SAMPLE CONVERSATION

S: Hello, Barbara/Bob!

I: Hello!

S: Look, could I ask you for a favour?

I: Yes, what is it?

S: It’s nearly the end of our course and I want to make a PowerPoint presentation about our group. Could I borrow your camera to take some photos in class?

I: Sure. The photos will remind you about the time in our language school. And what does your school day in Russia look like? Do you spend much time studying?

S: Oh, yes! Our first class starts at half past eight and we normally have six or even seven lessons a day. Each lesson lasts forty minutes with short breaks between them. We have only one long, thirty-minute break at half past twelve for lunch and some relaxation. When classes are over, we can either go home or stay in school for after-class activities, which are optional.

I: What sort of activities are they?

S: We do sports, attend art classes, stage plays in our Drama Club and lots of other things.

I: You have an interesting school life. I usually go to the swimming pool after classes, just to keep fit. What do young people in your place do to keep fit?

S: Well, there are lots of sports facilities in our town. There’s a large swimming pool, a stadium and several sports grounds. In summer we cycle and in winter we ski and skate. There are several public gyms not far from my house but I never go to them. I prefer exercising in the open air or in the school gym.

I: I see. And do you try to follow any diet or not?

S: Not really. I try to avoid eating too much junk food like chips, sweets, and fizzy drinks, but I don’t follow any particular diet.

I: Neither do I. And all this talking about food makes me feel really hungry. How about some lunch in our cafeteria?

S: Thank you, Barbara/Bob, but I can’t. And it’s not because I worry too much about healthy eating – my class starts in a few minutes and I really have to go.

I: Oh, I see.

S: See you soon!

I: See you.