67

C O N N E C T E D T E X T S (orthographic)

1. IN THE GARDEN (Speakers: George Smith and Mr. Robinson.) Robinson George Good afternoon, Smith! Out in the garden, I see! Itll keep us all busy for the next few weeks, wont it? Oh, hallo, Robinson! Im not really what you might call out in see what the winters left us.

the garden yet. This is by way of being a reconnaissance. Just to Yes. I know. Ive been itching to get out here for weeks. But

Robinson

theres been so much rain that one couldnt get on to the soil.

Fortunately, I havent lost any plants through the frost. I take But its worth it in the long run. How did you fare?

precautions, you know. Its a bit expensive in time and money. George Well, what Im particularly interested in at the moment is a little patch of mint I put in last year. I shant be at all popular with Mary if thats disappeared. That looks rather like it over there! Robinson What do you think? Can you see over the fence?

Just a minute. Im having to pick my way rather gingerly over the choked, isnt it?

flower-bed. Oh, yes. Thats mint all right. But its rather badly The grass, you mean? Yes. This bed gets covered with grass every year between my autumn and summer appearances. Its an awful job digging it out every spring. And, of course, the bed gets lower every time it rains. and lower as I take out more and more soil. And then it floods

George

Robinson

You go about it in the wrong way. You ought to dig the bed over every year in the late autumn. Tidy it up, and dont let the grass so, where a little comes through from your side of the fence. get a hold. I never have that sort of trouble. Except, if I may say

Arnold, Gimson & Cruttenden, English Pronunciation Practice

68 George Oh, I am sorry! I really must be more careful about that in the disciplined state. Nature wins hands down every time with me. Its a matter of time and patience, you know. You may have noticed that Im out here most evenings when its light. Not to Something to tidy up. I enjoy just pottering about out here.

future. You seem to manage to keep your garden in such a

Robinson

mention nearly every week-end. Theres always something to do. George Im sure thats the only way to do it. Im afraid my gardening consists of a few violent skirmishes during the season. By the way, Mary and Ive been intrigued by the splendid hole youve mine by any chance?

been digging over there for the last few days. Are you sinking a Robinson Good gracious, no! You will have your joke! Ive been busy

constructing an ornamental pond. We think itll be a great joy when its finished. Though its taking longer than I thought it would.

George

Robinson

Will you keep fish in it?

Oh, yes. Though I havent quite decided what sort to have. As a matter of fact, Ive got a couple of books on the rearing and care cant say Ive done more than scratch the surface as yet. of fish out of the local library. Its a fascinating subject. Though I

George

Im sure we can look forward to having a well-behaved colony of fish next door. Didnt I feel a spot of rain? Pity! Ill have to postpone my inspection. Its not going to be very much. Not enough to send a real gardener scurrying indoors. Before you go, you wont mind if I mention just one thing, will you? This fence is yours, you know. nail up one section when it blew down in November. But it was with you about it for some time.

Robinson

And Im afraid that in a good many places it needs attention. I did more than a temporary repair. Ive been meaning to have a word George I really must apologise. I know the fence is my responsibility And I feel very guilty for not having done anything about it before. have a look at it, and put up a new one if necessary. But I promise you Ill get some fencing contractors to come and

Arnold, Gimson & Cruttenden, English Pronunciation Practice

69 Robinson George Well, if you want any help, just let me know. Now it really is coming on. Good for the young plants! I must be off! Ill see you again during the next fine spell.

2. DECORATING THE HOUSE (Speakers: George and Mary Smith.) Mary George Mary George You know, I think its about time we had the house decorated. I feel quite ashamed when people come here. used to the shabby bits, dont you? Yes. I suppose youre right. When you live in a place, you get We ought to have something done every year. And then it wouldnt seem quite so expensive. You always put things off. All right. What shall we have done? The outside of the house? It really does need painting. After all, that comes under the heading of preservation of the property. Ive noticed quite a few places where the paints flaked off completely. Well have some kind of Mary George Mary rot setting in next.

Yes, thats a job that needs to be done regularly. Every four or five years. Or so Mrs. Robinson next door was telling me. I wish the Robinsons would mind their own business and not always be giving us tips on how to run our house and lives. Thats not the point. Theyre so spick and span and house-proud. And they like their neighbours to keep up the tone of the road. I dont see anything wrong in that. You must admit that our house does look a bit decrepit amongst all the others, not to mention the garden.

