3-9-1 Three-Year Bridge I
Once upon a time, there was a bridge called the Three-Year Bridge. P
It was called the Three-Year Bridge because of a legend, P
which said that anyone who fell on the bridge would live for just three years after that day. P
One day, an old man was crossing the bridge on his way home. P
A rabbit hopped out in front of the old man and scared him, P
and the old man tripped and fell on the Three-Year Bridge. P
As he fell, he shouted, "Good Lord! I am as good as dead!" P
The old man cried and pounded his fists on the ground. P
He cried for a long time, and then returned home very depressed. P
He said to his wife, "Honey, I will only live for three years from now! P
I have fallen down on the Three-Year Bridge! P
Why, of all places, did I have to fall there?" P
The old man worried so much that he became very ill. P
After hearing the news of his fall, a clever neighborhood boy came to pay him a visit. P
3-9-2 Three-Year Bridge II
The boy asked the old man, "What are you so worried about? P
Let's just go back to the Three-Year Bridge." P
Confused the old man asked, "Why should we go back there?" P
"So that you can fall down again." P
"What? You want me to fall down again? Are you trying to kill me?" P
The old man was very upset. P
"Sir, when you fall once, legend says you will live for three years from that day? P
If this is true, then falling twice will make you live for six years, P
and falling three times will give you nine years of life. P
Doesn't this make sense, sir?" P
The old man thought about the boy's words, and decided that they were quite sensible. P
"Yes! You are quite right! I'll go back to the bridge right away and fall down again!" P
Now, every time the old man passed the Three-Year Bridge he made sure to fall down at least once for good measure. P
"Ha! I have fallen more than fifty times, so I should live at least another 150 years!" P
Soon, the first three years passed, and the old man did not die. P
Thanks to falling down on the Three-Year Bridge, and the clever neighborhood boy, P
the old man lived a very long life. P
3-9-3 Politicians
A politician or political leader is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making. P
Jerry Brown is the governor of California and is a politician. P
He runs the State of California and listens to the people of this state. P
Jerry Brown worked hard in the court system before he became governor. P
He will work hard to bring new jobs and help the economy in California. P
He will try to save money for the state. P
He must be sure there is money for schools, libraries, highways, and the police. P
Every decision he makes is important. P
3-9-4 Travel Agent
Travel agents help people to plan trips. P
They can find good prices for airplane tickets. P
They find out about special events around the world. P
They give customers the information they need to know about their trip. P
They can help customers know about the money in the country they are traveling to. P
Travel agents work on computers to find good deals. P
They know about hotels, boats, amusement parks and special attractions. P
They share this information with people. P
Trips are easier to plan when a travel agent is used. P
They work at travel agencies. P
A travel agency is a retail business that sells travel related products and services to customers. P
They sell on behalf of suppliers such as airlines, car rentals agencies, cruise lines, hotels, railways, sightseeing tours and package holidays. P
3-9-6 Directions
So how do I know I've reached your bus stop? P
You'll see a big plaza with coffee shops. P
Where were you this morning? I looked everywhere for you. P
Sorry, I went out for a jog around the block. P
I think it's a right at the second lights from here. P
I think we're lost, let's just stop and ask for directions. P
I'm running low on gas, I need to fill up. P
The nearest gas station is on the next corner. P
What happened to her shoulder? P
She dislocated it while doing gymnastics. P
What happened to the dog's tooth? P
He broke it while chewing on a bone. P
What happened to the man? P
He got fired at the factory. P
3-9-7 Exploring City
Could I please get a city map? P
They're located near the reception desk along with tourist guides. P
Are there any city tours? P
Yes, there is a bus that comes every thirty minutes. P
And how long is the city tour? P
It's about four hours. P
And how much does it cost? P
The city tour costs forty dollars. P
Is there a shopping center near here? P
There is one five blocks away. P
3-9-8 The Station
How do I get to the subway station? P
Go to the bus stop and take the 28 to Davis Ville Station. P
Can you tell me how to get to the bus stop? P
Well, go to the end of this block, and turn left. P
Okay, left at the end of the block. And then? P
Go straight, past the gas station, and turn left again at the lights. P
