6. Scene VI: library
Ø Due date
Ø Condition of library
Ø Fine
Ø Other difficulties
Ø Example 1: New Library
Which of the following are mentioned about the new library? (Click on 2 Answers)
A It isn’t very near the university.
B It is hard to find a place to sit down and study.
C It has comfortable chairs.
D It allows students to rent a bicycle.
A: Hey, Geoff. Have you been to the new library yet?
B: Oh, hi, Jen. Yes, I went last week to check it out. I really like it.
A: Yes, I like it too. I like the study areas. There seem to be a lot of room to just spread out and focus on the books. It’s way better than the old library where it seemed like we were all jammed into one area. Sometimes it was even hard to find a spot to study because it was so crowded, especially during exams. I even like the chairs at the new place, they’re super comfy.
B: You’re right. The only bad thing about it is that it’s pretty far away. It takes me about twenty minutes to get there by bus. So, I can see myself not going all the way downtown if I’m in a pinch for time. I’d probably just stay in residence and study there.
A: I was thinking that too. It’s too bad it takes so long to get there. I don’t like being dependent on the buses. Have you tried riding your bike there? It might take a little longer but at least you’re getting a bit of exercise.
B: That’s a good idea, Jen. Maybe I’ll try riding this week. I just have to make sure I’m good and rested. Sometimes, when I’m over tired I’m not too coordinated. Knowing me, I’d have a load of books in my backpack and get distracted by something and crash my bike.
A: Hmm. Well, you’ve just got to keep an eye out for those potholes. Oh, wow. Look at the time! I’ve got to get to my next class. I’ll see you around, Geoff.
B: Good talking to you, Jen. I’ll be seeing you.
Ø Example 2: At the Library
1. What is the student’s problem?
A He does not have his library card with him.
B He does not want to return the book right now.
C He does not like the system of putting books on hold.
D He does not want to pay the fine.
2. What will the student be likely to do after the conversation?
A He will pay the $1.40 fine today.
B He will return the book after the exam.
C He will pay the fine after the exam.
D He will try to find people who put the book on hold.
S: Oh, hi, this book is due today, and I am not quite finished with it. Is it possible to get it renewed?
L: Hmmm, French Art & Architecture of the 19th Century. I’ll have to check to see if that’s possible. Can I have the book and your library card please?
S: Sure, here you are. I just need it for a few more days if possible.
L: Well, first off this book is 1 week late, and not due today as you thought. It appears you have your dates mixed up. There are also a few requests for this book so it is now on hold for the next person. Now there’s a small fine on your card of $1.40 for the overdue book, would you like to pay this today?
S: Umm, so if I pay the fine today, can I take this book out again?
L: You won’t be able to take this book out again until all the other people who have placed holds on it have signed it out. Did you want to pay your fine today?
S: Have you already processed the return on the book? Perhaps I’ll just accrue more fines, and keep it for a few more days. I really need it to study. The exam is in two days and this is practically the course text book.
L: Sorry, I have already signed it back in and now the book is on hold. In fact if I could, I would triple our fines and suspend your library privileges. It’s not fair to all the other students who are also trying to access library material for study purpose. Perhaps you should think of the other people who also need this book to study. Now are you going to pay your fine today?
S: Oh, O.K. Sorry.
7. Scene VII: campus life
Ø Ask the way
Ø Dormitory
Ø Live off campus
Ø Example 1: At the Dormitory
1. How did the woman figure out that the man is from Sweden?
A Because of his appearance.
B Because of his accent when he speaks English.
C Because he speaks Swedish.
D Because of his name.
2. Which of the following is permitted?
A Making loud noise after midnight.
B Smoking in the room.
C Inviting overnight visitors to the room.
D Having a pot-luck party.
3. Why does the man forewarn the woman about losing her room key?
A She needs to use it while evacuating the building.
B She has to walk 15 minutes to get a new key.
C Officials might check her room while changing the lock and the key.
D She has to pay a surcharge for a new key.
A: Hi, I’m Martin. Have you just moved into Room 315?
B: Hi, I’m Julia. Yes, I just got here. Nice to meet you.
A: Nice to meet you. Where are you from?
B: I’m from a small town near Vancouver, Canada. What about you? Is that a Swedish accent I hear?
A: I’m from Stockholm. I’m impressed you knew my accent.
B: My grandparents are Swedish. Are there others here from Sweden?
A: Not in this pod, we have 5 girls from Venice Italy, Pierre from Paris, and Tony and John from the USA.
B: That’s quite an international group.
A: Yes, you are lucky to have gotten into the international graduate student dorm. I have made some excellent friends here. What is your major?
B: Law.
A: None of the others are law students. I’m doing an MBA as are the Americans.
B: So I have this booklet with the rules and regulations. It looks like there are a lot of them.
A: Not really, there is an attempt to keep the place conductive to studying. The quiet policy is in effect from 11p.m until 6:30a.m, but it is self-policed. We have not had any problems in this pod. You are not allowed to smoke or cook in the rooms.
B: I won’t do that. I was so embarrassed yesterday. I plugged in my hair dryer and it is a different voltage than that of my country. I set off the fire alarm and the whole building was evacuated.
A: Oh, I heard about that. I was in the library at the time. No worries, that happens a lot at this time of year.
B: So do we all use the same kitchen?
A: Yes, and we generally all do our own cooking ,although sometimes on Sunday night, we do a pot luck then have leftovers for a couple of days. Remember to clean the kitchen after every use. We have a special clean-up day organized by the Housing Society once every two weeks.
B: What about hot water?
A: You can use as much as you want. There are no meters. Occasionally, we run out of hot water if people take too long a shower, but that is not common. Your room has its own washroom. Laundry facilities are in the basement. There is a policy of conserving energy, you should always turn out lights when you leave, including the lounge area.
B: What about heat?
A: It is centrally controlled and there is no air-conditioning. You are lucky your room faces north as the rooms on the west side get very hot this time of year.
B: Is there a storage area?
A: Yes, in the basement. It is not permitted to put personal belongings in the hallways, lounge or other community spaces. Such items shall be automatically removed by the Housing Society without prior notification. The storage room is free of charge.
B: Would my skis be safe in the storage area?
A: Everything in the storage room needs to have a name on it. If your skis are very valuable you could ask, Maria, the housekeeper to put them in the dry room behind her Housekeeping area.
B: Are there vacuum cleaners?
A: Yes, we have one in the storage area of our kitchen. It’s important to return it as soon as you finish using it. That reminds me, I have locked myself out of my room doing vacuuming. Take extra care not to lose your key and always lock your door. It’s a 15 minute walk to the Housing Society to get another room key. It also costs $5
B: Are there room checks?
A: You will be informed beforehand if officials are to enter your room for the purpose of periodic checks of fire prevention equipment, etc. Also, if you ever hear the fire alarm, you must evacuate the building.
B: I can’t think of anything else. Is there anything we haven’t covered?
A: Hmm. Overnight visitors are not allowed in your room. There is a guest room on the first floor, but you have to arrange that with the Housing Authority well in advance. No religious propaganda in the dorm. You can’t remove furnishings from your room. Do you have a car?
B: No.
A: That’s good, as parking is a problem. Here comes Tony, let me introduce you.