People in the United States don't always shake hands when they are introduced to one another. However, in a formal or business situation people almost always shake hands. (来源：专业英语学习网站 http://www.EnglishCN.com)

1.A: Mary, this is Joe's brother David.
B; I'm very glad to meet you.
C: It's a pleasure to meet you.
B: How do you like Texas so far?
C: It's really different from what I expected.
B: Don't worry. You'll get used to it in no time.
2.A: Mrs. Smith, I'd like to introduce a friend of mine, Peter.
B: Pleased to meet you.
C: How do you do?
B: I hope you're enjoying your stay here.
C: If it weren't for the climate, I'd like it here very much.
B: It always takes time to get used to a new place.

Special Greetings 节假日的问候

There are eight national holidays celebrated in the United States: New Year's Day(Jan.), Washington's Birthday (Feb.), Memorial Day(May), the Fourth of July, Labor Day (Sep.),Veteran's Day(Nav.),Thanksgiving(Nov.) and Christmas (Dec.), In addition, there are many state and local holidays.
1. A: Merry Christmas!
B: The same to you!
A: Are you doing anything special?
B: We're having some friends over. What are you doing?
A: Oh, I'm just going to take it easy.
2. A: Happy New Year!
B: Thank you! Same to you.
A: Have you got any plans?
B: Well, my family's away and I can't afford to do much. What about you?
A: Oh, I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet.
   
Meeting old friends 老友重逢
Many people shake hands when meeting after they haven’t seen each other for a long time.
1. A: I haven't seen you for ages. You haven't been sick, have you?
B: No, I've been in California for the past month.
A: How nice. Where were you exactly?
B: San Diego. I got back yesterday.
2. A: Well, hello, stranger! Have you moved or something?
B: No, I went to California for a few weeks.
A: Oh, really? Where did you go?
B: Los Angeles. I stayed with my brother.

Saying Goodbye 告别

When you're far from friends and family, you can keep in touch with them by letters, post cards, short notes or phone calls.
1.A: I'd like to say goodbye to everyone.
B: What time are you going?
A: My plane leaves at 7:25.
B; Well, goodbye and have a good trip!
A: Goodbye. Remember to look me up if you're ever in Washington.
2.A; I'm calling to say goodbye.
B: When do you leave?
A: I'm catching the 11:00 train.
B: Take care of yourself and don't forget to keep in touch.
A: Goodbye. Thanks again for everything.

Saying Thank You 道谢

When someone invites you for dinner, you can bring flowers, candy or a bottle of wine. Sometimes people send a thank you note to the host or hostess a few days after the event.
1.A: I really must be going now.
B: But you just got here. Can't you stay a little longer?
A: That's very nice of you, but I really can't.
B: Well, it's too bad that you have to go.
A: Thanks very much. It was a great party!
B: It was our pleasure.
2.A: I really should be on my way.
B: Oh, not yet! At least have one for the road.
A: No. Thanks all the same.
B: Well, I'm sorry you have to leave so early.
A: Thank you very much. We really had a good time.
B: Well, thank you for coming.

Asking People to Repeat 请人复述

As long as you ask politely, most people do not mind repeating something you didn't hear or understand.
1.A: I'm sorry, but I didn't catch what you said.
B: I said, "Is there anything I can do?"
A: If it's not too much trouble, I would like some help.
B: It's no trouble at all. I'll carry this suitcase for you.
2.A: I beg your pardon?
B: I said, "Do you need any help?"
A: That's very nice of you. I guess I could use some help.
B: Just tell me what you'd like me to do.
Asking Favors 求助

When you ask for things, it is important to be polite. The intonation that you use in making your request is as important as what you actually say. When you think someone will refuse your request, you can ask the question in such a way that the refusal does not cause embarrassment.
1. A: Would you mind if I borrowed your car?
B: Well, when exactly?
A: Until Monday or Tuesday of next week.
B: I'm sorry, but it's just not possible.
2. A: I was wondering if you'd let me stay with you for a few days.
B: It really depends on when.
A: Until next weekend, if that's OK.
B: Let me think it over, and I'll let you know later.
Giving Compliments 赞美
Friends often compliment one another on clothes, especially if the clothes are new.
Listen Now
1.A: What a beautiful sweater!
B: Do you think it looks good on me?
A: Yes, and it goes beautifully with your pants.
B: You won't believe it, but it was really cheap.
A: I wish I could find one just like it.
2.A: I like your new coat.
B: Do you think it fits OK?
A: Yes. It looks terrific!
B: I bought it at half price.
A: You were lucky to find it.
Apologizing 道歉
Sometimes it is necessary to tell someone bad news gently.
1.A: I'm afraid I spilled coffee on the tablecloth.
B: Oh, don't worry about it.
A: I want to apologize. Is there anything I can do?
B: Just forget about it. I never did like it anyway.
2.A: I'm sorry, but I can't find the book you lent me.
B: That's OK.
A: I really feel bad about it. Let me buy you a new one.
B: No. Don't be silly. I wouldn't dream of letting you do that.

