Speak English Like an American -- Lesson 1



Bob works as a manager in a furniture store. Peter, his boss, is not happy about sales. Bob's new advertising campaign hasn't helped. Peter decides to fire him.

Peter: Bob, I hate to break the news. But our sales were down again last month.

Bob:   Down again, Peter?

Peter: Yeah, these days, everybody's shopping at our competition, Honest Abe's Forniture store.

Bob:   But everything in there costs an arm and a leg.

Peter: That's true. They do charge top dollar.

Bob:   And their salespeople are very strange. They really give me the creeps.

Peter: Well, they must be doing something right over there. Meanwhile, we are about to go belly up.

Bob:   I'm sorry to hear that. I though my new advertising campaign would save the day.

Peter: Let's face it: your advertising campaign was a real flop!

Bob:   Well then I'll go back to the drawing board.

Peter: It's too late for that. You are fired!

Bob:   What? You're giving me the ax?

Peter: Yes, I 've already found a new manager. She is as sharp as a tack.

Bob:   Can't we even talk this over? After all, I've been working here for ten years!

Peter: There is no point in arguing, Bob. I've already made up my mind.

Bob:   Oh well, at least I won't have to put up with your nonsense anymore! Good-bye to you and good-bye to this dead-end job.

Peter: Please leave before I lose my temper!