英语口语【绝密】对话资料(口语老师提供)

问路

Excuse me. Can you tell how to get to the bus station?

Sorry to trouble you, but could you direct me to the bus station?

Can you tell me the way to the bus station?

Excuse me. How can I get to the nearest post office?

Excuse me, Where am I on this map?

Excuse me. Is there a drug store nearby?

Is this the road to the City Hall?

Could you tell me the way to the museum?

Can you tell me where the museum is?

How can I get to the subway station

叫车

I want to call for a taxi.

Where can I catch a taxi?

You can call the dispatcher and ask for one.

Please call me a taxi.

Would you like me to call a taxi for you?

Can we catch a cab here?

I can telephone for a taxi.

I’ll call a taxi in case of need.

留学英语口语:注册Registration

STUART: Hello. Can I help you?

KAREN: Yes, I hope so. I would like to register for Comp Lit 287.

STUART: I'm sorry, but that class is already full.

And also, students are supposed to register through the touch-tone registration system. KAREN: I know. I already tried to register for it by phone, but the computer won't let me. STUART: That's because it's full.

KAREN: But I'm a new student here.

I thought maybe there was some way I could get into the class.

I thought I should come and talk to you in the department office.

STUART: Well, I could put you on a waiting list.

But that doesn't guarantee you will get into the class. What is your name?

KAREN: My name is Karen Huang. That's spelled H - U - A - N - G.

STUART: Alright. And what is your major?

KAREN: I'm a comparative literature major.

STUART: Wait a minute. You're a Comp Lit major?

KAREN: Yes, that's right.

STUART: Why didn't you tell me? I didn't know you were one of our students. KAREN: That's why I'm trying to get into Comp Lit 287. I know it's a required class. And Professor Cohen told me I need to take it.

STUART: The university computer system saves extra places,

in class 287 for comp lit students.

I can give you a special code.

When you register by phone, you can use the code to get into the class.

KAREN: Even if the class is full?

STUART: That's right.

KAREN: Oh, I didn't know that.

STUART: Sure. Here is the code number, with information on how to use it. KAREN: Thank you. So you think I will be able to get in with this?

STUART: Sure. Just call the touch-tone registration system again.

Then, follow the directions on the sheet. You will get in no problem.

KAREN: Thanks.

STUART: Next time you come in here, I will recognize you.

留学英语口语:在银行开户Opening A Bank Account

IVY: I would like to open an account here.

SUSAN: Alright. What kind of account would you like?

IVY: I'm not sure. I'm new here in America.

I don't know the English words for different kinds of accounts.

SUSAN: Well, most international students open a basic savings account.

IVY: Yes, I know I need to have a basic savings account.

SUSAN: Alright. And did you want to have a checking account too?

IVY: Sure. I know a lot of people here use checks. But do I need two accounts?

Do I need a savings account and a checking account?

SUSAN: Well. No, not really.

If you think you will use a lot of checks, maybe you just need a checking account.

But you must be good at managing money then.

IVY: I understand. I don't want to write bad checks.

SUSAN: That's right.

IVY: I think I can have just one account. A checking account.

SUSAN: And did you want to use a cash card with your account?

IVY: Yes. Can I have a cash card too?

SUSAN: Certainly. Here is the form to fill out.

In order to open a checking account here, I also need to see your passport.

IVY: Alright. I brought it with me. Here it is.

SUSAN: Good. And I need to see your student I.D.

IVY: Here it is.

SUSAN: Thank you.

Now if you will fill out that form, I will start to enter your information into the computer. IVY: Here is the completed application form.

SUSAN: Good. Here is a deposit slip.

Please fill in your name and the amount you want to deposit today.

IVY: Is fifty dollars okay?

SUSAN: Yes, that's fine.

留学英语口语:谈论学习计划Discussing Study Plans

谈论学习计划Discussing Study Plans With A Professor

TERRY: Have you decided what you are going to take next semester?

LISA: Well, I'm an English major, you know.

So I came here to make sure I'm taking the right things.

TERRY: Good. I think it's a good idea. Our department should require meetings like this. LISA: I want to finish my degree in four years.

So I don't want to forget to take classes I need.

I have a friend who has to stay in college another year. She didn't know until recently. There were some classes she needed to take to graduate.

She didn't know about them.

TERRY: Yes, that happens.

LISA: I brought my transcript from my first year.

Here. And here is the list of courses I plan to take in the fall.