Making Friends 交朋友
When making new friends, there are usually three parts to the conversation you will have with your new friend. The first is the greeting. In this part, you and your new friend will greet each other and tell each other your names. The second part is the conversation. Sometimes the conversation is small talk and some times the conversation is about important matters, such as business. "Small talk" is an American slang term. It means that the conversation is about matters that are not very important.
    When conversing with your new friend, it is customary to give information about your family, your work, or you will talk about any matter that is important to you and your new friend. The third part of the conversation is the leave-taking. In this part, you tell your new friend that you are happy to meet him and that you must end the conversation.
    In this conversation, Thin will introduce himself and his wife to Jim, their new neighbor.
Apartment Hunting
Bill is looking for a new apartment. He just moved to a new city in order to start studying at a university. He is at a Rental Agency in the new city.
Agent: Hi! Welcome to Rental Property Management. How may I help you?
Bill: Hi, yes. I'm interested in renting a two-bedroom apartment.
Agent: Okay. If you have a seat, one of our rental agents will be with you in a moment.

Bill: Thank you.
Associate: Hi, my name is Ann Smith.
Bill: Hi, I'm Bill Harrington.
Ann: Hi, Mr. Harrington. So that we will be able to match your needs better, I would like to ask you a few questions before I show you what we have available. First, what price range were you interested in?
Bill: Somewhere between $400-$450 a month.
Ann: Okay. Did you have a specific location in mind?
Bill: Well, I would like to live somewhere near the university. Or at least on a bus line.
Ann: And when would you like to move in?
Bill: On the first of the month.
Ann: Okay. Are there any other amenities which you would like to have? For example, a dishwasher, a balcony,  a swimming pool or central air conditioning?
Bill: I would definitely like to have a dishwasher, and with summers like these, central air! A balcony is not that important. Oh, yes, and two bathrooms would be nice.
Ann: Okay. Here are photos of the apartments we have available, which fit your preferences.
Bill: Thank you. This one on Broadway Avenue looks nice. I would like to see that one. And the one on Main Street.
Ann: Sure. Let me get the keys and we will go look at them. If you choose to rent one of them, we will need a damage deposit of $250. You will be responsible for all the utilities. You can sign a lease today, if you like.
Bill: Great! Thank you.

At the Library
Librarian: Can I help you?
Natalie: Yes. I am a bit confused. My sociology class is supposed to read a chapter in a book called Sociology and the Modern Age. According to the syllabus, the book is in the library, but I haven't been able to find it.
Librarian: Do you have your syllabus with you? May I see it?
Natalie: Yes, uh.... I put it in the front of my sociology notebook. Oh, here it is.
Librarian: Let me see. Oh yes. Your professor has placed this book on reserve. That means you cannot find it on the shelves in its usual place. You need to go to a special room called the reserve room. It's down the hall and to the right.
Natalie: I'm sorry - I still don't understand what you mean by on reserve.
Librarian: You see, your professor wants every one in the class to read the chapter. If one student removes the book from the library, it is likely that none of the other students will have the opportunity to read it. So, your professor has insured that all students have the opportunity to read it by placing it on reserve.
Natalie: So, will I be able to find this book?
Librarian: Yes, when a book is on reserve, a student can go to the reserve room and ask the reserve librarian for the book. The student can have the book for a few hours, and he or she MUST read it in the library during that time. That way, the book stays in the library, and all students have a chance to read it.
Natalie: Okay. Thank you. I understand now.
Librarian: Will there be anything else?
Natalie: No! I am on my way to the reserve room. Thanks again!

Asking for the Way
Visitor: Can you tell me how to reach the bank please?
Policeman: Which bank? There are two: the Allied Irish Bank and the Bank of Ireland.
Visitor: I have an AIB pass card and I want to withdraw money from the bank.
Policeman: You need to go to the Allied Irish Bank which is near the local shopping center, Dunnes Stores.
Visitor: How do I get there. I have no knowledge of this area.
Policeman: Cross the road and turn left at the other side. Walk along the footpath until you reach the traffic lights. You will see a shopping center on the right hand side. Walk across the road and turn right after the shopping center. Keep going straight for about 100m and the bank is to your left.
Visitor: It sounds very complicated. How far is it from here?
Policeman: It's not so complicated. It's about five minutes walk from here. I can draw a map for you if you wish.
Visitor: Oh, I would really appreciate that. By the way will I be going North or South ?
Policeman: You will be going northwards. You are now in the Western part of the city and the Allied Irish Bank is situated in the North East. Here's a rough sketch of the area.