George

No, lets not mention the garden. Lets concentrate on the outside of the house for the moment. I suppose wed better get Entwistle the builder to do it. Its a pity we cant find anyone else. His men are so old, arent they? I always feel theyre past it really. I get so worried when they go up the ladders.

Mary

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70 George Mary Oh, I think theyre quite safe. Just a bit slow. And the very old one does nothing else but hold the ladder for his mates. Im not saying theyre not pleasant to have about the place. Theyre very polite, even if they arent very brisk. I must remember to get some extra tea in. come. Thats settled then. Its just a question now of when they can Arent you going to get an estimate? You really ought to get several and accept the most reasonable. Thats far too much trouble. No, we know the Entwistle firm, and we may as well stick to them. They werent too expensive last time. Shall I give him a ring now? You might as well, before your enthusiasm cools off.

George Mary George

Mary

George Mary

All right. Here goes! Now, whats his number? Wheres the telephone directory? A new one came the other day, didnt it? Yes. Now where did I put it? Isnt it on the window-sill? No, I down hurriedly.

know. Its on the piano. There it is! I remember I had to put it Thanks! Entwistle. Whats his initial? Hes called Bert, isnt he? Thatll be H then. 288164, thatll be it. Its ringing now. Hallo? Could I speak to Mr. Entwistle, please? Hes not in?

George

When dyou expect him back? About seven. I wonder if youd ask him to give me a ring when he comes in. Well, yes. When hes

had his supper, if you think thatd be better. Yes, I get hungry too after a hard days work. About eight then? Thats very kind of you. You wont forget to mention it, will you? My names Smith. Of 98 Arthur Road. Oh, you remember us from the last time. Yes, poor Fred was unlucky, wasnt he? Ive had the hole in the path

filled in now. It must have given him a nasty turn, especially at his age. Ill look forward to hearing from your husband then. Mary George Goodbye! That must have been Mrs. Entwistle. Shes a bit of a dragon. Yes, she did seem slightly hostile. But she says her Bertll phone when hes had his supper.

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71 Mary He wont, you know. He never does! Youll have to ring up again

tomorrow. And still nothingll happen. In the end, youll have to go round and see him. Dont you remember? Thats what happened last time.

George

So it did! Anyway, we can at least say that negotiations have been put in hand. And well have time to decide exactly what we want to do.

Mary

I wonder if we could have that rather bright colour scheme. You know. The one I thought up the last time we had the outside done. But Bert doesnt approve of that sort of thing. You know he doesnt! Hes a stickler for what he calls good taste. And Im sure your precious Robinsons would be horrified. No, youll have to finally put paid to it as far as Bert was concerned. quieten it down a little bit. Last time, it was the scarlet door that

George

Mary

All right. Lets settle for some nice sober colours. But no browns, repainted with that white liquid cement stuff.

please. And while were about it, wed better have the walls Yes, but lets get Mr. Entwistle down to figures first.

George

3. SHOPPING (Speakers: George and Mary Smith.) Mary George Will you get the car out, George? Im off to do the shopping now. Ill come with you, if you like. I could get the fruit and veg for suppose.

you. Im much quicker than you are in shops. Men always are, I Youre quicker. But you dont always buy the right things. No, George. Thank you very much, but Ill manage quite well by myself. You just get the car out of the garage for me. Thatll be a great help. Its such a struggle for me to undo the top bolt on the garage door.

Mary

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72 George All right. But Ill finish this page of the paper first, if you dont mind. * * *

George Mary George

Its no good, Mary. The car wont start. Wont start? It was perfectly all right the last time I took it out. You know, the other evening. When I went over to see Dorothy. Well. You left the lights on. Yes, you did! And now the batterys because theres no one in next door just now. Ill have to ring the

flat. I cant even get Mr Robinson to get his jump leads out the AA to come and recharge the battery. be crowded.

Mary George Mary

How longll that take? If we dont get off soon, the supermarketll Youll just have to walk for a change.

But Ive got to get the whole weeks shopping. Youll have to come and give me a hand. You can take these two big baskets. And Ill make do with the smaller one and the shopping bag. Why on earth dyou have to buy so much all at once?

George Mary

I dont see any point in going down to the supermarket every day, when we can perfectly easily buy most things at the same time and keep them in the freezer till we need them. Anyway, theres that man from the farm who calls once a week. I get eggs and quite a lot of fruit and vegetables from him. I thought you said hed stopped coming.

