highest mountain in the world.

A Meryl Streep is a very popular actress.

B Yes, she's the most popular actress in America.

A Mr Clark is a very funny teacher.

B Yes, he's the funniest teacher in our school.

A Maria is a very intelligent student.

B Yes, she's the most intelligent student in our class.

A This is a very easy exercise.

B Yes, it's the easiest exercise in the book.

a The Ritz is a very expensive hotel.

b Hambledon is a very pretty village.

c Everest is a very high mountain.

d Meryl Streep is a very popular actress.

e Mr Clark is a very funny teacher.

f Maria is a very intelligent student.

g This is a very easy exercise.

Pronounce the words

farm factory traffic

bridge car park theatre

Underground tram concert

river

lake mountains buildings

statue village cottage

Robert talks about his driving lesson

Oh, it was terrible! At first it was fine. I drove out of the garage, along the road, and under the bridge. Then I drove past the pub, up the hill, and down the hill. Everything was still OK. But then I drove over the river - and - and - I turned left not right and I went through the hedge, and into the lake! Oh, it was terrible!

Directions to Louisa's house

Go out of the school and turn left. Walk along Station Road past the railway station and the bank. Turn left again at the traffic lights and walk over the bridge and up the hill. Turn right into Park Avenue. My house is the first on the left. It's number fifty. It takes ten minutes.

DESCRIBING PEOPLE

P = Peter M = Mary

P Gosh! All these people, and I don't know any of them!

M Don't worry! First things first. What would you like to drink?

P A glass of wine, please. Thank you. Could you tell me one or two names?

M Of course. Right. Can you see that man over there, sitting at the table? His name's Paul and he's really nice. He's a musician and he works in LA.

P Sorry, where?

M Los Angeles.

P Uh huh.

M And he's talking to Kathy. She's on the other side of the table. She's wearing a red and white T-shirt. Kathy's very interesting. She has an art gallery in London, she's incredible rich, and she lives in a beautiful house. Married, unfortunately for you.

P Yes.

M And then on Kathy's right there's Suzie. She's drinking some wine. She's one of my oldest friends. We were at school together.

P And what does she do?

M She's writer, actually.

P Oh! What does she write?

M She writes children stories. Not very successful ones, but never mind. Now, she's talking to Alex. Alex is smoking a cigar, and Alex travels all over the world. He's a film producer.

P And who are the children?

M They're Suzie's girls, Laura and Ellie. They go to St Mary's School. Do you know it?

P Yes, I do.

M And they're eating crisp and dropping them all over the carpet, aren't you?

A Excuse me! Is this your ball?

B No, it isn't mine. It's his.

A Is this yours?

C No, it isn't mine. It's hers.

A Excuse me! Is this your ball?

D No, it isn't mine. I think it's theirs.

A Hello. Is this yours?

F No, it isn't ours. It's the dog's!

a Who's on the phone?

b I'm going to the pub. Who's coming?

c There's a ten pound note here. Whose is it?

d This is a good book. Who's reading it?

e Wow! Look at that sports car. Whose is it?

f I found these on the floor. Whose clothes are they?

g Who's that standing near the door? That man with glasses.

h Who's your favourite football team?

bread head steak wake lamb

ham lose shoes sign wine

half laugh soap hope when

again near beer suit boot

wait late heart part meat

feet dead said hair wear

war door ball Paul list kissed

Wonderful tonight by Eric Clapton

It's late in the evening

She's wondering what clothes to wear.

She puts on her make up,

Then brushes her long blond hair.

And then she ask me,

'Do I look all right?'

And I say 'Yes, You look wonderful tonight.'

We go to a party

And everyone turns to see

This beautiful lady

That's walking around with me.

And then she asks me,

'Do you feel all right?'

And I say 'Yes, I feel wonderful tonight.'

I feel wonderful

Because I see

The lovelight in your eyes.

And the wonder of it all

Is that you just don't realize

How much I love you.

It's time to go home now

And I've got an aching head.

So I give her the car keys,

She helps me to bed.

And then I tell her

As I turn out the light,

I say 'My darling, You were wonderful tonight.'

A Can I help you?

B No, thanks. I'm just looking.

A Can I help you?

B Yes, I'm looking for a jumper.

A What colour are you looking for?

B Blue.

A What size are you?

B Medium.

A What about this one?

B No, I don't like the colour.

A This one's a bit darker.

B Mm, that's nice.

B Can I try it on?

A Yes, the changing rooms are over there.

A Is it the right size?

B It's a bit too big.

A Is it the right size?

B Yes, it feels fine.

B Have you got something bigger?

A That's the last we've got, I'm afraid.

B I'll leave it, thanks.

B How much is it?

A £ 19.99.

B I'll have it, please.

A Thank you. How would you like to pay?

B By credit card.

PLANNING THE FUTURE

GEMMA (age 11)

When I grow up I'm going to be a ballet dancer. I love dancing, I go dancing three times a week. I'm going to travel all over the world and I'm going to learn French and Russian because I want to dance in Paris and Moscow. I'm not going to marry until I'm 35 and then I'm going to have two children. I'd like first a girl and then a boy - but maybe I can't plan that! I'm going to work until I'm 75. I'm going to teach dancing and I'm going to open a dance school. I like planning my future - it's very exciting!

MISS BLACK (age 62)

When I retire - well - first - er, two things - I'm going to learn Russian - I can already speak French, Italian, and German and I want to learn another language - and I'm going to learn to drive. I never had time to learn when I was younger. Then I'm going to buy a car and a tent and travel all over the world. I'm not going to wear boring clothes, I'm tired of blouses and skirts - I'm going to wear jeans and tracksuits all the time. And when I come home from my travels I'm going to write a book and become a TV star and tell everyone about the places I visited and the people I met.

A What's she going to be?

B A ballet dancer

A What is she going to do?

B Travel all over the world.

A Why is she going to learn French and Russian?

B Because she wants to dance in Paris and Moscow.

A When is she going to marry?

B Not until she's thirty-five.

A How many children is she going to have?

B Two.

A How long is she going to work?

B Until she's seventy-five.

A What is she going to teach?

B Dancing.

a Take an umbrella. It's going to rain.

b Hurry up! We're going to miss the bus!

c I'm very worried about this exam. I know I'm going to fail.

d Jack is studying very hard. I know he's going to pass.

e Careful! You're going to drop the plates!

f Look at all that wine and food! They're going to have a party.

g There's my sister and her boyfriend. Yuk! They're going to kiss.

h A Oh dear! I'm going to sneeze. Aaatishoo!

B Bless you!

B = Miss Black A = Arthur

B First I'm going to Holland.

A Why?

B To see the tulips, of course!

A Oh yes! How wonderful! Where are you going after that?

B Well, then I'm going to Norway to see the midnight sun.

A What's the weather like today?

B It's cold and snowing.

A What was it like yesterday?

B Oh, it was cold and cloudy.

A It's a lovely day! What shall we do?

B Let's play tennis!

A It's raining again! What shall we do?

B Let's stay at home and watch a video.

A It's a lovely day! What shall we do?

B Let's play tennis!

A Oh, no! It's too hot to play tennis.

B Well, let's go to the beach.

A OK. I'll get my swimming costume.

A It's raining again! What shall we do?

B Let's stay at home and watch a video.

A Oh no! We watched a video last night.

B Well, let's go to the cinema.

A OK. What's on at the Odeon cinema?