A VISIT TO THE ADVISOR
In this conversation, an international student has been asked to see her advisor. The advisor has something very important to discuss with the student.
Student: You wanted to see me?
Advisor: That's right. We need to have a serious talk.
Student: About what?
Advisor: Your attendance--or rather, lack of it.
Student: OK, so I've ditched class a few times . . .
Advisor: A few times? I've been told you've missed six out of eight times in two different classes! That's really setting yourself up to fail.
Student: Oh, come on. Those classes are really boring!
Advisor: But they're also required, so that doesn't matter. You're about to be in big trouble.
Student: What's the big deal about missing some classes?
Advisor: The big deal is that you're here on a student visa.
Student: So?
Advisor: So if you don't attend class regularly, you won't be a full-time student--which your visa requires. You'll be out of status.
Student: What are you gonna do? Turn me in to the Immigration Police?
Advisor: Oh, of course I'll have to report you if you continue missing your class, but I'm going to do something else first.
Student: Like what?
Advisor: Like faxing your father.
Shopping in America Ⅰ
Conversation A is a typical conversation about shopping in the United States. Masahiro is an international student who has just arrived from Japan, and Anna and Will are introducing him to the shopping scenario in America.
Anna: As I was telling you, Masa, where you shop depends largely on what you need. So, if you want to buy an answering machine or a CD-player, your best bet would probably be an appliance store such as Radio Shack..
Will: Yup! Or Circuit City. I like Best Buy the best, though.
Masahiro: Why?
Will: Coz they usually have the best deals. They have sales on their TVs and CD-players every once in a while.
Anna: Hum. I'll bet they send you their glossy ads loaded with so-called "SALES"!
Masahiro: (laughs)
Anna: Well, I still think the CD-player I bought from them was a rip off.
Will: I'll admit some of their items are high-priced, but at least the shopper's guaranteed quality. There are very few places that have such a wide selection.
Masahiro: I need to buy disks, at least two disk holders, note cards, transparencies, and that kind of stuff.
Will: For office supplies, I suggest Office Max.
Anna: Or Comp USA. One good thing about living in a campus town, though, is that you can easily get that stuff at any of the bookstores. No doubt they do overcharge. I try to get around that by shopping around.
Masahiro: Shopping around?
Anna: Yes. That simply means you go to different stores check out the prices of items you need and purchase them from the store(s) with the lowest price or prices.
Masahiro: I see. Sounds very practical.
Will: And time-consuming, too!
Masahiro: Where is Office Max located?
Anna: There's one in the mall, so we can stop by there this afternoon.
Masahiro: Great! Thanks.
Will: Hey, Masa. Just so you know, you can always run to the discount stores whenever you're out of something you need right away. There are several around campus.
Anna: That's right. And they carry pretty much everything a student needs. Pop, pasta, eggs, hair spray . . . you name it!
Will: They don't usually carry milk, though, so you might want to walk down to White Hen (Pantry), Walgreen’s, or some other convenience stores close by.
Anna: I wouldn't advise you to buy things in bulk from such stores, though. I mean, do your major shopping at the specialized stores. It's much cheaper, and more convenient in the long run.
Masahiro: Good advice!
Will: Sort of like Mom's!
Anna: Hey, watch it!
Will: Just kidding'!
Masahiro  (laughs). Life sounds great in this town! Oh! Before I forget, guys, where can I rent movies? I love watching movies in my spare time.
Anna: Me too! Let's see. There are two video stores close to your apartment. Lucky you! One's Blockbuster, and the other's that's Entertainment. I believe they both have specials on weekdays, right Will?
Will: Yes. But not for the new releases. It's usually a buck each for the older movies.
Anna: Are you guys ready to go to the mall?
Masahiro & Will: Sure.
Anna: Masa, don't forget to take your shopping list with you.
Masahiro: Thanks for reminding me.
Anna: You're welcome. What are we waiting for? Let's go.
Shopping in America Ⅱ
Anna: Here we are, guys, I'm going to stop by Bergner's first. I might just get lucky today. Who knows, some of their dresses might be on SALE.
Masahiro: Bergner's?
Will: It's a fairly well known department store. Sort of like Penny's. They've got some quality stuff. Wanna check it out?
Masahiro: Why not.
Anna: I need to get something for Lisa's birthday. She's into name brands. Any suggestions?
Will: A Gucci handbag or Calvin Klein T-shirt might be nice. Designer perfume is another option. Which reminds me! I have a 15% discount coupon for Lerner's and Penny's. I hardly ever shop at Lerner's, as I'm not that big on women's clothing. And I rarely shop at Penny's, so go ahead and use the coupons if you can. Here they are (handing them over).
Anna: Thanks a lot, Will. That's really very thoughtful of you.
Will: My pleasure, Ma'am!
Anna: Oh no! I was supposed to give Liz a buzz an hour ago! Hope I have a quarter (checks her purse).
Will: Need a nickel?
Anna: Actually, I don't have anything but pennies in change. Do any of you have a dollar in change?
Masahiro: Sorry, I don't, but I do have 35 cents on me. Will that be okay for the phone call?
Anna: Great! I really appreciate it. I'll make it quick. Do you guys want to go ahead?
Masahiro: We'll wait.
Will: Just don't forget us.
Anna: I won't. Why don't we just meet here in 30 minutes?
Will: Sounds good. I guess I'll just look around.
Salesperson: Can I help you, Sir?
Will: No thanks, I'm just looking. Well, just out of curiosity, how much is that necklace?
Salesperson: Twenty-nine, ninety nine.
Will: Really! My sister's birthday is tomorrow. She loves jewelry. I just wasn't sure I could afford it.
Saleperson: You'll find that a lot of our stuff is amazingly affordable.
Will: Well, that's certainly nice to know. I'll take it.
Saleperson: It's a good choice. I'm sure she'll love it.
Will: Let's hope so.
Salesperson: Cash or charge, Sir?
Will: Charge, please. Do you accept Discover?
Salesperson: Yes, we do.
Will: Great.
Salesperson: That comes to thirty-one, ninty-nine with tax (handing him the charge sheet). Please sign next to the "X."
[Meanwhile, in another section of the store]
Salesperson: Do you need some help, Sir?
Masahiro: Well, I'm looking for . . . let's see. I've forgotten the name again! It's used to make fresh coffee.
Salesperson: A coffee maker?
Masahiro: That's right.
Salesperson: Well, we have a few in kitchenware, which is upstairs.
Masahiro: Thank you.
Salesperson: You're welcome.
[Minutes later]
Anna: Oh, there you are, Masa! What did you get?
Masahiro: Just a simple coffee maker.
Anna: Good choice, and you, Will? Find anything interesting?
Will: A necklace for Stephanie's birthday.
Anna: Lucky her!
Will: Did you get anything?
Anna: Just a couple of silly earrings that I liked. I hope I wear 'em! I did a lot of window-shopping.
Will: That can't hurt.
Anna: True. Well, do you guys need anything else from this place?
Masa: One last thing. Oh no! I've forgotten what you call it?
Will: Just describe it and we'll probably figure out what it's called.
Masa: It's a crystal container for flowers with long stems. I need to get one for my
Mom.
Anna: Oh! A VASE!
Masa: That's it!
Anna: They should have a bunch in giftware.
Will: Let's go get one.
Anna: I'm going to have to stop by Jewel on my way home. Is that okay with you guys? I'm almost completely out of groceries.
Will: No problems. I could pick up a couple of things, too.
Greeting
1. Hello.你好！
2. Good morning.早晨好！
3. I’m John Smith.我是约翰、史密斯。
4. Are you Bill Jones?你是比尔、琼斯吗？
5. Yes, I am.是的，我是。
6. How are you?你好吗？
7. Fine, thanks.很好，谢谢。
8. How is Helen?海伦好吗？
9. She’s very well, thank you. 她很好，谢谢您。
10. Good afternoon, Mr. Green.午安，格林先生。
11. Good evening, Mrs. Brown.晚上好，布朗夫人。
12. How are you this evening?今晚上您好吗？
13. Good night, John.晚安，约翰。
14. Good-bye, Bill.再见，比尔。
15. See you tomorrow.明天见。
Classroom expressions 课堂用语
16. Come in, please. 请进！
17. Sit down. 坐下！
18. Stand up, please. 请站起来。
19. Open your book, please. 请把书打开。
20. Close your book, please. 请把书合上。
21. Don’t open your book. 别打开书。
22. Do you understand?你明白了吗？
23. Yes, I understand. 是的，我明白了。
24. No, I don’t understand. 不，我不明白。
25. Listen and repeat. 先听，然后再重复一遍。
26. Now read, please. 现在请大家读。
27. That’s fine. 好得很。
28. It’s time to begin. 到开始的时候了。
29. Let’s begin now. 现在让我们开始。
30. This is Lesson One. 这是第一课。

