Unit 8 In the Neighborhood

 

Listening and Speaking

Audio Track 2-8-1

A: In Picture 2, what is Ann doing?

B: She is making a grocery list.

A: What is Ann doing in Picture 5?

B: She is picking up her dry cleaning.

 

Audio Track 2-8-2/ Audio Track 2-8-3

Host: It’s 10:00 and you’re listening to Donna’s Do-It-All Show. Do you have a problem? Give me a call and … wait, I see a light flashing. I think we have a call.

Caller: Hello? Hello?

Host: Hello. This is Donna. Can I help you?

Caller: I need help with my errands. I don’t have enough time.

Host: OK, tell me about it.

Caller: Well, for example, today is really bad. I have a doctor’s appointment and need to do the grocery shopping. Then I have to leave the car at the garage. And that is just this morning! I have many more errands to do!

Host: Well, you sound tired. I have an idea for you. … Why don’t you hire an errand service?

Caller: An errand service?

Host: Yes, it’s a company. You pay them by the hour, and they help you with your errands.

Caller: Really?

Host: Yes. They can help you with many kinds of errands. They can do your grocery shopping, for example. Or go to the bank for you … if you don’t have the time.

Caller: What about my daughter? I pick her up every day after school.

Host: They can even do that.

Caller: That’s incredible! I think I’ll call them.

 

Audio Track 2-8-4/ Audio Track 2-8-5

Agent: So, what do you think of the house?

John: It’s great.

Dana: Yes. We really like it.

John: How about the neighborhood. Is it safe?

Agent: Very. And it’s quiet, even on weekends.

Dana: Is it convenient for shopping?

Agent: Absolutely. There’s a mall over on Church Avenue, and a supermarket about two blocks from here.

Dana: I see a lot of traffic during the day. Is the neighborhood pedestrian friendly?

Agent: Well, I think so. There are pedestrian bridges over the larger streets. So you and your family can cross safely.

Dana: That’s good. I worry about the traffic when I’m shopping with Timmy. He’s only three years old.

Agent: I know what you mean.

John: Is there a subway station near here?

Agent: Yes, it’s only two blocks away.

John: Sounds good.

Dana: What about parks?

Agent: It’s a great neighborhood for parks. There are two of them within walking distance.

John: Timmy will love that!

 

Audio Track 2-8-6

Errand Services in Double Happiness for Immediate Release

Think about what you did last Saturday, running around, picking up dry cleaning, grocery shopping, returning the jacket that did not fit, and taking your children to practice. Imagine having that all done for you!

 

Audio Track 2-8-7

Here are just a few of the services Double Happiness can provide you with.

Grocery Shopping — Double Happiness will help and keep your fridge well-stocked, deliver groceries to your door, or, if you prefer, put them away for you.

Pick-up and Drop-off — Let Double Happiness do all these pick-ups and drop-offs: children, dry cleaning, movie CDs, or even film developing.

Pet Services — Double Happiness will walk your precious pet, and take her/him to the groomers and to veterinary appointments. When you are away, Double Happiness will keep your pet company.

Double Happiness promises affordable errand running and convenient services at your fingertips. For more information about Double Happiness services, call at (010) 55556666.

 

Audio Track 2-8-8

Think about what you did last Saturday, running around picking up dry cleaning, grocery shopping, returning the jacket that did not fit, and taking your children to practice. Imagine having that all done for you!

Here are just a few of the services Double Happiness can provide you with.

Grocery Shopping—Double Happiness will help and keep your fridge well-stocked, deliver groceries to your door, or, if you prefer, put them away for you.

Pickup and Drop-off—Let Double Happiness do all these pick-ups and drop-offs: children, dry cleaning, movie CDs, or even film developing.

Pet Services—Double Happiness will walk your precious pet, and take her/him to the groomers and to veterinary appointments. When you are away, Double Happiness will keep your pet company.

Double Happiness promises affordable errand running and convenient services at your fingertips.

For more information about Double Happiness services, call at (010) 55556666.

 

Audio Track 2-8-9

Two South American cities are world leaders in transportation.

