Spoken English-A Personal Interview

David: What do you do in the morning?

John: I usually get up very early in the morning. Then I wash my hands and face and say my prayers.

Then I study for three hours. After that, I take my breakfast and go to my office.

David: What do you usually take for breakfast?

John: I usually have bread, butter, and coffee for my breakfast. Sometimes, I take Parata, vegetables, tahari, nan, etc.

David: How many hours do you work in your office everyday?

John: I go to the office at 8 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. Sometimes, I am late and do not return before 10 p.m.

David: Are you a happy man?

John: I am satisfied with what I have. So, I think I am a happy man.

David: When do you get depressed?

John: When somebody lies or cheats with me I get very depressed.

David: Do you believe you are a good man?

John: Yes, I do. I am a little bit straight forward and outspoken. So, sometimes my behaviour hurts people.

But I always try to be honest with people.

David: How do you spend your leisure hours?

John: In my leisure hours I go to visit some worth-seeing places.

I also play indoor games such as chess, computer games, etc. Sometimes I watch TV and movies.

David: What do you do in the afternoons?

John: In the afternoons I chat with my friends over the phone. I also watch TV and listen to music.

David: When do you have supper?

John: I have my supper at 11 p.m. Generally I have my supper with my family at my home.

David: What is your favourite menu?

John: My favourite menu is chicken corn soup, fried rice, prawn, fried hilsha fish, chicken masala, and real coffee.

David: When do you go to bed?

John: Usually I am very late to bed. I go to bed after 1 a.m.

Asking The Time

Conversation A

David: What time do you have?

John: It’s ten o’clock sharp.

David: Thanks a lot.

John: Don’t mention it.

Conversation B

David: What’s the time?

John: It’s almost eight.

David: Do you have the exact time time?

John: Yes, it’s two minutes to eight.

Conversation C

David: Excuse me, what time is it

John: It’s a quarter of two.

David: I guess my watch is slow then.

John: Yes, it’s two minutes to eight.

Conversation D

David: What time is it right now?

John: It’s five twenty-five.

David: I’ve got five thirty-five

John: You’re ten minutes fast then.

Conversation E

David: Do you have the correct time?

John: Yes, it’s two minutes to three.

David: Are you sure your watch is right?

John: It may be a few minutes slow.

Asking The time-2

Conversation A

David: What time is it now?

John: I don’t have my watch on right now.

David: Is there a clock around here?

John: There’s one in the next room.

Conversation B

David: Do you have  the right time?

John: I was just going to ask you the same question.

David: My watch has stopped.

John: I forgot to wear mine.

Conversation C

David: Do you have any idea of the time?

John: I don’t  know exactly, but it’s after nine

David: It was nine o’clock when I go there.

John: Well, I’m sorry.  I cannot help you.

Conversation D

David: At what time is the meeting?

John: Eight o’clock.

David: Be there at eight o’clock sharp, then.

John: I’ll try to get there before eight.

Conversation E

David: How often does this station give the news?

John: Every hour on the hour.

David: When do they announce the weather?

John: Ten minutes to ten and ten minutes after the hour.

Going By The Clock

Conversation A

David: When is your first class?

John: At ten after nine.

David: When do you get back here, then?

John: About ten to twelve.

Conversation B

David: Ben will be back in ten or fifteen minute.

John: How long has he been out of the office?

David: He’s been out since ten o’clock.

John: Then he’s been out for an hour more.

Conversation C

David: I got to the cafeteria around noon.

John: I was here, but I didn’t see you.

David: I think I left a few minutes after twelve.

John: I must have just missed you, then.

Conversation D

David: Our friends will meet us here.

John: Will they come here right after lunch?

David: No. they won’t be here until three o’clock.

John: Then I’ll come a little before three.

Conversation E

David:Let’s call Mary.

John: Let’s not call her right now.

David: May be this is a bad time to call.

John: Let’s wait until seven or seven thirty.

Arriving Early or Late

Conversation A

David: I’m afraid we’re going to be late.

John: How much time is there left?

David: We’ve got about thirty or forty  minutes.

John: That should be plenty of time.

Conversation B

David: Whom are you waiting for?

John: We’re waiting for our friend.

David: What are you looking so angry for?

John: Because he’s twenty minutes late already.