Identifying objects 辨别物品
31. What’s this? 这是什么？
32. That’s a book. 那是一本书。
33. Is this your book? 这是你的书吗？
34. No, that’s not my book. 不，那不是我的书。
35. Whose book is this? 这是谁的书？
36. That’s your book. 那是你的书。
37. And what’s that? 还有那是什么？
38. Is that a book? 那是一本书吗？
39. No, it isn’t. 不，不是。
40. It’s a pencil. 那是一枝铅笔。
41. Is it yours? 它是你的吗？
42. Yes, it’s mine. 是，是我的。
43. Where’s the door? 门在哪儿？
44. There it is. 门在那儿。
45. Is these book his? 这本书是他的吗？
Identifying objects.辨别物品
46. What are these? 这些是什么？
47. Those are books. 那些是书。
48. Where are the books? 那些书在哪儿？
49. There they are. 在那儿。
50. These are my pencils. 这些是我的铅笔。
51. Where are your pens? 你的那些钢笔在哪儿？
52. They’re over there. 在那里。
53. Are these your pens? 这些是你的钢笔吗？
54. Yes, they are. 是我的。
55. Those are mine. 那些是我的。
56. These are your books, aren’t they? 这些书是你的，对不对？
57. No, they aren’t. 不，不是。
58. They’re not mine. 不是我的。
59. These are mine, and those are yours. 这些是我的，而那些是你的。
60. Those aren’t your pens, are they? 那些钢笔不是你的，对吧？
Identifying people by occupation 辨别身份
[5] Identifying people by occupation 辨别身份
61. Who are you? 你是谁？
62. I’m a student. 我是学生。
63. Who is that over there? 那边那个人是谁？
64. He’s a student, too. 他也是学生。
65. Is that lady a student? 那位女士是学生吗？
66. No, she isn’t. 不，她不是。
67. Those men aren’t students, either. 那些人也不是学生。
68. Am I your teacher? 我是你们的教员吗？
69. Yes, you are. 是的，你是。
70. That man is a teacher, isn’t he? 那个人是位教员，对不对？
71. Yes, he is. 是的，他是。
72. Who are those people? 那些人是谁？
73. Maybe they’re farmers. 他们可能是农民。
74. Aren’t they students? 他们不是学生吗？
75. I really don’t know. 我真的不知道。

