Conversation a

Young man: Excuse me.

Shop assistant: Yes?

Young man: Do you have any Citron computers?

Shop assistant: Yes, we do.

Young man: I’m looking for the new PD 140 laptop, the one with a built in modem.

Shop assistant: Ah – we had them, but I’m afraid we’ve sold out.

Young man: Oh. Will you be getting any more in?

Shop assistant: We should be. I’ll tell you what – I’ll call the other store.

Young man: Oh, thanks, I’ll wait.

QUESTIONS:

1. What does the customer want to buy?

2. What kind of computer is he looking for?

3. Did the customer buy what he was looking for?

Conversation b

Shop assistant: Can I help you?

Man: Err, yes. I’m looking for a present for my wife. It’s her birthday tomorrow.

Shop assistant: Oh, how nice! Let’s see. Have you thought about getting her some perfume?

Man: Well, I gave her some last year. But she might like a different kind.

Shop assistant: How about this one? It’s very feminine and is also quite popular, it’s new, from Fenini.

Man: Hmm… well, maybe… I’m not sure how she decides these things.

Shop assistant: How about another brand? If you step this way I’ll show you our range.

Man: Well, I don’t know... Let me look around a bit. I’ll see what else I can find.

Shop assistant: Yes, of course. Take your time.

QUESTIONS:

4. What is the customer looking for?

5. What did the shop assistant suggest?

6. Describe the thing suggested by the shop assistant.

7. Did the customer buy it? Why?

Conversation c

Shop assistant: Can I help you, sir?

Man: Yes, you can. Can you tell me the features of the Nanko walkman?

Shop assistant: Certainly. This is a very good model. It has an anti-shock feature, and you can also record sound with it. The bass can be adjusted as well.

Man: Is it suitable for jogging?

Shop assistant: Definitely.

QUESTIONS:

8. What is the customer looking for?

9. What features does this thing have?

10. What for is the customer going to use it?

Conversation d

Shop assistant: Good morning.

Customer: Morning.

Shop assistant: Is there anything in particular you are looking for?

Customer: Actually, yes…um… do you stock Rock Hill wines?

QUESTION:

11. What is the customer looking for?

Conversation e

Shop assistant: Would you like to try that watch on, Madam?

Woman: Well, I really like it, but I’m not sure about the colour. Do you have it in black?

Shop assistant: No, it only comes in red and blue. If you really want something in black, we have some really nice ones over there.

Woman: Mmm – yes, they’re nice, but I don’t like the band. It’s too big.

Shop assistant: Ah, well... How about this one? It’s very stylish, don’t you think?

Woman: Mmm… Can I try it on?

Shop assistant: Yes, of course... How is it?

Woman: It’s fine. I’ll take it.

QUESTIONS:

12. What is the buyer going to buy?

13. Why didn’t she like the first two items suggested by the shop assistant?

14. Did the buyer buy what she wanted?