TERRY: Alright. Good.

I see you've already taken six credits of your breadth requirements.

You have one botany class and one chemistry class. And political science.

So that's nine credits. Did you take English Composition 201?

LISA: No, I don't need to. I took Advanced Placement English in high school.

So I'm not required to take composition.

TERRY: Excellent. I see you have the 18th century poetry class for next semester.

And the modern novel class. You haven't taken a Shakespeare class yet.

LISA: No, I thought I would take it later.

TERRY: Actually, I recommend you take Shakespeare sooner rather than later.

LISA: Well, I suppose I could cross out the 18th century poetry class.

I have to see when the Shakespeare class meets.

TERRY: Let me look at the timetable.

Shakespeare meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 AM.

LISA: I can take it then. I have that time slot free.

TERRY: Good. I recommend it. Shakespeare is of course enormously important.

We want our students to take the class as soon as they can.

And Professor Friedman is an excellent teacher.

LISA: I'll take it then.

TERRY: Tell me, Lisa, what made you decide to be an English major?

LISA: I want to be an English professor in the future.

I love studying literature, and I want to teach it.

TERRY: Really? That's great to know.

LISA: That's the reason I want to finish my B.A. in four years.

Because I know I will be in school a long time.

I want to start the M.A. and Ph.D. program as soon as possible

留学英语口语:入住宿舍Moving Into The Dorm

CHRIS: Alright, we need to have a plan here. First of all, which bed do you want?

DA VE: Well, everybody wants the bottom bunk. Why don't we flip a coin for it? CHRIS: Alright. Do you have a coin?

DA VE: Yes. Here's a quarter. I flip it, you call it in the air.

CHRIS: Heads.

DA VE: Sorry, it's tails. You lose.

CHRIS: Oh, well. So you get the bottom bunk. What about our stereos?

It looks like we both brought our stereos. Probably we only have room for one.

DA VE: Your stereo is better than mine. Do you mind if we use yours?

CHRIS: No, I don't mind.

I just don't know where we can put the speakers in this tiny room.

DA VE: Probably we can put one on that counter.

And we can put one on the floor by the bed. Over there.

CHRIS: Alright. That's a good plan. What about the desks?

We have two desks, one by the window and one by the door? Which one do you want? DA VE: Well, the desk by the window is nicer, of course. Don't you think?

CHRIS: Yes, I agree.

DA VE: So since I got the bottom bunk, why don't you get the desk by the window? That would be more fair.

CHRIS: Alright.

DA VE: I mean, we could flip a coin for it, but I would probably win again.

I'm incredibly lucky you know. Especially with girls.

CHRIS: Is that right?

DA VE: Yes, that's right.

CHRIS: Well, I hope you let me hang out with you then. Maybe I can learn from you. DA VE: Oh, certainly. Certainly. I'm always willing to help beginners.

Just call me Big Brother Dave.

CHRIS: Are all lucky people so stuck up?

DA VE: C'mon, don't take it seriously! I'm just kidding.

CHRIS: Anyway, I get the desk by the window, you get the bottom bunk. That's it. DA VE: Why don't we start unpacking these boxes?

CHRIS: I will go get something to eat. You unpack first.

Then, when I come back, I'll unpack.

DA VE: Alright. See you later.

留学英语口语:申请奖学金Applying For A Scholarship

申请奖学金Applying For A Scholarship

SHARON: How can I help you today, Alice?

ALICE: Well, I came to talk to you because I want to apply for a scholarship. SHARON: Oh, good. You're an excellent student.

I'd be very willing to help you with that.

ALICE: Thanks. I really appreciate it.

In fact, I do need a letter of recommendation for this scholarship.

SHARON: What kind of scholarship is it?

ALICE: It's an undergraduate scholarship

offered by the American Minority Students Scholarship Association.

I'm eligible for it because I'm Asian American.

SHARON: Fine. I know about that scholarship.

You have to be a student in your junior year,

and you have to have a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

ALICE: I'm a junior now, and my GPA is 3.92.

SHARON: Excellent. So you'll have a good chance of getting it.

ALICE: Well, I hope so. The competition is probably pretty heavy.

And they want a writing sample too.

SHARON: Do you have an essay you want to send them?

ALICE: No, they want a special essay.

I must write an essay on a particular question they pose.

SHARON: What is the question?

ALICE: They give applicants a topic.

The topic is, "The Place of Ethnic Minorities in a Democratic Society."