George Mary

So he has, for the time being. But Im hoping well see him again we were going. Pick up those baskets and lets be off. think. I wish Id put a coat on though.

when the weather improves. Still, thats beside the point. Its time The airs quite fresh, isnt it? Were in for a fine day, I should Youll warm up when weve been walking for a bit. Not so fast, though, George. Youre not running for the train this morning. Hows that? Is this a more reasonable speed? Sorry. I get so used to hurrying down this road in the mornings. Yes, thats better. I dont expect youll be quite so energetic on

George Mary George Mary

the way home, when its up-hill all the way. Oh, have I brought

Arnold, Gimson & Cruttenden, English Pronunciation Practice

73 my purse? Thank goodness! But I dont seem to have much George Mary money with me. Can you let me have some? Well, Ive only got two ten-pound notes. Will that do? out some more money.

Itll have to. But youd better go to the cash machine and draw But I havent brought my card. No. Lets get all the shopping we can and Ill come down again later. Well, since youre so keen on the fruit and veg, you can get those.

George Mary

I shall want six pounds of potatoes and two pounds of onions to start with. Then a pound of carrots. Oh, and youd better get some of those frozen beans. Two packets should be enough. The

large ones. Now what else? Apples! Well soon have finished those we have. You choose two pounds of the kind you like best. George Mary George Mary Dont you think you ought to write all this down, George? in the way of fruit?

No, no! I can remember it all perfectly well. Is that all you want I usually buy bananas and oranges. But I doubt whether youll have room for them. Of course I will. We may as well carry as much as we can. And what about grapes? We have some of those as a rule, dont we? Yes. We do. Ill leave it to you, then. Get what you can. But dont forget the essentials, whatever you do. Ill meet you at the checkout. * * *

George

Well, here we are! All finished in no time! I met Mrs Robinson We had quite a chat. She asked after you. Thought you must be ill. I told them you were taking the day off, and had bullied me into doing the shopping.

Mary

I wish youd tell the truth, instead of making up these tales. Its of you. Anyway, have you got everything I told you to? Look! I got a bunch of the most enormous grapes. Where? I dont see any grapes.

often most embarrassing. I cant think what the Robinsons make

George Mary

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74 George Mary George Mary They must be underneath the other things. At the bottom of the basket. At the bottom? Theyll be crushed. When we put them into a bag, theyll be a sticky mess. What else have you got? recommended. Bananas. Oranges. Oh, and some rather nice pears Mrs Robinson Well Mrs Robinson doesnt know what shes talking about. I had some of those pears last week. Theyre over-ripe inside. And the potatoes? Potatoes? I knew there was something else. But theres no room, in any case. We need them for lunch. So its just as well that youre coming

George Mary

down again. You can get the potatoes then. Youll be able to buy for. But lets hurry home now. going home.

some washing powder and one or two other things I havent room George Mary These baskets are heavy! You were quite right. It isnt so easy Theres no need to puff and blow so, all the same. You are making an exhibition of yourself, George. Youve been putting on weight, you know. You ought to do something about it. What Robinson in the garden. Hes out there every morning, at seven-

about a few exercises every morning? You might join Mr. thirty sharp, wet or fine, doing his kneesbends. Quite a picturesque figure it makes in his shorts and tea shirt. I shouldnt think youd be a very prepossessing sight! George

All right, Mary. Theres no need to be personal. I admit Ive filled out a little in the last year or two. But I wouldnt say Ive put on weight. To hear you talk, anybodyd think I was corpulent. Anyway, I wouldnt dream of exposing myself in the garden, in

the way that Robinson does. All he gets as a result is a perpetual along at my leisure and enjoy the morning air.

cold. . . . But you go on, if youre in a hurry to get home. Ill come

Arnold, Gimson & Cruttenden, English Pronunciation Practice

75 4. TELEVISION (Speakers: George Smith and his son, John.) George John George Theres a dreadful din coming from Anns bedroom, John. What on earth is it? Oh, shes borrowed a cd player from one of her friends, and shes trying out some of her latest downloads. Does she have to have it on quite so loud? The whole house hifi?

seems to be trembling with it. Anyway, why cant she use our Ours isnt any good, if you really want to hear the music. For one thing, its got such small speakers, and only about half the notes time we got a modern system, with bass and treble controls. when we do, the quality seems perfectly all right to me. come over. And I dont know how many years weve had it. Its

John

George John

Thatd be a waste of money. We hardly ever use the cd part. And Thats because youve got used to it. If we had a decent machine, it.

