Tape 2 A Day in the Life of a College Student
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Situation 1 Waking Up Late
(Charles and Mike are roommates in a college dormitory.)
Charles: Mike, don't you have a class at noon?
Mike: Huh?
Charles: I said it's eleven forty-two, and you have a history class at twelve.
Mike: What? Eleven forty-two? Why didn't you wake me up earlier?
Charles: Because I am not your mother. And because, if you must know, I had an English literature class until eleven.
Mike: (Crawling out of bed.) Yeah, whatever, it's my fault anyway. I shouldn't be out drinking till three AM when I have class the next morning.
Charles: Oh, you finally figured that out, huh? By the way, that's exactly what you said last Thursday morning when you got up late. You're hopeless.
Mike: I thought we decided that you weren't my mother. Are you finished with your lecture?
Charles: Yes. And you are going to be late for yours if you're not careful. It is already eleven fifty-three.
Mike: Eleven fifty-three?! Quit talking with me or I'll never get ready. Have you seen my American history textbook?
Charles: .....
Mike: I asked you a question!
Charles: I thought you told me to quit talking to you, something about making you late.
Mike: Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Where is the book?
Charles: It's right over there on your desk.
Mike: (Grabbing the book and running for the door.) You bastard.
Charles: You're welcome.
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Situation 2 A History Lecture
(Sitting down in the back of the lecture hall.)
Mike: I thought for sure I'd be late.
Sarah: Hey, Mike. You are late. But so is Professor Clark. He's getting old. Maybe he forgot about class today.
Mike: We should be so lucky. No, I'm just happy that he's later than me. I was really worried.
Sarah: Oh, here he comes.
(Entering from the front the room and walking up to the podium.)
Prof. Clark: Good morning, class, or should I say good afternoon? Twelve o'clock classes always confuse me. In any case, let's begin today's lecture. Today I want to speak about the American Civil War, which I am assuming all of you read about last week in a book by Huntington. The Civil War can be analyzed in many ways, but today I want to discuss it as a result of economics. The Northern United States industrialized rather early and had little need for slave labor in their society. The southern states, on the other hand, had an economy based on agriculture, particularly cotton. This caused a much higher demand for slaves to supply manual labor in the fields. Eventually this fundamental difference economic structures led to a difference in ideology. And, as ideological differences often do, this led to a conflict which eventually resulted in war. In this way, the Civil War is not unlike the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, which was also largely caused by differing economic systems.
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Situation 3 Brunch
(Class ends and Sarah and Mike walk out of the building.)
Sarah: Mike, would you like to have lunch?
Mike: I'd love to. But it's actually brunch for me. I woke up late and haven't eaten anything.
Sarah: Sure, brunch is good too. I know a place that serves breakfast all day. And they have great sandwiches too. I already had breakfast.
Mike: Great. I can have some pancakes, and you get whatever you want. I just can't start the day with a sandwiches.
(Sarah and Mike walk across campus to a restaurant.)
Sarah: Here it is. What do you think?
Mike: It looks good. But I'll have to try the food before I really tell you what I think.
Sarah: Fair enough.
Waiter: How many?
Mike: Just two.
Waiter: Please, sit anywhere you'd like.
(Sarah and Mike go sit down.)
Waiter: Can I get you something to start?
Sarah: Do you have decaf coffee?
Waiter: We sure do.
Sarah: I'd like a cup of decaf and some water, please.
Mike: Can I get an orange juice?
Waiter: One decaf and one O.J.?
Sarah: And don't forget the water.
Waiter: Oh yeah, and the water. (The waiter returns with the drinks.) Are you ready to order?
Mike: Yes. I'd like the blueberry pancakes with a side order of two eggs, over easy, and some bacon, extra crispy.
Sarah: And I'll have a turkey sandwich on wheat bread, no mayonnaise, please.
Waiter: The sandwich comes with your choice of fresh fried or salad, which one would you like?
Sarah: Salad, please. And could you put the dressing on the side?
Waiter: Of course. That will just be a minute.
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Situation 4 Back in the Dorm Room
Charles: Did you make it to class on time?
Mike: No, but neither did the professor, so it was no problem. Maybe he was out drinking last night too.
Charles: I doubt it. But at least you didn't get in trouble. Your have class even earlier tomorrow morning; I hope you aren't going out again tonight.
Mike: We'll see. Besides, you don't need to worry about me. My grades are fine.
Charles: That's true. But I still worry.
Mike: Why?
Charles: Because when you wake up late, or forget something, or whatever, you always yell at me.
Mike: Sorry. It's just that I'm not used to living away from home. I'm only a freshman. This is the first time I haven't had my parents to wake me up, make me breakfast, and all that stuff.
Charles: Yeah, I remember how it was. I mean, I'm only a junior, but it seems like I've been away from home forever. Still, during my first year of college, I was just like you. It just takes a while to get used to managing your own time. You'll be doing it in no time.
Mike: I sure hope so. This is no way to live.
Charles: You say that every day and then go out every night.
Mike: That's true. In fact, Sarah invited me to a party today at her sorority.
Charles: A sorority party, hub? Not that's different. Do you think I could join you?
