Tape 2 A Day in the Life of a Typical American Family with a Student
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Situation 1 In the Morning
(It is Friday morning. Kevin's dad comes into his room, but Kevin is already awake and getting dressed.)
Dad: Kevin, you are up early. Is there a reason?
Kevin: Yeah, dad, my band has practice this morning before school.
Dad: Really? But why so early?
Kevin: We are playing at the school dance party tonight so we have to practice this morning.
Dad: That sounds fun. What time is the party?
Kevin: It starts after the football game at about eight o'clock.
Dad: Yes, but what time does the party end?
Kevin: I don't know, dad, about midnight.
Dad: And what time will you be home?
Kevin: About one o'clock.
Dad: One o'clock?! That's pretty late.
Kevin: I know, dad, but I have to drive my girlfriend Karen home. And, dad, I'm seventeen years old; I'm not a baby anymore.
Dad: I know that but I still worry about your driving your car late at night.
Kevin: But dad, I promise to be careful. And you know I don't drink alcohol.
Dad: That's true. But there are other drivers who drink and they are dangerous.
Kevin: Okay, Dad. I promise to be home by twelve-thirty. And I promise to drive safely.
Dad: All right then, see you at twelve-thirty tonight. Have fun and be careful.
Kevin: Thanks, Dad. I will.
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Situation 2 Skipping Breakfast
(Kevin runs pass the table where his father, mother and sister are getting ready to eat breakfast.)
Dad: HeyHey, Kevin, aren't you going to eat breakfast?
Kevin: No, dad, I don't have time. The band meets at seven-thirty and it's already seven-fifteen.
Mom: Still you should eat something. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Dad: Your mother is right, son.
Kevin: Then I'll take some milk and cookies and eat them in the car.
Mom: Milk and cookies are not a real breakfast. Take an orange and a banana, too.
Dad: Yes, Kevin, listen to your mother. She knows best.
Kevin: Okay, mom. Where is the food?
Mom: It's in the refrigerator.
(Kevin opens the refrigerator and takes out an orange and a banana.)
Kevin: Got it. Bye.
Dad: Remember to be home by twelve-thirty.
Kevin: I will.
Mom: Good bye, dear. Try to be home early.
Kevin: Dad said I could stay out until twelve-thirty.
Mom: All right, but don't be late.
Kevin: I won't, I promise. Bye mom.
Dad: Good luck tonight with your band.
Kevin: Thanks, Dad. Bye.
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Situation 3 Band Practice
(Kevin gets in his car and drives to his friend Barry's house where their band practices.)
Barry: What's up, Kev?
Kevin: Nothing. What's up with you, Barry?
Barry: The other guys said they will be late, so we'll start practicing in a few minutes.
Kevin: Cool. I want to talk to you anyway.
Barry: Sure. What do you want to talk about?
Kevin: It's my parents. They're nice but they try to protect me too much.
Barry: What do you mean? Can you give me an example?
Kevin: Yeah, like tonight. They want me to come home by twelve-thirty even though they know there is a party. What do you think about that?
Barry: I'm not sure. My parents let me come home whenever I want. That's fun, but sometimes I think they don't care about me. Your parents are strict, but they really love you.
Kevin: Yeah, that's true. But still, I'm not a baby anymore. I have a car and girlfriend and everything.
Barry: But Kevin, your parents bought you that car, and they bought you your guitar, too. I don't have a car and I had to work at a part-time job to buy my own drums.
Kevin: I guess you are right. My parents do a lot for me. I should be thankful.
Barry: Yes. And since you have a car, can I get a ride to the party tonight?
Kevin: Yes, but like I said, I should be home at twelve-thirty.
Barry: That is kind of early. Maybe I will get a ride there with you and a ride back with someone else.
Kevin: See, you're so lucky. You can stay out as late as you want.
Barry: Okay, okay, I'll go home with you too.
Kevin: That's why you are my best friend.
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Situation 4 At School
(Kevin and Barry finish practice and drive to school. They have a little time before school starts and so go to the cafeteria to talk.)
Barry: Kevin, let's go get some coffee in the cafeteria, class doesn't start for ten minutes.
Kevin: Okay, but I don't like coffee. I'll drink hot chocolate.
Barry: You can drink whatever you want, but let's go. There are some cute girls in there.
Kevin: Why didn't you say so? I'm going, I'm going.
Barry: You said you wanted hot chocolate, right?
Kevin: Right.
(Barry goes up to the counter and orders.)
Barry: Could I please have one large coffee and one medium hot chocolate?
Woman: One large coffee and one medium hot chocolate?
Barry: Yes.
Woman: That will be one dollar and ninety-five cents, please?
Barry: Here is two dollars. Keep the change.
(Barry takes the drinks back to Kevin.)
Barry: Kev, here is your drink.
Kevin: Thanks, what do you want to talk about?
Barry: I didn't want to talk. I just wanted to look at girls.
Kevin: You're bad. Do you ever think anything else but girls?
Barry: Yes.
Kevin: What?
Barry: Ha... Women!
Kevin: You're terrible.
Barry: Yes, but at least I am honest.
Kevin: That's true. I guess it's normal for us to think about girls all the time. We are seventeen years old.
Barry: Even if it's not normal. I can't help it. I love girls.
Kevin: You are not normal. But you're my best friend so I like you anyway.
Barry: Be quiet. Hey, it's time for school. I'll see you at lunch. Bye.
Kevin: Later.
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Situation 5 U.S. History
(Kevin's first class of the day is U.S. History. His teacher is Ms. O'Neal.)
Ms. O'Neal: Good morning, class? Today is Friday. Can anyone tell me what T.G.I.F. means?
Kevin: I think it's a restaurant.
Ms. O'Neal: Yes, Kevin, it is a restaurant now, but what is the original meaning?
Kevin: I don't know. You're the history teacher. Aren't you supposed to teach us?
Ms. O'Neal: Very funny. Well, I will teach you. The original meaning of T.G.I.F. is Thank God It's Friday.
Kevin: What does that mean?
Ms. O'Neal: It means everybody loves Friday.
Kevin: Why?
Ms. O'Neal: Because it is the beginning of the weekend, of course.
Kevin: Yeah, that's true. Just like everyone hates Sunday because it's the end of the weekend.
Ms. O'Neal: Yes, and people hate Mondays too because they are the beginning of a long week of work.
Kevin: And school.
Ms. O'Neal: School is work; it is your job.
Kevin: I know. You don't have to remind me.
Ms. O'Neal: Sorry. But even Friday is a school day. So, class, please open your books to page two hundred fifty-three. Today we are going to finish the chapter on World War Two.
Kevin: My grandfather fought in World War Two.
Ms. O'Neal: Good, then you should be very interested in it. Why don't you start reading?
Kevin: No, that is not what I meant.
Ms. O'Neal: Oh, that doesn't matter. Just read.
Kevin: All right.