I for one would use it more often. As it is, I dont play my cds on Well, well have to think about it. But push the door to, would you? Itll keep some of the noise out. I thought I might look at the play on television. When does it come on? Have you seen the Radio Times?

George

John

Yes. Its on the stool by the fireplace. Id been hoping to see the rugby between England and France. Its being played this evening. And I think its on BBC1. Thats right. From seven to nine. And the play begins at ninethe match.

George

fifteen. You may as well switch it on now. Youll get the end of The picture takes ages to come on this set. Ah! At last! Its not put the big light out?

John

very good, is it? It looks as though theyre playing in a fog. Shall I Yes, just leave the little lamp on. Thats better. I think thats as good a picture as you can hope for. Im afraid its a very old set.

George

Arnold, Gimson & Cruttenden, English Pronunciation Practice

76 John George John What you ought to do is to hire a set. You pay so much a month, and the firm guarantees to maintain the set for you. No, I think Id rather buy one. Modern sets are very reliable. Hallo! Someones just scored. Was it France or England? I missed what the commentator was saying because you were talking. I expect theyll show the score on the screen. Ah, yes! play should warm up now. All the papers were expecting England George to win fairly easily. So much for the pundits! Fifteen-thirteen. And about a quarter of an hour still to go. The

5. AT THE OFFICE (Speakers: George Smith, his secretary, Jane, and a visitor.) George Jane George Good morning, Jane! Im afraid Im very late. The train was delayed again. What is the right time? I make it just a quarter to ten. I was beginning to wonder if I should ring up Mrs. Smith, in case you were ill. Im glad you didnt. Shed only have worried. Theres nothing more infuriating than crawling along in a train, getting later and Jane later. Well, now I am here, is there anything urgent on today? Theres a good deal of correspondence to be dealt with. Some of

its a week old. And about ten minutes ago, an old gentleman have very little time today. But he insisted. So I put him in your office to wait.

turned up and asked to see you. Very polite he was. I said youd

George Jane

Who is he? You got his name, I suppose? come from Singletons.

Oh, yes. Its a Mr. Applethwaite from Huddersfield. He says hes Singletons! So theyve sent someone at last! Not before time, too! I was going to ring them up today. Id better deal with him straightaway. Can you get on with some letters for the next half

George

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77 hour? You know, the usual routine answers. Oh, and I could do Jane with a cup of coffee. letters. Right you are, Mr. Smith. Ill get the coffee before I start on the * * *

George Mr. A

Mr. Applethwaite? Im so sorry I kept you waiting.

Good morning, Mr. Smith. Thats perfectly all right. I should have let you know I was coming. But I only got my instructions last night.

George Mr. A

Well, Im very glad youre here, as you can imagine. Would you like some coffee? That would be very nice.

George

Ive been very worried about all these orders which are been writing me some pretty sharp letters. Our original delivery delays sure to do our future business a good deal of harm.

outstanding. And I dont have to tell you my clients abroad have dates werent all that competitive, you know. And this extra

Mr. A

We do appreciate all this, I can assure you, Mr. Smith. But thereve been some good reasons for the delays. You know we had that disastrous fire three months ago. And that destroyed a third of our factory. Were only just getting back into full production again. And, whats more, weve been held up for some of the components which are supplied by another firm. But I can promise you that the ordersll be despatched within the next ten days.

George

Well, thats good news. I only hope that all this hasnt cost us the off some cables this morning. Ah! Heres Jane with the coffee! nice chocolate ones.

goodwill weve built up abroad over the last few years. Ill send Would you care for a biscuit with it? We go in for some rather

6. HOLIDAYS (Speakers: George and Mary Smith, and their son, John.)

Arnold, Gimson & Cruttenden, English Pronunciation Practice

78 George Mary Mary! I think its about time we were off, if youre ready. Ive got the car out. Just coming! Ive been making some coffee for the journey. Dyou think I should put any chocolate in the picnic basket, in case we get hungry?

George

Well be stopping for lunch on the way, you know. But you may something. Where are they, by the way?

as well put some in. The children always like to be chewing Johns out there with you, isnt he? Anns been helping me in the bags, will you?

