9. Holiday plans ♫

Mary: Have you had your holiday for this year yet, Jane?

Jane: Not yet, I’m taking it at the end of September.

Mary: Where are you going? Have you made up your mind?

Jane: Not really. I thought of going to Spain again, but I’ve already been there twice and I’d like to try somewhere new.

Mary: My brother’s just gone to Mexico for two weeks. I had a card from him yesterday and he seems to be having a good time. Why don’t you go there?

Jane: That’s O.K. for you well-off people, but I couldn’t possibly afford it. I’m much too hard up at the moment.

Mary: The air-fare is quite expensive, I admit, but you needn't spend a lot when you get there.

Jane: I’ve already spent a lot of money this year. My flat was done up last month, so I haven’t got much to spare for expensive holidays abroad.

Mary: Oh, I see.

Jane: Perhaps I’ll just go to Scotland or Ireland in the end. I’ve heard they’re both very beautiful, and I haven’t been to either of them.

Mary: We went to Ireland two years ago to pay Jill and her husband a visit. They’re in Dublin now.

Jane: Oh, yes, so they are!

Mary: If you decide on Ireland you can call in on them. Jill would willingly put you up for a few days, I’m sure.

Jane: That’s a good idea! I haven’t seen Jill for more than three years now and I’d like to know how she’s getting on.

10. Conversation ♫

B: Hello, Teletron International, how may I help you?

A: Hello, my name’s Christine Ford, I’m phoning about a letter I received from you today saying…

B: Can you give me your customer reference number, please?

A: Yes, … just a second it’s V-2-06-P…

B: Okay, I’ll put you through.

C: Hello, Customer Services?

A: Hello, my name’s Christine Ford, I’m phoning about a letter I received from you today regarding…

C: Can I take your customer reference number, please?

A: V-2-0-6-P.

C: V-2-0-6-P. Just a moment while I get your file up on screen … yes, what can I do for you?

A: It’s about a letter I got from you this morning saying that I haven’t paid my bill, and actually I sent you a cheque over three weeks ago, I …

C: Right, you actually need to speak to the Invoice and Finance Department, I’ll just transfer you… You are through to Teletron International Invoice and Finance Department. I’m afraid all our operators are busy at the moment but we’ll deal with your inquiry as soon as we can. Thank you for waiting.

D: Hello, Mark speaking, how can I help?

A: Yes, I’m phoning about a letter I got from you this morning – the reference number’s V-2-0-6-P – you say in the letter that I haven’t paid my bill, when in fact I sent you a cheque three weeks ago…

D: Okay… I think you actually need to speak to our Customer Services Department…

A: I’ve just spoken to them and they told me I needed to speak to you – I’m getting a bit fed up with being put through from one department to another. Do you think someone could just deal with it, please!

D: Okay, yes, I quite understand. Perhaps if I can just take your name and number, then I can look into it and call you back in ten minutes?

A: Thank you – it’s Christine Ford, and the number is 5700770.

D: and the reference number is?

A: V-2-0-1-6-P.

D: Okay, I’ll call you back in ten minutes, Mrs. Ford.

A: Okay.