My essay must be three pages typed and double-spaced.

SHARON: That's a pretty short essay.

ALICE: Yes, but I need to write it by next week.

SHARON: Good luck. I'm sure you will do a good job.

ALICE: I came here today to talk to you because... Well, I need to ask two favors. SHARON: Sure. What are they?

ALICE: First, I need a letter of recommendation.

SHARON: I'd be happy to write one for you.

ALICE: And second.... Well, I'm not sure if it's normal.

SHARON: What is it? Do you want me to read your essay?

ALICE: Yes, if you could.

I mean, if you could read it to make sure there are no mistakes.

Or maybe you'd have some suggestions.

SHARON: Of course I could read it. That's no problem. But you need to get it to me soon. ALICE: I will. I want to write the first draft tonight.

So I could bring it tomorrow morning.

SHARON: Alright. If you can bring it to me tomorrow morning,

I can talk with you after class on Friday.

So I'll have some feedback for you before the weekend.

ALICE: That would really help me a lot. I'm very grateful.

SHARON: Don't mention it. I'm always willing to help good students.

留学英语口语:去健身中心Going To The Gym

STEVE: I'm going over to the gym. I want to do some running.

JOSEPH: Why don't you run outside?

STEVE: Are you kidding? Do you know how cold it is today?

JOSEPH: Yeah, I suppose. I guess it isn't healthy to run in this weather.

STEVE: No, it's not. Not at all. I'd probably freeze my lungs.

JOSEPH: Wait for me a minute. I'll go over to the gym too.

STEVE: You?

JOSEPH: Yes, why not? Just let me get my gym clothes together.

STEVE: I didn't know you could exercise.

JOSEPH: What do you mean by that? Everyone can exercise!

STEVE: Yeah, I know. But you?

I always thought you were only good at lifting beer bottles to your mouth. JOSEPH: No, not at all. I was on the swimming team in high school.

And I'd like to do some weight training. They have decent equipment at that gym. STEVE: You're going to lift weights? Hah!

JOSEPH: Are you laughing at me?

STEVE: I'm sorry. I just can't imagine you lifting weights.

JOSEPH: Maybe not. But I want to start. I need to get in shape.

I feel these past couple months that my energy is low.

STEVE: It's true. If a person doesn't exercise, they get sluggish.

That's why I keep running. Even in the winter.

JOSEPH: So I need to do something too.

STEVE: But lifting weights isn't the best thing.

You should do some kind of aerobic exercise.

JOSEPH: I know. But I want to start today with a little weight lifting.

Then I'm going to buy a new swimming suit and goggles,

and every other day I'm going to go swim laps in the pool. How does that sound? STEVE: It sounds like a good plan to me. I'm still... I mean...

JOSEPH: What?

STEVE: I'm still just surprised you really want to do it.

It doesn't seem to go with your character.

JOSEPH: Well, if that's true, then maybe I need to change my character, don't I?

I don't want to become a fat slob.

留学英语口语:参加派对Going To A Party

ANN: I think I'm going to go home.

SHARON: Why? We just got here.

ANN: I know, but it's 12:30. It's pretty late.

SHARON: 12:30 isn't late! This party will probably go until three or four o'clock. C'mon, don't leave yet!

ANN: Three or four o'clock?

SHARON: Yes.

ANN: I never stay out that late. That's too late.

SHARON: But why is it too late? It's Saturday night.

You have nothing to do tomorrow. Why not stay out and drink with us?

ANN: Were you so wild when you were still in Taipei, Sharon?

SHARON: Yes, I was. And I like living here.

People know how to party here. In Taipei, some people know how to party.

But here, everyone does.

ANN: What is that they're doing on the couch?

SHARON: They're smoking pot. Don't worry about it.

ANN: Pot? Isn't that marijuana?

SHARON: Yes, it is.

ANN: But, Sharon, that's illegal! The police could come, and we could go to jail. SHARON: Don't worry about it. It is true that pot is illegal in America.

But the laws aren't as strict as in Taiwan.

If people are arrested, and they have a little pot in their possession,

they don't go to jail. They just have to pay a fine.

ANN: Really?

SHARON: Yes.

ANN: I didn't know you had such wild friends. Do you smoke marijuana too? SHARON: I tried it a couple times. But I don't like it. I like alcohol better.

Don't worry about them, though. If you don't want to smoke pot, you don't have to.

ANN: I don't want to.

SHARON: That's alright. But you really should have another drink.

