Listening Exercises A2 – Renting a Car

1.

A:   Let me show you this two-door car.

B:   You mean the blue one?

A:   That’s right. People love renting this car. It’s fast and fun, and it’s got a really great stereo system. You’ll have a great time at the beach with this car.

B:   Well, I don’t know. I am going to the beach, but I’m taking my brother and his kids with me. Do you have anything bigger, and, you know, safer? Like a minivan?

A:   Sure. There’s one right behind you.

2.

A:   I’m so glad we tented this time.

B:   Me, too. The RV was a little more expensive than a regular car, but it’s so roomy and comfortable. And the kids love it.

A:   Yeah. They can really stretch out and relax in here.

B:   And that means we can relax, too.

3.

A:   So, what do you think?

B:   Wow! What a beautiful sports car!

A:   I know. It’s really fast.

B:   How do you afford a car like this? Do you have a really important job?

A:   Well, actually, I’m still a student. This is just a rental car.

B:   Oh, I see. Well, it’s still a very nice car.

4.

A:   Hi, there! Can I help you?

B:   Yeah, I need to rent a car but I don’t want to spend too much.

A:   Then you’ve come to the right place! Here at Rent-A-Wreck we fix up old cars and rent them for the lowest prices in town.

B:   Nice. Do they still run okay?

A:   Oh sure, and they’re only $20 a day.

5.

A:   Wow! Just look at this baby! How long is it, anyway? 4 meters?5?

B:   Almost, but not quite. Let me open the door for you, sir.

A:   Hey, thanks! Geez, it’s so big inside! I could put my whole apartment in here! They’ll be really impressed when I come to the wedding in a car like this!

B:   Is this your first time renting a limo, sir?

A:   Yeah. How did you know?

6.

I’m moving this weekend, so I rented a big yellow truck. I’m really glad I did. It doesn’t cost very much, and there’s plenty of room for my things. And that’s good, you know, because when I started moving my boxes out of the house, I realized that I had a lot of stuff. And I mean a lot. It would take all day to move it in my tiny car.

1.

A:   Hi. I’m in town on business and I need a car.

B:   Sure. How long do you need it for?

A:   I guess for seven days. Then I can use it to go sightseeing over the weekend when I finish my business here.

B:   Fine. We have lots of cars for you to choose from. But first, will you be the only driver?

A:   Yes, I will.

B:   Okay. What kind of car would you like?

A:   Just a regular, medium-size car.

B:   Great. When you finish with the car, do you want to leave it in the city or at the airport?

A:   I’ll leave it at the airport.

B:   Certainly. Let me just check and see what we can offer you.

2.

A:   Can I help you?

B:   Yes, I’d like to rent a car, please. I need it from Friday till Sunday. It’s my wife’s birthday and we’re celebrating.

A:   Certainly, sir. We have special rates for the weekend.

B:   That’s perfect!

A:   Will you be the only driver?

B:   No. My son will also be driving.

A:   Okay. Would you like a small car?

B:   Well, no. There will be six of us, so we’ll need a large car or van.

A:   Of course. No problem. And do you want to leave it at the airport when you finish?

B:   No, we’ll be staying in the city for a few more days, but we won’t need the car after Sunday.

A:   Okay. Then you can leave it at the city location.

A:   Hi. I’d like to rent a car please.

B:   Sure.

A:    I’m here for meetings all next week, and I’ll need a car to get around.

B:   Certainly. Just for yourself, ma’am?

A:   That’s right. I’ll be the only driver. I don’t need a large car.

B:   How about a nice new Volkswagen Beetle? It’s small, but very comfortable.

A:   Sounds good.

B:   And you can either bring it back here to the airport when you finish or drop it off in the city.

A:   I’ll bring it back here to the airport, thanks.

B:   Fine. Then, let me tell you how much it’s going to cost.

4.

A:   Hi. My sister and I are here for a vacation and we’d like to rent a car.

B:   All right. Is that for a week?

A:   No. It’ll be for ten days altogether.

B:   Okay. I have a nice large car available.

A:   Well, there are just the two of us, so we don’t need such a big car.

B:   I see. Just you and your sister. Will both of you be driving?

A:   No, just me. She doesn’t have a license.

B:   Okay. I think I have a nice, new, medium-size car that just came in. How’s that?

A:   Sounds great.

B:   And where will you drop it off when you finish?

A:   Oh, here at the airport, if that’s okay.

B:   That’s fine.

1.

A:   Right now you’re talking a small car, but you know, I can give you a much more comfortable car if you like.

