OM BUS-English Dialogues-Conversaciones y Diálogos en Ingles MP3

In this last step, listen to the conversation again while you read the transcription. Finally, read the glossary information and notes at the bottom. This step also means good practice for your reading comprehension skills.

Two students -a girl and a boy- are engaged in making plans for a party to be given by an organization they belong to at their university. The boy, who is in charge, has recently met with a faculty member to have the plans approved. Let's listen to their conversation...

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STUDENT 1	What did he say when you told him about our plans?
STUDENT 2	Well, it wasn't as bad as I expected. I thought he'd just give us a flat-out "No."
STUDENT 1	It's OK, then?
STUDENT 2	Well, maybe. But he put a lot of conditions on what we could do.
STUDENT 1	Like what?
STUDENT 2	Well, we can't spend as much money as we'd hoped, so I'll have to cut back on the decorations.
STUDENT 1	But that was such a neat idea. I don't see how we can do it any cheaper.
STUDENT 2	I know. I felt the same way. But, you know, I've thought of another way we can handle it that might be even better.
STUDENT 1	Oh? You mean really better, or are you just trying to find an excuse for giving in to the old man?
STUDENT 2	No, I really think it'll work. It seems sort of complicated to describe, but if everybody does their part...
STUDENT 1	Well, what is this great new plan?
STUDENT 2	O.K. Let's stop in here and have a cup of coffee, and I'll tell you all about it.
STUDENT 1	I'm all ears.

they belong to = to which they have incorporated

in charge = in control; responsible

met with = had a meeting with

flat-out = absolute; unconditional

Like what? = Give me an example. (informal)

cut back on = decrease; reduce; curtail.

neat = good; excellent; wonderful. (slang)

cheaper: Cheap (comparative: cheaper) is sometimes used as an adverb; but standard usage requires cheaply (comparative: more cheaply).

giving in = yielding; surrendering.

the old man: a term used to designate any man in a position of authority (informal).

everybody does their part = everybody does his part. Traditionally, everybody and everyone have required a singular verb and a singular pronoun: Everybody does his part. However, the plural pronoun their is increasingly used with these words in informal speech. This increased use and acceptability of the plural pronoun in recent years is probably due in large part to the felt inadequacy of the masculine pronoun his to include both sexes, together with the cumbersomeness of the possible alternative phrase his or her.

I'm all ears = I'm eager to hear about it (slang).