In the 1970s, Curitiba was one of Brazil's fastest growing cities, with serious pollution problems. The local government started several programs to reduce people's need for cars. World-famous innovations included new extra-large buses, special new roads for buses only, and a road system that keeps highways out of the city center. This plan has been very successful. Curitiba's population has grown by more than one hundred percent since 1974, but traffic has decreased by thirty percent. Curitiba has reduced air pollution and provided cleaner neighborhoods for its citizens.

Bogotá, Colombia used different ideas. Many people there wanted to build a subway system, but subways are very expensive. Instead, the city built many new roads for bicycling and walking only. The government bought hundreds of buses. In 2002, the city celebrated Car Free Day, and seven million citizens went to work without a car. And every Sunday, 125 kilometers of roads are closed to cars. Every weekend, up to two million people in Bogotá come out to enjoy the clean air and quiet in their neighborhood.

Cities around the world can learn from these examples. Better transportation improves people's lives in many different ways.

 

Audio Track 2-8-10

Two South American cities are world leaders in transportation.

In the 1970s, Curitiba was one of Brazil’s fastest growing cities, with serious pollution problems. The local government started several programs to reduce people’s need for cars. World-famous innovations included new extra-large buses, special new roads for buses only, and a road system that keeps highways out of the city center. This plan has been very successful. Curitiba's population has grown by more than one hundred percent since 1974, but traffic has decreased by thirty percent. Curitiba has reduced air pollution and provided cleaner neighborhoods for its citizens.

 

Audio Track 2-8-11

Bogotá, Colombia used different ideas. Many people there wanted to build a subway system, but subways are very expensive. Instead, the city built many new roads for bicycling and walking only. The government bought hundreds of buses. In 2002, the city celebrated Car Free Day, and seven million citizens went to work without a car. And every Sunday, 125 kilometers of roads are closed to cars. Every weekend, up to two million people in Bogotá come out to enjoy the clean air and quiet in their neighborhoods. Cities around the world can learn from these examples. Better transportation improves people's lives in many different ways.

 

Audio Track 2-8-12/ Audio Track 2-8-13

City: New York   Neighborhood: Inwood

When you think of Manhattan,do you think of traffic congestion, pedestrians everywhere, and big tall buildings? Well, that is Manhattan! My neighborhood — Inwood — is also part of Manhattan.

Inwood is in northern Manhattan. I think my neighborhood is interesting because it is different. There is a lot of greenery, believe it or not, right here in my neighborhood. We have the last old-growth forest in the city — that means nobody cuts the trees down. Many are hundreds of years old. You can go hiking in one park and get lost … without ever leaving the city! Recently, we introduced bald eagles to one of the parks. There is an old farmhouse in my neighborhood, too. It is more than two hundred years old. Today it is a museum.

It takes only 20 minutes to travel by subway from Inwood to the busy area of midtown Manhattan. Come and visit Inwood. You’ll be glad you did!

 

City: Fes   Neighborhood: Fes-al-Bali

How old is your neighborhood? My neighborhood in Morocco is 1,200 years old. My name is Farid and I live in Fes-al-Bali.

In my neighborhood you can find everything — restaurants, shops, and of course mosques. There are more than 9,000 streets. Last week I helped two tourists from Australia. They were lost!

The whole neighborhood is surrounded by a wall with gates. You can drive inside the wall, but you can’t drive across my neighborhood — the streets are too narrow for cars. On some streets people travel by bicycle or motor scooter. Most of us just walk. It’s always busy in my neighborhood. There’s a lot of congestion from pedestrians … and donkeys!

 

Audio Track 2-8-14

City: New York   Neighborhood: Inwood

When you think of Manhattan, do you think of traffic congestion, pedestrians everywhere, and big tall buildings? Well, that is Manhattan! My neighborhood — Inwood — is also part of Manhattan.

Inwood is in northern Manhattan. I think my neighborhood is interesting because it is different. There is a lot of greenery, believe it or not, right here in my neighborhood. We have the last old-growth forest in the city — that means nobody cuts the trees down. Many are hundreds of years old. You can go hiking in one park and get lost … without ever leaving the city! Recently, we introduced bald eagles to one of the parks. There is an old farmhouse in my neighborhood, too. It is more than two hundred years old. Today it is a museum.

It takes only 20 minutes to travel by subway from Inwood to the busy area of midtown Manhattan. Come and visit Inwood. You’ll be glad you did!