B:   How much more will it cost to take a large car?

A:   It’s only an extra $5 a day if you take it for the whole weekend.

B:   Oh, that’s a good idea because we’ll have more room. We have three children, so a bigger car would be much more comfortable.

2.

A:   Would you like to buy a city guide?

B:   How much is it?

A:   It’s $15.

B:   Fifteen dollars? Can I look at it?

A:   Sure. Here you are.

B:   Let me see what kind of information it has in it. Hmm, sightseeing, restaurants, hotels. Actually, I already have a guide that has all that information. So, thanks anyway.

A:   No problem.

3.

A:   It’s cheaper for you to take the car for three days instead of just for two days.

B:   How come?

A:   Well, it’s $30 a day, but if you take it for three days, we have a special rate of just $70 altogether.

B:   I see. Actually, I’m leaving on Sunday. I really only need it for two days. Thanks anyway.

4.

A:   Would you like to take out accident insurance? We have an excellent policy we can offer you. Take a look at this brochure. It gives you all the information you’ll need.

B:   Thanks. Let me see… what does it say? Oh, I see. It only costs an extra five dollars a day. That seems pretty reasonable.

A:   So, you’ll take the accident insurance?

B:   Yes. I think I will because I can drive without worrying.

A:   You certainly can.

5.

A:   Now, are you sure you wouldn’t like to rent a bigger car? The car you’ve asked for only has two doors. It’s probably more convenient to have a four-door car.

B:   Does it cost any more?

A:   It’s just an extra $10 for a four-door.

B:   Well, I don’t think it’s necessary because I’ll be alone. A small two-door car is fine. Thanks anyway.

6.

A:   You rent cars a lot. Are you interested in joining our car rental club? You can save money on car rentals that way. We have branches in all the major cities.

B:   Hmm. Sounds interesting. Can I look at the brochure, please?

A:   Here you are.

B:   Hmm. This is good. I can get a 20 percent discount every time I rent a car.

A:   That’s right. Twenty percent off every time.

B:   Excellent. I think I’d like to join, please. I can save a lot of money.

1  b    2  e    3  e   4  d   5  a

Transcript

1.

A:   Good morning. Can I help you, sir?

B:   Yes, I’d like to rent a large, roomy vehicle for three days.

A:   Okay… Are you moving to a new apartment?

B:   No, I’m just going on a weekend trip with my family.

A:   Well, I think you’d be most comfortable in a minivan. Is that okay?

B:   Sure.

2.

A:   Can I help you?

B:   Yes, I need to rent a car this week while I’m here for a conference.

A:   Well, we have several different small cars available. Would you like a Volkswagen Beetle or a sports car?

B:   A sports car? Sounds fun! I’ll try it.

3.

A:   My husband and I would like to rent a car this Saturday. We’re in town for a friend’s wedding. What kind of car do you suggest?

B:   I think a medium-size one would be fine.

A:   Okay. We’ll take it. Thank you.

4.

A:   Hello, how can I help you?

B:   Well, my business partners and I are moving to our new office this weekend and we need to rent something big enough for us to move everything.

A:   In that case, I think a large truck will be best for you.

B:   That sounds perfect. Thank you.

5.

A:   My roommate and I would like to rent a vehicle this Sunday.

B:   Okay, what kind of vehicle do you need?

A:   Well, we’re moving to a new apartment. We don’t have a lot of stuff… mostly books and clothes, and a computer and stereo, and television.

B:   A small truck should work just fine.

A:   Okay. Thank you.

1  True                 4  False

2  True                 5  True

3  False

Transcript

A:   Hello, Ms. Streeter. I see you reserved a small car. We can upgrade you to a medium-size car if you like.

B:   Oh? How much will that cost?

A:   Just another $10 a day.

B:   Well, I do have a lot of luggage. Yes, I’ll take the medium-size car.

A:   Okay. And, let’s see, you’re down for 2 days, but we have a three-day special right now. Your third day is absolutely free.

B:   Well, that’s nice. But I’m only in town for two days.

A:   Oh, I see. Well, you also have the option of getting extra insurance. Would you…

B:   No, I’m? very careful driver, so I don’t need insurance, just the car, please.

A:   Okay, but before you go, would you like to join our rental club? If you join, the next time you rent a car, it will be ready for you when you arrive at the rental location.

B:   You mean I don’t have to stand here and answer a lot of questions?

A:   That’s right.

B:   Okay, I’ll join. Where do I sign?