Mike: I'll see what I can do.
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Situation 5 A Telephone Conversation
(Mike calls Sarah on the phone.)
Mike: Hello, may I speak with Sarah?
Lisa: May I ask who is calling?
Mike: It's Mike Watson, from her U.S. history class.
Lisa: Okay, just a second. I'll get her.
(Sarah picks up the phone.)
Sarah: Hello.
Mike: Hi, Sarah. It's Mike.
Sarah: Didn't we just see each other? You must really like me.
Mike: You know I do. But that's not why I called. You know my roommate Charles? Well he wants to come with me to the party tonight.
Sarah: Charles? Isn't he kind of a bookworm? Why does he want to come to the party?
Mike: Yeah, he does study a lot, but he is not a bad guy. And there will be so many girls tonight, maybe even he can get lucky.
Sarah: I wouldn't bet on it. But, yes, I'll put his name on the guest list. How do you spell his last name?
Mike: M-A-L...
(Cutting Mike off.)
Sarah: Wait, wait. Let me get a pen and paper. What was that again?
Mike: His last name is spelled M-A-L-I-Z-E-W-S-K-I.
Sarah: Got it. Are you guys coming together?
Mike: Yeah. Should we bring anything?
Sarah: No. We have that all taken care of. But be sure to dress nicely. It's a semi-formal event.
Mike: Don't worry. We'll both in suits.
Sarah: And ties, right?
Mike: Right, right. Although Charles'tie might be a clip-on.
Sarah: Oh, you are so bad. I'll see you at seven. Don't be late.
Mike: Okay, seven o'clock. I'll see you then. Bye.
Sarah: Bye.
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Situation 6 Buying a Shirt
Mike: Charles, you're on the list for tonight, but we have to wear suits.
Charles: No problem. I've got plenty of suits.
Mike: I know, but I don't. I only have one and it's not the greatest. Still, it'll pass. The real problem is I have no shirt or tie.
Charles: I've got plenty of those too.
Mike: I know, Charles. But you're five-seven and I'm six-two. I hardly think I'll be wearing any of your clothes.
Charles: I see what you mean. But you could borrow one of my ties, right?
Mike: True. But that still leaves me shirtless. I've got to go get one.
(Mike goes outside, catches a taxi, and heads for a local men's clothing store.)
Saleswoman: May I help you find something?
Mike: Please. I need a dress shirt for tonight?
Saleswoman: Did you have any particular style in mind?
Mike: No. Just something plain. What do you have in a white oxford cloth with button down collars?
Saleswoman: We have a very nice shirt for Ralph Lauren, but it has the Polo mark on it. Is that okay?
Mike: Fine, fine.
Saleswoman: What size are you?
Mike: I'm not sure. My mom buys all my clothes. But I think I'm about a sixteen inch neck and thirty-three inch sleeve. Does that sound about right?
Saleswoman: Probably for the neck, but you're pretty tall. Let's try thirty-five inch sleeve.
Mike: You're the pro, whatever you say.
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Situation 7 In a Taxi
Driver: Where to pal?
Mike: To Carleton College, please. Do you know where Elliot House is?
Driver: Elliot's house? I thought you wanted to go to Carleton.
Mike: I do. And it's not Elliot's house, it's Elliot House. That's the name of my dormitory.
Driver: Oh, why didn't you say so? And no, I don't know where it is.
Mike: That's all right. Just go to the college and I'll give you directions from there.
Driver: You got it. (They arrive at the front gate of the college.) We are here. Now where to?
Mike: Make a right turn at the gate, then go down two streets and take left.
Driver: Will that be a left on Broadway?
Mike: Yes, Elliot House is at 357 Broadway.
Driver: Good for Elliot House. But Broadway is a one-way street. I can only turn right.
Mike: Woops, sorry about that. I don't have a car and so I never pay attention to which streets are one-way.
Driver: Don't worry about it, kid. I know a shortcut anyway. I'll take the first left instead of the second, and then go around the back of your dorm.
Mike: Great. It's a good thing you know the streets around here better than I do.
Driver: That's my job. I get paid to know these streets. Where are you from, not from around here I guess?
Mike: No. I'm just here for school. I'm an originally from Delaware.
Driver: Nice state, Delaware. Well, here we are. That'll be seven dollars and fifty cents.
Mike: Here's nine, keep the change.
Driver: Thanks.
Mike: No, thank you.
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Situation 8 Charles' English Class
(After Mike leaves, Charles goes off to his second English literature class of the day. He arrives early, takes his seat and waits for the professor to begin.)
Professor: Good afternoon, class. Today we are going to discuss the reasons for Shakespeare's near universal acceptance and popularity the world over. It is not the English literature is superior to the literatures of other countries or that Shakespeare was a better writer than other authors. Although he was, of course, a great writer, still, I believe the universality of his themes and stories which makes him great. Almost anyone from any country at any time in history can identify with these themes. For all people in all times experience love, hatred, jealousy and greed. Everyone at one time or another has questioned the meaning of existence, or wanted to take revenge on an enemy. Yes, class, it is these subjects and questions which transcend time and place that make Shakespeare not only popular but also great.
