Duties about the House Spring Cleaning

This dialogue is a conversation between two girl-friends, Mary and Alice. They have just done their shopping together. And now they are on their way home. So, the conversation begins.

Oh, I am so much tired, Mary. I have never been fond of shopping, you know. Besides, it's my sister's duty. But she's coming down with a cold, I'm afraid. So, she has to stay in bed for some days.

• And you have to go shopping. I see. . . But what about your mother? Couldn't she help you?

• Oh, no! It's out of the question. My Mum works till half past six. And after a little rest she can only manage to cook supper.

• Then your father should help her. As for my family, Dad often lays the table and clears it when the meal is over. And sometimes, when Mum goes to the hairdresser's or is busy with some work, he even cooks supper himself.

• And my Dad's duties about the house include beating off the carpets and dusting them with a vacuum-cleaner. He also does some repainting and repairs electrical appliances when they are out of order.

• Then, I suppose, he works only at the spring cleaning, as there're some things which certainly need his help and which we never do daily or weekly.

• Oh, no! Once or twice a month he has to turn out his study, but before it my Mum has to ask him about it for at least some days. And speaking about spring cleaning, are you going to do it this year?

• Yes, of course. In our family it's almost a tradition to give the house a special cleaning in April. This time is always used to wash the ceiling, the walls and the windows, and to clean the narrow space behind the cupboards, wardrobes and bookcases, as it always becomes dusty and dirty.

• And it's also a tradition for us to make the house clean before Easter. And I especially like to get rid of many unwanted and valueless things which I save in my room for years.

• Oh, I throw them out with much pleasure too and buy some new things that I need. For me it's a symbol of beginning a new life in spring.

• But unfortunately there's a lot of housework that we have to do almost every day.

• Right you are. And today I have to send the dirty linen to the laundry because something has gone wrong with my washing-machine.

• And as for me, today I have to take the loose covers off the armchairs and wash them, as Mum has been meaning to ask me for days. So, I'm pressed for time and must go.

• Goodbye then. See you on Monday.

• Bye.

Spring Cleaning

This dialogue is a conversation between 2 sisters - Mary and Sara Brown. In England and other countries there is a custom to give the house a special clean in the spring. The Browns are no exception.

• Hi! How are you?

• Fine, how are you?

• I'm fine, thanks.

• I like your sweater! Is it new?

• Oh now, I've had it for years.

• Where did you get it?

• I got it in London.

• It's beautiful

• Thank you.

• It’s a nice day today, isn't it?

• It certainly is, it's a beautiful day.

• It’s a pity to stay at home on such a fine day.

• Sure, but we've got so many things to do.

• I don't know what to do first.

• I suppose we must begin with polishing brass and woodwork.

• Good idea! Let’s beat the carpets, mats and rugs then.

• You see we can’t do it.

• Why?

• Because there are no men to lift these heavy cupboards.

• So what about pressing fresh clothes?

• I believe we must repair the electric iron first - something has gone wrong with it.

• Let me have a look at it. Well, there is nothing the matter with the iron! I'm sure it's the plug. Here you are.

• How clever of you! By the way, have you seen the broom? I've already turned out our flat from top to bottom!

• Are you going to sweep the floor?

• Certainly!

• And why don't you do our room with the vacuum-cleaner?

• Sounds good!

• Oh, yes our floor must be spotless.

• And every chair – dustless.

• So, I will take all the loose covers off the armchairs and wash them.

• That bit of sun early this afternoon will help to dry them.

• Yes, you are right!

• You see, the curtains have been looking shabby for months.

• Oh, I can wash them.

• And after this I will iron them, won’t I?

• Yes, of course.

• We should get rid of valueless objects.

• Just what I think! And then we can buy things that may be needed can’t we?

• Certainly.

• I hope you’ve had a rest.

• Oh no. Since lunch time I’ve been turning out our room. I haven’t quite finished it yet.

• Oh, Mary, you have been working hard!

• You see Sara you do make it hard for me to keep the place looking nice when you leave your books about everywhere.

• Oh I promise not to do that anymore.

• I hope you won’t. Put them into the bookcase please. I’ve been meaning to ask you for days.

• - By the way why can’t we ask our brother to lift the cupboards?

• He can’t do it alone. Moreover he will go off to the office.

• Yes, spring cleaning for men is a time to keep out of the way.

• You are right. Sara, would you like to have some tea first, and then we will do our work.

• Ok, Let’s go.