 

Audio Track 2-8-15

City: Fes   Neighborhood: Fes-al-Bali

How old is your neighborhood? My neighborhood in Morocco is 1,200 years old. My name is Farid and I live in Fes-al-Bali.

In my neighborhood you can find everything — restaurants, shops, and of course mosques. There are more than 9,000 streets. Last week I helped two tourists from Australia. They were lost!

The whole neighborhood is surrounded by a wall with gates. You can drive inside the wall, but you can’t drive across my neighborhood — the streets are too narrow for cars. On some streets people travel by bicycle or motor scooter. Most of us just walk. It’s always busy in my neighborhood. There’s a lot of congestion from pedestrians … and donkeys!

 

Audio Track 2-8-16

1. Could you open the window?

2. Would you hold the door for me? Thanks.

3. Could you answer that telephone, please?

4. Would you help me lift this box?

 

Audio Track 2-8-17

1. That radio is awfully loud. Could you turn it down, please?

2. I think the computer is broken. Would you please look at it?

3. Oh, they’re here already. Would you get the door?

4. Let me see if he’s in his office. Could you hold for a moment?

 

Audio Track 2-8-18/ Audio Track 2-8-19

Jim: There’s no price tag on it.

Frida: Let’s ask someone for help. Excuse me, how much is this?

Woman: I don’t know. I don’t work here.

Frida: Oh, I’m sorry!

Jim: How about that man behind the counter? Ask him.

Frida: Excuse me, do you work here?

Man: Yes, I do. Can I help you?

Frida: How much does this cost?

Man: It’s $29.99.

Frida: Great! I’ll take it. Could you wrap it for me, please?

Man: Certainly.

 

Audio Track 2-8-20

A: Excuse me. Do you work here?

B: Yes, I do. Can I help you?

A: Oh … how much does this cost?

B: It’s $5 per kilo.

A: OK, I’ll take one. Could you weigh this for me?

B: Certainly.

 

Audio Track 2-8-21

A: Hello. Handy Helpers Errand Service. Can I help you?

B: Yes, I think so. I’m very busy. I need help with my errands.

A: We can help you. Which errands?

B: Well, I need help with my groceries. Can you go grocery shopping for me?

A: No problem.

B: How much do your charge?

A: $35 per hour.

B: Fine. I have the grocery list. Can I e-mail it to you?

A: Certainly.

 

A: Hello. Home Cleaning Service. Can I help you?

B: Yes, I need to have a document delivered urgently.

A: Sorry, we don’t have delivery service. You may probably try Express Delivery Service, please.

B: Oh, thank you!

 

Video Course

Video Track 2-8-1

Brad: On weekends I run errands. I go down the street to the laundromat to do my laundry, and after that I go to the supermarket to get my food.

Alejandra: In Argentina I usually go shopping around the neighborhood or I go to the bank or I go out to buy food, groceries. Also, I generally go to the dry cleaner’s and the pharmacy.

Calum: When I’m not in class I run a lot of errands. For example, I usually go to the shops to buy\ groceries and food. I also have to go to the bank to pay bills and I usually have to go to the post office as well to check for parcels and packages.

 

Video Track 2-8-2

Calum: When I’m not in class I run a lot of errands. For example, I usually go to the shops to buy groceries and food. I also have to go to the bank to pay bills and I usually have to go to the post office as well to check for parcels and packages.

 

Video Track 2-8-3

Julianna: In Brazil, my neighborhood is very safe. I live close to restaurants, parks, and close to the beach. My house is very well located.

Alejandra: My neighborhood in Buenos Aires is a residential neighborhood. It is close to shops and I can walk to the shops. There are a lot of trees on the sidewalks and it is quite safe.

Lourdes: There is a big school near my house. There is also a very nice park nearby. There are many cars that pass through the neighborhood, so we have a lot of traffic. Also, we have public transportation. We have two trains that pass by my house, so you really don’t need a car if you don’t want to use a car. It’s very easy to get around taking public transportation.

 

Video Track 2-8-4

Lourdes: There is a big school near my house. There is also a very nice park nearby. There are many cars that pass through the neighborhood, so we have a lot of traffic. Also, we have public transportation. We have two trains that pass by my house, so you really don’t need a car if you don’t want to use a car. It’s very easy to get around taking public transportation.

