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.

This conversation takes place while mother and child are going to visit Aunt Martha. There is apparently another child in the family, a brother named Jeff. The child is reluctant to go, but he becomes more interested when he remembers Johnson’s, an excellent restaurant where his aunt had taken him before. Let's listen to them...

Click on PLAY

CHILD	I don't see why we have to go all the way downtown just to meet Aunt Martha. She'll be coming here tomorrow anyway, won't she?
MOTHER	Yes. But I promised her a long time ago that I'd come and help her pick out some things for Jeff.
CHILD	Couldn't she just do it herself?
MOTHER	Yes, of course, if she had to.
CHILD	Then why doesn't she?
MOTHER	Because I told her I'd help. Besides, I want to. She's done a lot of nice things for us, you know.
CHILD	Like what?
MOTHER	Come on, now. You know. Just think of all the times she's brought us things to save me a trip downtown. Especially when you two were younger.
CHILD	Yeah, but that was a long time ago.
MOTHER	That doesn't matter. She still did it. Besides... I know you'll like it once you get there. You always do.
CHILD	Hey, do you think she'll take us to that groovy place for lunch?
MOTHER	What place?
CHILD	Remember? The one with the waterfall and the fish pond, where she took us before.
MOTHER	Oh, yes. Johnson's. That's not a waterfall, though; it's a fountain.
CHILD	Whatever. Anyway, it’s water.
MOTHER	I think we might go there, if you want to.
CHILD	Hey, that was a fun place.
MOTHER	O.K.

takes place = happens, occurs.

reluctant = unwilling, not eager, not interested

Like what? = For instance? (informal).

Come on = Be reasonable or serious, stop teasing (informal).

still = nevertheless.

once = as soon as.

Hey: an interjection used to express surprise, appreciation, wonder, or, as here, interest and enthusiasm.

groovy = excellent; satisfying; desirable (slang).

Whatever. Used alone thus colloquially, it means You know what I mean; it doesn't matter about the particulars.

a fun place: The word fun (usually a noun) is sometimes used adjectivally to mean amusing, entertaining.