People will probably start dancing soon.

ANN: I don't know if I can drink more. I already had two drinks.

SHARON: You had two drinks at nine o'clock.

C'mon, Ann, you are in an American university now! You have to learn how to drink. ANN: I thought a university was for studying.

SHARON: It is. We study hard all week.

And then, on the weekend, we party hard. That's the best way to live.

ANN: Alright. I'll have another drink.

留学英语口语:语言交流Language Exchange

ALLEN: Excuse me. Do you study Chinese at the university here?

SUZY: Yes, I do. But my characters are very bad.

ALLEN: It takes a long time to learn Chinese writing.

SUZY: Are you Chinese?

ALLEN: Yes, I am. I am from Taiwan. I came here to study political science.

SUZY: How do you like it?

ALLEN: I like it so far. But my English still needs work.

SUZY: I want to study Mandarin and international relations.

ALLEN: Does the Chinese department here teach regular characters or simplified characters? SUZY: They teach regular characters.

ALLEN: I see. I'm from Taiwan, so I know regular characters better than simplified. SUZY: You just said your English needs work, yes?

ALLEN: Yes, that's true. Especially my writing.

I think my papers aren't good enough. I make too many grammatical mistakes.

SUZY: Well, I am very serious about learning Chinese.

But for me the hard part now is pronunciation.

You have the four tones in Chinese. It is very hard.

Maybe, if you have time, maybe we could do a language exchange.

ALLEN: You mean you and I?

SUZY: Yes, why not?

I mean, if you come to this cafe often,

maybe we could meet here and practice Chinese and English.

ALLEN: That sounds like a good idea. How often would you like to do it?

SUZY: Let's see... My schedule right now is quite busy.

But I think I could spend 90 minutes a week in language exchange.

ALLEN: How would we manage it though? How would we spend the 90 minutes? SUZY: First, we could spend 45 minutes working on your English writing.

If you want, I could help you edit your papers.

Or we could do English conversation. Whatever you want.

And then the next 45 minutes you would help me with my Chinese.

ALLEN: Would I help you with writing?

SUZY: No. For me right now, the important thing is spoken Chinese.

I need practice. So you could tutor me in speaking.

We could use my textbook, and you could ask me questions.

Then you could correct my mistakes.

ALLEN: I think it sounds like a good system. But when is it convenient to meet? SUZY: Well, today is Monday.

Actually, for me Monday at this time would be the best.

I am free from now until 11:30 every Monday morning.

ALLEN: Me too. In fact, I'm free until 1:20 on Mondays.

SUZY: So if you want to meet at 10:00 here next Monday, we could start.

ALLEN: It sounds good. I will bring the papers I'm working on.

SUZY: And I will bring my textbook and a tape recorder.

I would like to record some things so I can practice on my own.

ALLEN: Let me give you my phone number.

SUZY: Sure. I'll give you mine too. Then we can call if we have to cancel for some reason. 留学英语口语:找公寓Looking For An Apartment

LARRY: I really appreciate your driving me around.

CONRAD: It's no problem.

I have time today, and I think it's important that you find a good place.

LARRY: It would be hard for just me to do it. I don't know the city at all.

CONRAD: So what do you see in there?

LARRY: This one sounds good. "Efficiency with view of the lake."

Utilities and parking included. Newly remodeled kitchen. $470.

CONRAD: Can you afford that much?

LARRY: No, I guess not. But that's what I want, isn't it? An efficiency.

CONRAD: Yes, an efficiency is a small apartment.

Usually one large room and a small bathroom.

There is often a small kitchen too. So it's good for one person.

LARRY: How about this one?

"Downtown efficiency. Furnished..." What does furnished mean?

CONRAD: That means the apartment has furniture in it.

LARRY: That's good.

CONRAD: Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. You have to like the furniture. LARRY: "Furnished. Parking included. $400."

CONRAD: It's still pretty expensive.

LARRY: Yes, but it's downtown. I would like to take look at this one. CONRAD: Alright. What's the phone number?

LARRY: 256-7797.

CONRAD: Got it. What else do you see?

LARRY: This one. "Two male grad students seeking roommate."

Must be quiet. Comfortable downtown apartment."

Does this mean I have to share a room with them?

CONRAD: No. It probably means they have a large apartment.

Probably a living room, kitchen and three bedrooms.

They need someone for the empty bedroom.

LARRY: That sounds alright.