Mary

kitchen. Oh, there you are, John! Give Ann a hand with these Careful with that one! Its got your mothers precious bottles in it. them out.

George

Just leave it there. Ill put the big cases in first, if youd bring What on earths in this one? It weighs a ton!

John

George

Oh, all the shoes are in that one, besides one or two things of mine. Lets get that one in the boot first. Now, which way roundll it fit in best? I seem to remember weve had this trouble before. If only theyd made this boot another inch bigger each way.

John

George

It wont stand upright, will it? Youd get more in that way.

No, the boots not high enough. Theres so much space lost from having the spare wheel underneath. Well have to put the case in Now for the other ones! sideways as usual. The cornerll get caught, but it cant be helped.

John

Heres the other big one! Not half as heavy as yours, thank goodness! And Anns little one. Thatll slide in on top of the others. You can squeeze my hold-all in anywhere. Good! Thats the lot! Oh, no! Theres your mothers bag of bottles.

George

We must find a space for that. There! I wonder if the lids going to shut. Good heavens! It does! Thats something thats never happened before.

John

There is this other case of yours, you know. We usually put that in the boot, too.

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79 George Well, Im not going to open it up again now. It can go in the back with you and Ann. Mary! Ann! Come and get in! Were all ready. Is everything turned off in the house? Coming! Theres just the water to turn off at the main. Run in and do that quickly, will you, John? Mind you turn the tap properly! . . . Right! Off we go! * George Mary holiday. * *

Mary George

Its beginning to rain, isnt it? It usually does when we go on Its been a good omen in the past. The suns always come out before the end of the day. Shouldnt you put the windscreen wipers on, George? smear.

George Mary George Mary

No, lets wait till it starts raining properly. The windscreenll only Arent you going rather fast? The road seems quite greasy. Theres no hurry. We neednt get there till evening. Im only doing forty, you know. up area.

Thats ten more than you ought to be doing. Were still in a builtAll right! But well have to go fairly fast when we get to the motorway. Or we wont arrive before nightfall. We were more John? than an hour late starting, remember. Have you got the map,

George

John

George

Ive got two. Which should I use? The large-scale one?

The one inch to the mile map, you mean. No, that wont be much good. Wed be off it in no time. You may as well use the road maps in the book. Dyou see where we are?

John

Well, this is the road to Westerham. The A 233. When we get to Westerham, we turn right on to the M 25. But we havent got to Biggin Hill yet. So theres plenty of time. Im all right for the next half-an-hour or so. But dont lose the place, because I want to by-pass Guildford. Theres a turning to the left I dont want to miss.

George

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80 Mary George George, do be careful! Youre much too close to that lorry in front. I want to overtake it before we get to the narrow part of the road. Otherwise well be stuck behind this thing for the next ten miles. Good! Hes waving us on. Well, now youve passed him, you can relax. Theres no point in hurtling along these twisting lanes. Id prefer to arrive a little later and in one piece. * George Mary Mary * *

Mary

Well, here we are! Eighteen and a half minutes past seven. Not bad going, considering the traffic weve had on the way. Are you sure this is the hotel? Why, yes. It says Grand Hotel on the front, doesnt it? coat of paint. I dont think Im going to like it.

George

It doesnt look very grand to me. In fact, it could do with a good Oh, come on, Mary! Old Robinson recommended it. And I should reasonable, he said.

George

think hes fussy about where he stays. Unpretentious and Lets hope its better inside. Theres no harm in trying it, I suppose. * * *

Mary

Mary George Mary

So this is our room! Its not very big, is it? You did ask for a double room, I suppose? Of course I did. It is on the small side, I admit. But I dont expect well be spending much time in here. We have to sleep here. Just let me have a closer look at the bedclothes. I might have known it! The sheets havent been aired. Its a good job I brought the hot-water bottles.

George

Cheer up, Mary! Youre tired after the journey. When youve had a meal, youll feel better. And the roomll look quite different. And after dinner, we can have a look at the sea. overlook the sea.

Mary

Where is the sea, by the way? I thought our windows were to

Arnold, Gimson & Cruttenden, English Pronunciation Practice

81 George Yes, thats what the manager said in his letter. Wait a minute! If see the sea on the left of that chimney-stack. If you ask me, weve been properly had!

you stand hereno, right up against the windowyou can just

Mary

Arnold, Gimson & Cruttenden, English Pronunciation Practice