This dialogue is a conversation between two girl-friends, Alice and Julia. Alice is going to spend a fortnight at the seaside. And she wants Julia to help her do some special shopping. So, the conversation begins.
−Oh, Julia, will you be so kind to do some shopping with me?
−With much pleasure. Let's go to one of the big London stores, to "Harrod's", for example. As it happens, I went there yesterday and enjoyed myself very much, just wandering from one department to another looking at the various articles on the counters.
−And the assistants there are very helpful. Frankly speaking, I prefer to do my shopping in big department stores where there're hundreds of salesmen and saleswomen, and dozens of different departments including china, haberdashery, confectionery, hardware and even provisions.
−OK. I think, first of all you should buy a new beautiful bathing-suit as at the seaside one cannot do without it.
−Right you are. So, let's go to the ready-made clothes department. I have already been there this week and as I entered the store, I already had my heart fixed on a wonderful blue bathing-suit. I've been dreaming of it since.
− And the ready-made clothes department is just over there on the left. . . OK, and where's the thing?
−Oh! It's nowhere to be seen. I suppose, it has already been sold.
−How annoying! But take it easy and try something else on. Look! There's a nice light-green bathing-suit over there. What do you say to it?
−Well, I'll try it on. Oh, the fitting-room is empty. . . And now, what do you think about it?
−It fits perfectly! It's just your size, not a bit loose. It is very becoming!
− OK. I'll buy it. Now let's see what else I wanted. Oh, yes, I need new sun-glasses, a bottle of sun cream and a parasol.
−And what about your shoes? Do you have a pair of suitable sandals?
−Oh, thank you for reminding. I almost forgot about them. We should go to the shoe-department, but I'm afraid I don't know where it is.
−It's just over there beyond the millinery department.
−By the way, I want to buy a new hat in the very latest fashion.
−And what about the one you bought three weeks ago?!
−It already seems to be out of date.
−OK. It's up to you. But first let's choose sandal shoes. I think you'd better take the ones with a low heel, as they're more comfortable.
−Oh, here's a pair about my size. I'll try them on.
−And how do they feel?
−They're fairly comfortable. I can see nothing I would like better.I'll take them.
−And how much are they?
−Well' the price is rather high. But they're worth it. And it would be nice to buy a new purse to go with them.
−I see, but I'm afraid we're short of time. It's already 5 o'clock and we should be at Mary's in an hour or so.
−I'll buy the purse tomorrow then.
−Do.
Everyday Shopping
This dialogue is a conversation between Miss Vivian and a saleswoman. Vivian is a girlfriend of Edward Lewis, a millionaire from New York. She has got his card, so all the assistants try to do their best to please Vivian. She wants to buy as much as possible.
- You look very smart, Miss Vivian! This red evening dress fits you like a glove! It is just your size, not a bit loose.
- I like it. I like it a lot. I love it! I really like it very much! Now I need a purse to match the dress.
- Just a moment, Miss. How do you like this one?
- Oh, no, it is too big.
- It certainly is, Miss. And what about that wonderful black purse made of leather?
- It is pretty, I’ll take it.
- Good choice, Miss Vivian. Now I’d like to show you something special, something exclusive.
- How very interesting! What is it?
- It’s a jacket, designed by Sonya Rykiel.
- Who is she?
- She’s a world-famous designer, Miss.
- Oh, I see. But I don’t like the cut at all. It is ugly.
- It is all the fashion this fall.
- I say I don’t like it!
- Of course, Miss. What kind of jacket do you want?
- I like that velvet jacket with large mother-of-pearl buttons.
- It is really very nice. Let me help you on with it... Now look at yourself. It is so becoming!
- I agree with you, I’ll take it. Well, I think I also need a pair of gloves.
- What sort of gloves do you require? Kid, suede, chamois?
- Let me see some of each.
- Certainly, Miss. What size do you take?
- Six and a quarter, I believe, but you’d better measure my hand to make sure.
- I think a six is your size. How do you like these? I can recommend them, they are very reliable.
- I’m afraid it’s not quite what I wanted. Now show me that stripped bathing-suit, then large black sun-glasses and a hat with broad brims.
- You are probably going to the seaside, aren’t you?
- No, I am not. There is a large swimming-pool at our hotel and I’m going to sunbathe.
- Then I recommend you to buy a pair of sandal shoes. They are very comfortable.
- That’s a good idea! But as you see, I have rather small feet.
- Here’s a pair about your size. Try them on... How do they feel?
- Fine, I think I’ll have them. Now what else did I want? Oh, yes, some silk stockings, a short black skirt and a pair of walking shoes.
- You’ve chosen the right boutique, Miss Vivian. We’ve got everything you need.