CONRAD: Yes, it might be an advantage for you. You are a foreigner, after all.

If they're alright roommates, you could learn a lot from them.

LARRY: Here's the number, 256-4367.

CONRAD: Got it.

Let's call these two and see if we can make appointments to see the apartments. LARRY: Sounds good to me. I really appreciate your help on this.

CONRAD: Don't mention it, Larry. What are friends for anyway?

留学英语口语:申请停车许可证Applying For A Parking Permit

申请停车许可证Applying For A Parking Permit

SANDY: Can I help you?

DEREK: Yes, I need to apply for a parking permit.

SANDY: Are you a professor?

DEREK: What? Are you kidding? I'm only 22 years old!

SANDY: Yes, I am kidding.

But don't you know only professors and students with disabilities

can apply for parking permits?

DEREK: Yes, I know. I have a disability.

My hip was broken last year. And I can't walk well.

SANDY: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know.

DEREK: It's alright. You didn't see me walk to the desk.

SANDY: Here is the application form.

I also need to see your student ID and your permission letter from the university. DEREK: My permission letter?

SANDY: Yes, the letter that certifies you have a disability.

And it must certify your disability entitles you to a parking place.

DEREK: I was told I should have the letter sent directly to your office.

SANDY: Yes. Or you can bring it yourself.

DEREK: But I asked them to send it to you directly.

SANDY: Let me look in the file then. Maybe we received it.

DEREK: My name is Derek Schneider, S - C - H - N - E - I - D - E - R. SANDY: Yes, here it is.

Alright. Then I just need your completed application form,

and I will be able to process your request.

DEREK: Good. I will sit over there and fill out the form.

I will give it to you in a few minutes.

Oh, by the way, can I apply for any parking lot I want?

SANDY: The form has a map on the back. You may specify your top four choices. We will give a spot in the lot that has an opening.

DEREK: I see. Thank you.

SANDY: You're very welcome.

学英语口语:兼职工作About Part-Time Jobs

NATASHA: I don't know what I'm going to do.

I need to find a job. If I don't, I won't be able to stay here next semester.

ERIC: Have you tried university part-time jobs?

NATASHA: What do you mean?

ERIC: I mean in the library, or in some information center.

Often the university hires foreign students for part-time positions. NATASHA: Yes, I know. I tried that.

They don't have anything now. So what can I do?

ERIC: Well, since you're a foreign student, it's hard.

That's because it's actually illegal for you to work in America.

NATASHA: I know that. You don't have to tell me that. That's my problem.

I know I have the right to work for the university. That's legal.

But they don't have a job for me. And it's illegal for me to get a job elsewhere. ERIC: Anyway, there must be some solution.

You know there are many people working illegally in New York.

NATASHA: But I need a pretty decent job.

I need to make enough to pay my rent at least.

ERIC: I have an idea.

NATASHA: What?

ERIC: Since you're Chinese, maybe you can find part-time work in Chinatown. NATASHA: I already had that idea.

ERIC: Well, why don't you go and look down there?

NATASHA: But I don't know what I would do.

ERIC: It may be part-time work as a waitress or something.

It would be illegal, but sometimes waitresses make a good salary. NATASHA: Maybe. I don't know.

ERIC: I will ask my friends for you.

Maybe someone knows a company that needs part-time people.

That's another thing you should do. Ask all your friends to ask around for you. You might find something.

NATASHA: I have to find something.

Otherwise I have to go back to Taiwan. I'll be broke in two months.

留学英语口语:去教堂In The Church

RYAN: I am kind of nervous.

SARAH: Nervous? Why?

RYAN: I don't know. I never went to a church before.

I was not raised as a Christian, so I don't know what to do.

SARAH: Don't worry. You don't have to do anything.

All you have to do is listen. You will enjoy it.

RYAN: Maybe. I know I agreed to go with you, but now I don't feel right about it. SARAH: Listen, Ryan.

Catholics welcome people who aren't Catholics to visit the church.

You don't have to pretend to be Catholic. It's okay if you just come to listen. RYAN: Really?

SARAH: Yes. We are kind and welcoming people.

It is not a secret society or something like that.

RYAN: Alright. But will we sing?

SARAH: Yes, but you don't even have to sing. If you want to sing along, you can. RYAN: I don't know the words.

SARAH: There is a songbook. All the words are in the songbook.

Many people have to read the words.

RYAN: And will I go up to the front to have the bread and wine?

