Fred: Do you know the news?
Yuri: No, what is it?
Fred: Can you imagine — Dorothy and John are engaged.
Yuri: Which John? The one working in the Conference Department?
Fred: That’s right. And Dorothy is with the Technical Assistance Department.
Yuri: When was the engagement announced?
Fred: A week ago.
Yuri: Have they set the day for the wedding?
Fred: No, not yet. But John says they will marry sometime in November or December. He says you’re on the guest list.
Yuri: Am I? Then I’ve got to think about a wedding present.
Fred: It’s too early yet. He will send you an invitation to the wedding party.
Yuri: And who is the best man?
Fred: Their choice fell on me because I’m a bachelor.
Yuri: Congratulations! They could not have chosen a better man. You are witty, bright and will keep them free from the little worries which usually crop up at the ceremony.
Fred: I’ll try to do my best; as the best man should do. See you at the office on Monday. Bye-bye.
Yuri: Bye-bye, Fred.
5. Talking of Studies
Fred: Hello, Yuri. This is Fred.
Yuri: Hello, Freddy, how are you?
Fred: Not very well, I’m afraid.
Yuri: What’s the matter? Somebody’s ill?
Fred: No, everybody’s fine. But I’m giving up. I certainly can’t learn Russian.
Yuri: Why are you upset? I think you’re making wonderful progress.
Fred: No, I’m not. I try and try but still cannot speak it well.
Yuri: Well, learning any language takes a lot of effort and time. But don’t give up. What if I help you? I have a very good textbook only recently brought from Moscow.
Fred: Thank you, Yuri. I’m sure your help will improve things.
Yuri: See you on Monday, Freddy. Good-bye.
Fred: Thanks again, Yuri. Good-bye.
6. Talking of Sports
Mr Serov: Mr Budd? Good afternoon. This is Serov speaking.
Mr Budd: Hello, Mr Serov. Nice to hear you. How’s everything?
Mr Serov: Fine, thank you. You know, this Friday our Dynamo team is playing against your Red Sox.
Mr Budd: Are they really? That’s great! They are my favourite teams and I don’t know who to root for.
Mr Serov: I have two tickets. Would you like to watch the match?
Mr Budd: Sure thing. This is the only chance, and I would not miss it. And what’s your favourite sport?
Mr Serov: It’s hard to say. I like soccer all right, but I think I like tennis better.
Mr Budd: Do you play much tennis?
Mr SeroV: Yes, quite a bit. How about a game sometime?
Mr Budd: No, thanks. I am strictly a spectator.
Mr Serov: So I’m sending you the tickets for the match and hope to see you on Tuesday.
