Scripts Lesson 05

Extra Activity #1 Page 43.

Script.
The local branch of my bank is located just a few blocks from where I live. It’s very convenient, since it has four ATM’s opened 24/7. Today, I had to go in to make a deposit, but since I wanted to cash a check as well, I needed to go inside to talk to a teller. Inside the bank, I got in line for the tellers. All the tellers are behind a large piece of bullet-proof glass. So you have to speak up when you are talking to them. Anyway, when I got to the head of the line, the cashier said “How may I help you?” “Well”, I said, I’d like to deposit this payroll check into my checking account and cash this cashiers check”. “Certainly!”, she said. “Just endorse the back of both checks and put them in the tray”. “Sure. And, can I get that in small bills, tens and twenties?”. I waited for her to process my checks. Then she said “Here you are” and counted out the cash and put it in an envelope. I said “Thank you” and walked away. Now that I have the money burning a hole in my pocket, I guess I better spend it.

Extra audio: British Icons: The Double-decker.


Script.
Richard: For this week’s podcast in English.com we’re going to be looking at the double-decker bus as part of our British icon series. Now, the double-decker bus is one of the most popular symbols of Britain and for many visitors a trip on the double-decker is the highlight of the UK holiday.


Laura: Oh, really? But they look nice Richard, don’t they? I mean, if you see a photo or a picture with a double-decker on it, you know it’s the UK.

Richard: Yes, and actually, especially London, um, London is full of double-deckers and they’re all red. Why do you think that is?

Laura: Um, I don’t know, perhaps because of its strong bright color.

Richard: Yes, easy to see. But there are different color ones, aren’t there?

Laura: Yes, I think so. Outside of London you can see different colors, um, but they’re not just in Britain. There are double-decker buses in other countries too, aren’t they? Um, I think in Europe, for example, there are double-decker buses in Ireland and Germany.

Richard: Mmh, and also in Asia. I know there are some old British double-decker buses in Sri Lanka, for instance. Also, in Hong Kong, I think they’re blue in Hong Kong and Singapur. And also I think in India. I think I’ve seen yellow ones there.

Laura: Well, on the greater cities I suppose.

Richard: Mmh, well, the name double-decker comes from the fact that there are two decks of course, the lower deck and the upper deck. Now I like them because they’re always fun to ride and much nicer than the underground for example.

Laura: Oh yes, my favorite seat is upon the top deck, at the front, because you get a great view, don’t you? You get a great view. Sometimes it feels like the bus is too big, feels too wide, I think it’s going to hit something in…, but it never does.

Richard: It’s that the buses have changed, haven’t they? And I really like the old type buses because they’re open at the back and you get on at the back and you can get on while the bus is still moving and also there’s a conductor who takes the money in addition to to the driver. And also, I like the funny mirror at the top of the stairs so the conductor can see who’s getting on and who’s getting off the back of the bus.

Laura: Yes, they’re nice, aren’t they? But there’s only a few of those left. Most of the buses now, they’re much more modern, they have more modern designs and there are two doors, one for getting on the bus and one for getting off the bus. But I suppose that cheaper you only need one driver, you don’t need a conductor, the driver takes the money as well and I suppose they’re much easier for disabled people and safer

Richard: Yes, off the state that they’re much easier to get on and get off. And, well, that’s progress, I suppose

Laura: Uhuh.

Richard: And the other thing about the buses, especially in London, very popular with the tourists

Laura: Yes,

Richard: The open top buses

Laura: Yes, well there are great way to go sightseeing aren’t they?

Richard: Yes, as long as it doesn’t rain.