Fonetika 3: 45. The ‘London accent’ V. – Review

Dialogue 01

Amy: Daniel, where do you want to eat tonight?
Daniel: I don’t mind Amy, just not Chinese food.
Amy: All right. Do you want a curry?
Daniel: No. We had that on Tuesday.
Amy: Italian, Mexican? Or if you want to save money, I can make a stew?
Daniel: Ugh, I don’t really feel up to a big meal.
Amy: I’ll just make some sandwiches then.
Daniel: No, I don’t want a sandwich. Let’s just go and get a Chinese.

Dialogue 02

Julie: Where’s Billy?
Darren: I don’t know Julie. Probably watching something on Youtube.
Julie: Darren! He’s not allowed his computer or phone. He’s grounded!
Darren: What for?
Julie: His English tutor said he’s failing his exams.
Darren: It’s not his fault if he isn’t good at it.
Julie: He has the ability Darren, he just chooses not to study. He’s also still overdue on Monday’s homework.
Darren: Well, I’ll tell him to put his phone away and not to pick it up until he finishes his work.

Dialogue 03

Katie: Excuse me, sir, could you pass me that milk bottle on the top shelf, please? I can’t quite reach it.
Matt: Sure! I’ll get it.
Katie: Thank you. Can you believe I’m thirty-three and still need help reaching the top shelves? My name’s Katie by the way.
Matt: I’m Matt. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Is there anything else on your shopping list I could get for you?
Katie: Only tuna and spaghetti, but I can reach both of those thank you. Although I wouldn’t mind you sticking around for the company.
Matt: Well in that case, why don’t I walk you to the reduced section. They have some good sales on over there.
Katie: Maybe…but I think I’d actually rather you walk me somewhere outside of the supermarket though… like on a date?
Matt: All right. Coffee?

Dialogue 04

A: Happy Valentine’s Day, babe!
B: Ah. Happy Valentine’s Day, Honey. Here, take these.
A: You got me tulips! They’re my favourite. I bought you something too; open it, open it!
B: What? Basketball tickets! But, we said we wouldn’t get proper gifts this year?!
A: I know, but you work so hard. The game’s next Tuesday. You deserve a nice evening out watching the basketball with a pint of beer in your hand.
B: This is fantastic, thank you, but I actually booked us tickets for the Royal Ballet on Tuesday because I thought you deserved a night out! What are we going to do?
A: Well, I suppose actually obeying the ‘No Valentine’s Day Presents’ policy next year would be a good start!
B: I agree!

Dialogue 05

A: Come on. Spit it out!
B: What?
A: I can see that you aren’t happy, so whatever you have to say, just say it!
B: Don’t shout at me. Who do you think you are?
A: Well, if you’re not actually going to take this seriously, then I’m getting out of here.
B: Dude, you need to calm down. It’s just a game of chess! It’s not my fault I’m awful at it. You’re acting crazy.
A: I’m not acting crazy, you just make me angry! Are you trying to reduce me to tears? Just play properly!
B: Fine! Horse to E5.
A: It’s not a horse… it’s called a Knight!
B: Ugh, whatever…

Dialogue 06

A: Mum, can we leave the party? I feel really unwell.
B: I know what this is about, Andy. It’s because of Sophie, isn’t it? We are staying here.
A: What? No! I really am sick, mum!
B: Well, I guess we could go home, and it would mean that you can study for your exams next week.
A: Oh no. I’m too ill to study.
B: Too ill to study? Hm. I guess you’re too ill for dinner then. What a shame.
A: Uh, I’m sure I can manage a meal.
B: Andy, you must think I’m stupid if you think I’m falling for this. You only want to leave because the girl you like is here. Don’t be scared, just talk to her!

Story 01

The Great Estate

Hank has been a Realtor for twenty-nine years. Until last week, he had one property on his listing that he was desperate to sell but couldn’t seem to: a luxurious detached house. It had five bedrooms, a huge kitchen, a spacious living-room and three bathrooms, but it cost a massive £950,000.

One day, Hank got word of a potential buyer.

“Oi! You need to find out who this woman is, what her interests are and make her crazy about our big property,” Hank ordered his new secretary, Sue. Without attitude, Sue agreed and organised a meeting.

“Good afternoon,” Sue greeted as she sat down opposite a wealthy-looking woman in her office.

“Hello, my name’s Debbie.” The lady smiled at Sue.

“Lovely to meet you, Debbie. My name’s Sue.” They shook hands across the desk.

“I’ve been with your company before and saw your billboard said you had large property availability.” Debbie sat forward in her chair.

“Why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself and that way we can narrow it down.” Sue’s eyes twinkled in the hope that whatever Debbie was about to describe, it would be a good fit for Hank’s luxury home.

“Well, I’m newly divorced with three children, so I’m looking for somewhere with at least four bedrooms. I would ideally like something with a big floor plan as I want to host gatherings for my friends.” Debbie paused. “I’ve been a bit lonely since the divorce. I do also need to stay local so my children are close to their father.”

“Well, we have a lovely five-bedroom accommodation available with a newly shelved kitchen and furniture is included. The south wall is entirely made of glass, so it has beautiful visibility of the Valley. There are three schools within a ten-minute radius, and the neighbourhood is incredibly welcoming.” Sue pulled out a folder. “Here are some photos. We would love to take you to the house. Let the idea stew for a couple of days, and we will call you on Tuesday to see if you are interested in viewing the property.”

The interview went on and Sue soaked up as much about Debbie as she could, ready to convey to Hank.

“Hank, she’s perfect. Her name is Debbie Reynolds, she’s newly divorced and she-”

“Wait!” Hank interrupted. “That’s my ex-wife!”