SARAH: No. That is something only true Catholics do.

So if you come to the church as a visitor, you only listen to the service.

But you shouldn't go up to the altar for the bread and wine.

Only after someone joins the church, then they go up for the Eucharist. RYAN: Eu-char-ist? What is that?

SARAH: That is the special word for the ritual of the bread and wine.

The Catholics call it the Eucharist.

RYAN: It doesn't sound like an English word.

SARAH: It's not. It's an ancient Greek word. It means "gratitude."

RYAN: Alright. Well, I feel more comfortable now.

Now I understand I am welcome as a visitor.

SARAH: Of course you are. I wouldn't ask you otherwise.

留学英语口语:Applying For A Student Discount Card

Applying For A Student Discount Card

JOHN: Excuse me. Do you have a minute?

I'd like to tell you about the Bucky Card.

DA VE: Well... alright. I guess I have a minute.

JOHN: Do you know about the Bucky Card?

DA VE: I've heard about it, but I don't really know about it.

JOHN: The Bucky Card is a great way for you to save money

while you have a good time here at school.

It gives you discounts on all kinds of things. Movies, pizza, clothing, school supplies. DA VE: What about beer?

JOHN: The Card doesn't actually give you discounts on beer.

But it will give you discounts on certain club cover charges.

So if you want to see your favorite band at Amy's or Cosmo's Club,

you get a discount on the entrance fee.

DA VE: That's pretty cool. How much of a discount?

JOHN: Usually it's two dollars off the cover price.

DA VE: And all these other things, pizza and movies for instance--

how much of a discount do I get on that stuff?

JOHN: This pamphlet shows you what restaurants and movie theaters have discounts. And twice every semester we will send you a new issue of the pamphlet.

The Bucky Card has just started.

Every couple months we have new businesses joining our program.

It's a great way for students to save money!

DA VE: Alright, alright. Let me look at that pamphlet.

Hmm. Alessio's Pizza Parlor. That's cool. I go there all the time.

And Cosmo's Club. And 4-D records. Alright. How much does it cost?

JOHN: It costs only 19 dollars a year for a card.

DA VE: Whoah! That's expensive! It should be cheaper.

JOHN: But think of how much money you'll save! You can use it for a year.

DA VE: Yeah, maybe. Alright. Give me an application form.

留学英语口语:洗衣店Laundry

NICK: Excuse me.

ALICE: Yeah?

NICK: I've never used this place before.

Can you give me some idea what I need to do?

ALICE: You just put quarters in the machines. It's easy.

NICK: Yes, but... well...

ALICE: What?

NICK: How do I use the machines?

ALICE: What do you mean?

These are the washing machines. Those big things over there are the dryers. NICK: I see. Do the machines have soap in them?

ALICE: No, of course not. You have to put soap in. Did you bring your soap? NICK: No. I don't have soap.

ALICE: Well, you can buy some from that vending machine over there.

NICK: Thanks.

NICK: Okay. I have my soap.

ALICE: My God! You really bought a lot. Why do you need so much? NICK: I don't know. I want my clothes to be clean.

ALICE: But you can't use so much.

The machine won't be able to rinse the soap out.

NICK: Oh. I guess I didn't know. I have never washed clothes before. ALICE: What? Did you say you never washed clothes before?

NICK: Yes.

ALICE: In your life? Are you kidding? Never?

NICK: No. Never.

ALICE: I can't believe it. How can that be? How old are you?

NICK: I'm nineteen.

ALICE: But how can you live nineteen years without ever washing clothes? NICK: My mother always did it.

ALICE: Yes, my mother washed my clothes too.

But when I was twelve, I started to wash clothes myself.

NICK: I know about this fact.

American children are more independent. They do more for themselves. But I am from Taiwan. In Taiwan, children must study very hard.

So the mother does everything for the kids.

The mother wants her kids to get very good grades at school.

So I've never washed clothes before. You shouldn't laugh at me for it. ALICE: I'm not laughing at you. But let me ask you something?

NICK: What?

ALICE: How are you going to survive here?

I mean, if you can't do anything for yourself.

If you can't cook, if you can't wash clothes, if you can't clean house.

How can you live on your own?

NICK: I don't know. It's hard. But I have to learn.

ALICE: Well, I'll help you learn how to use these machines.

NICK: Thanks. My name's Nick.

ALICE: I'm Alice. I guess I'll have to be your mother for today.

NICK: Thanks, Mom. Thanks.