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Situation 9 Getting Ready for the Party
[news:/s/11:28.9-12:27.5]
(Mike comes out of the bathroom.)
Mike: Damn, I cut myself shaving.
Charles: No problem, just put some toilet paper on it.
Mike: I know that, but I'm going to have a big scab on my neck all through the party.
Charles: No one will notice it.
Mike: Why not?
Charles: Because of that big pimple you have on your chin. They'll all be too busy staring at that to notice a little cut on your neck.
Mike: Thanks a lot. If I keep talking to you I'll be too embarrassed to go to this party at all. And I'm the one who got you invited. You owe me.
Charles: Sorry, I was just trying to help. Here, let me get you that tie.
Mike: That's more like it. Now you're making yourself useful.
Charles: Do you like stripes or solids?
Mike: Give me a stripe one. My shirt is solid white; I don't want to look too plain.
Charles: Good thinking. Do you want a matching handkerchief?
Mike: God no. Charles, this is only a semi-formal occasion. Don't get too fancy.
Charles: I know, but when I dress up I like to go all out.
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Situation 10 Calling for Directions
(Mike calls Sarah's sorority to get directions to the party.)
Mike: Hello, may I speak with Sarah, please?
Cindy: Sarah's not here. Can I take a messasge?
Mike: No, no message. I was just calling for directions to the party tonight. Do you know where it is?
Cindy: Sure, I'm going too. It's in the grand ballroom of the Hyatt Hotel.
Mike: And what's the best way to get there from school?
Cindy: Would you be driving?
Mike: Well, I won't. But my friend Bill has a car, and my roommate and I will be going with him.
Cindy: Okay, it's really easy. Just go straight down Main Street heading toward downtown. Then turn right on Brattle Street, you know where Brattle is, right?
Mike: Yeah, isn't there a Gap clothing store on the corner?
Cindy: Right. And from there just go down about four blocks and Hyatt is on the corner of Brattle and Kearney Street. And the grand ballroom is on the second floor. Did you get all that?
Mike: Got it. Anything else I should know?
Cindy: No, just be there a little early or all the good food will be gone.
Mike: Okay, we'll be there at eight o'clock sharp.
Cindy: Fine, but the party starts at seven.
Mike: That's right. I forgot. We'll be there no later than quarter after seven, okay?
Cindy: Great. See you then.
Mike: See you then. Bye.
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Situation 11 Mike Introduces Charles to Bill
(Bill arrive at the dormitory to drive Mike and Charles to the party. He knocks on their door.)
Charles: Who is it?
Bill: It's Bill. Is Mike in?
Mike: Yeah, Bill, I'm right here. Come on in. (Bill comes into the room.) Bill, how are you? I'd like you to meet my roommate, Charles.
Bill: (Reaching out to shake Charles' hand.) Nice to meet you, Charles. My name's Bill Rodriguez.
Charles: Hi, my name's Charles Malizewski. Nice to meet you too.
Bill: What year are you, Charles?
Charles: I'm a junior. How about you?
Bill: I'm a freshman. Mike and I entered together. What's your major?
Charles: I'm majoring in English literature, and you?
Bill: Engineering, even though I'm terrible at math and science.
Charles: I'm just the opposite. Math and science are easy for me, but I really like English lit. But I'm really not good at it.
Bill: Well, you can't be good at everything.
Charles: I guess not.
Mike: Are you girls done chatting yet? We're going to be late.
Bill: Very funny. And don't worry, it's only six twenty. We've got plenty of time. You just keep getting ready; I'm enjoying talking to Charles. So, Charles, where are you from?
Charles: Delaware, have you ever been there?
Bill: Sure, I'm from Pennsylvania, but my grandparents live in Delaware. I go there every summer. It's great.
Charles: Where in Pennsylvania are you from?
Bill: A little town outside of Philadelphia. You've probably never heard of it.
Charles: Probably not. But I do know Philadelphia.
Mike: Charles, everyone knows Philadelphia. Let's get going.
Bill: You're right. It's always good to arrive a bit early. Let's go.
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Situation 12 Driving to the Hotel
(Mike, Charles and Bill are all in Bill's car.)
Bill: What's the best way to get there?
Mike: (Looking in the pockets for the directions.) I wrote down the directions but can't seem to find them. Anyway, I think I remember. It's at the Hyatt, do you know how to get there?
Bill: No.
Mike: Charles, do you?
Charles: No.
Mike: That's all right. I think I remember. Take a left here and get on Main Street.
Bill: Okay. (Bill turns left.) And which way should I turn on Main Street?
Mike: Towards downtown.
Bill: That will be another left turn, right?
Mike: Right.
Bill: Do you mean make a right turn or that a left turn is correct?
Mike: A left turn is correct.
Bill: Are you sure about that?
Mike: Yes, I'm sure. What I'm not sure about is where to turn after that. It was either on Brattle or Barry Street.
Charles: Oh yeah, now I remember. The Hyatt is on the corner of Brattle and Kearney.
Bill: That sounds right. So that means a right turn on to Brattle, right?
Charles: Correct.
Bill: And from there it's easy.