Introductions and courtesies 介绍和礼节
[6] Introductions and courtesies 介绍和礼节
76. What’s your name? 你叫什么名字？
77. My name is Jones. 我姓琼斯。
78. What’s your first name? 你的名字叫什么？
79. My first name is Bill. 我的名字叫比尔。
80. How do you spell your last name? 你的姓怎么拼法？
81. Jones. J-O-N-E-S. 琼斯，J－O－N－E－S。
82. What’s your friend’s name? 你的朋友叫什么名字？
83. His name is John Smith. 他叫约翰、史密斯。
84. John and I are old friends. 我和约翰是老朋友了。
85. Are you John’s brother? 你是约翰的兄弟吗？
86. No, I’m not. 不，我不是。
87. This is Mr. Jones. 这是琼斯先生。
88. How do you do? 你好！
89. Mrs. Jones, this is Mr. John Smith. 琼斯夫人，这是约翰、史密斯先生。
90. Very please to meet you. 见到您很高兴。

Days and months of the calendar 年历的周日和月份
91. What day is today? 今天是星期几？
92. Today is Monday. 今天是星期一。
93. What day was yesterday? 昨天是星期几？
94. Yesterday was Sunday. 昨天是星期日。
95. What day is tomorrow? 明天是星期几？
96. What month is this? 现在是几月份？
97. This is January. 现在是一月份。
98. Last month was December, wasn’t it ? 上个月是十二月，对不对？
99. Yes, it was. 是，是十二月份。
100. What month is next month? 下个月是几月份？
101. I was in the hospital for several weeks. 我在医院里住了几个星期了。
102. Where were you on Tuesday? 星期二你在哪里？
103. You were here in February, weren’t you? 二月份你曾在这里，对不对？
104. No, I wasn’t. 不，我没有在这里。
105. Your friend was here a week ago, wasn’t he? 一个星期前，你的朋友曾在这里，是不是？