 

Video Track 2-8-5

Claudia: Hi, how are you feeling?

Roberto: Awful. But I have some errands I have to do today.

Claudia: I think you’d better stay home. I can do your errands for you. I’m never in your neighborhood. It’ll be fun.

Roberto: Thanks.

Claudia: Claudia’s Errand Service!

Roberto: OK. Could you get some groceries for me at the Food Mart on Fourth Street? There’s a grocery list right over there.

Claudia: OK.

Roberto: And would you mind picking up my dry cleaning? It’s at the cleaner’s next to the supermarket … across the street from the park.

Claudia: Park … got it. Groceries, dry cleaning … anything else?

Roberto: Yes, would you mind picking up a movie for me?

Claudia: OK. Where?

Roberto: Just go to the video store on the corner of Fourth Street and Bowery.

Claudia: OK. What kind of movie?

Roberto: You decide.

Claudia: OK. Anything else?

Roberto: Nope. That’s it.

Claudia: OK.

Roberto: Don’t forget the grocery list!

Claudia: Got it. I’ll be back in an hour.

Claudia: (to self outside grocery store) OK. Got the groceries. Next, the dry cleaning …

Clerk: OK. Here you go.

Claudia: Thank you.

Clerk: Have a great day.

Claudia: (to self outside dry cleaner’s) Last stop … video store. Ah, there it is.

Claudia: Hi.

Roberto: Hi. How did it go?

Claudia: No problem! Your neighborhood’s really convenient. Everything’s in one place. Your neighbors are really friendly.

Roberto: Yeah, it’s nice here … safe … not too crowded … close to public transportation — both subways and buses …

Claudia: Oh, speaking of … I’d better get going. I have a bus to catch.

Roberto: Hey, there is one more thing …

Claudia: What?

Roberto: Would you mind staying and watching the movie with me? I hate being alone when I’m sick.

Claudia: Well, I suppose … since you’re sick …

Roberto: You know what would be really nice? Some ice cream. Could you go …

Claudia: Don’t push your luck!

 

Video Track 2-8-6

Claudia: Hi, how are you feeling?

Roberto: Awful. But I have some errands I have to do today.

Claudia: I think you’d better stay home. I can do your errands for you. I’m never in your neighborhood. It’ll be fun.

Roberto: Thanks.

Claudia: Claudia’s Errand Service!

Roberto: OK. Could you get some groceries for me at the Food Mart on Fourth Street? There’s a grocery list right over there.

Claudia: OK.

Roberto: And would you mind picking up my dry cleaning? It’s at the cleaner’s next to the supermarket … across the street from the park.

Claudia: Park … got it. Groceries, dry cleaning … anything else?

Roberto: Yes, would you mind picking up a movie for me?

Claudia: OK. Where?

Roberto: Just go to the video store on the corner of Fourth Street and Bowery.

Claudia: OK. What kind of movie?

Roberto: You decide.

Claudia: OK. Anything else?

Roberto: Nope. That’s it.

Claudia: OK.

Roberto: Don’t forget the grocery list!

Claudia: Got it. I’ll be back in an hour.

 

Video Track 2-8-7

Claudia: (to self outside grocery store) OK. Got the groceries. Next, the dry cleaning …

Clerk: OK. Here you go.

Claudia: Thank you.

Clerk: Have a great day.

Claudia: (to self outside dry cleaner’s) Last stop … video store. Ah, there it is.

 

Video Track 2-8-8

Claudia: Hi.

Roberto: Hi. How did it go?

Claudia: No problem! Your neighborhood’s really convenient. Everything’s in one place. Your neighbors are really friendly.

Roberto: Yeah, it’s nice here … safe … not too crowded … close to public transportation — both subways and buses …

Claudia: Oh, speaking of … I’d better get going. I have a bus to catch.

Roberto: Hey, there is one more thing …

Claudia: What?

Roberto: Would you mind staying and watching the movie with me? I hate being alone when I’m sick.

Claudia: Well, I suppose … since you’re sick …

Roberto: You know what would be really nice? Some ice cream. Could you go …

Claudia: Don’t push your luck!