That seems far. P
It isn't. You'll see the bus stop from the corner. P
What happened to the girl? P
Her trip to France got canceled. P
What happened to the old man? P
He got sick and went to the hospital. P
What happened to the runner's ankle? P
He twisted it while running. P
3-9-9 Checking Out
I'd like a late check-out, please. P
The latest check-out available is 3:00 p.m. P
May I see my bill? P
Yes. Your bill comes to $1,400. P
I don't think this bill is correct. It seems a little high. P
Your bill includes your room service charges. P
Do you accept American Express card? P
Yes, of course. P
And would you call me a taxi, please? P
Yes. A taxi will be here in thirty minutes. P
3-9-11 Zoologist
Animals come in all different shapes and sizes. P
Some are different looking and others have body parts something like humans. P
Zoology is the study of animal life. P
Zoologists are scientists who study animals. P
They observe animals both in their natural habitats and in the laboratory in order to learn as much as possible about animal life. P
Many zoologists do research in Africa because that is where monkeys, giraffes, and zebras live. P
Giraffes still live wild on the plains there. P
Zoologists want to preserve the animal's homes so they don't die off. P
Zoologists are like scientists. P
They use a microscope and a computer. P
Then they write all the information in a report. P
Animals are more than pets. P
They are part of nature. P
3-9-12 Teacher
In education, a teacher is a person who provides schooling for students. P
In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain professional qualifications or credentials from a university or college. P
Some teachers teach one subject. P
Other teachers teach many subjects. P
Teachers must pass many tests to show they will be a good teacher. P
Most teachers really like children and want to help them. P
Teachers are not paid as much money as other jobs. P
They usually teach because they love it. P
Teachers must be sure students can pass tests. P
If students do not do well on tests, the teacher is perceived to be a bad teacher. P
3-9-13 The Native Americans
The Native Americans were the first people to live in North America. P
When people came from Europe to North America, they forced the Native Americans out of their land. P
The Native Americans were forced to live in small areas. P
These people are also called Indians. P
There are many different types of Indians. P
They are split into groups called tribes. P
Each tribe has their own language and ways of doing things. P
In the northwest area of America, tribes gathered seeds, nuts, and berries to eat. P
Each family lived in a tent so they could easily move and hunt animals. P
In the Midwest area of America, Indians would hunt buffalo and ride horses. P
Their houses were called tepees. P
The Cheyenne Indians have a custom of burying their dead in the trees. P
They believe that everything in life is related and remains connected even after death. P
3-9-14 Hawaii
Hawaii is a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean. P
It is a beautiful place with nice plants, trees and flowers. P
These beautiful islands are mostly made of the beaches and tropical forests. P
Hawaii is filled with many different types of people. P
There are people from Japan, America, Samoa, and many other places. P
Hawaiians work hard to protect their way of life. P
Hawaii was its own country until 1959. P
After 1959, it became a state in the United States of America. P
Hawaii makes most of its money from the people that visit the islands. P
Hawaii is known for its Luaus. P
A luau is a big party at the beach with Hawaiian dancers and lots of food. P
It's usually done for a baby's first birthday, or after a wedding ceremony, or to celebrate the death of someone. P
Many people surf in Hawaii. P
Volcanoes made the Hawaiian Islands. P
There are many volcanoes still erupting. P
This means the islands are still getting bigger. P
3-9-16 Roads
This bridge is so scary to walk under alone at nighttime. P
I hope you don't do that! That's dangerous! P
I could sit for hours beside this lake, it's so relaxing. P
It is peaceful, but I'd rather be in that boat having fun! P
I took a walk along the beach this morning. P
I saw you, barefoot and enjoying the sand! P
What side of the road do people in your country drive on? P
We drive on the right side of the road. P
What happened to the girl? P
She was scared to perform. P
What happened to the man? P
He got sick and stayed home. P
What is the boy doing? P
He is throwing out his old newspaper. P
3-9-17 International Call
How do I make an international call using the phone in my hotel room? P
Do you know what the country code is? P
I think it's 001. P
Press "1" then the country code and then the number you would like to dial. P
How much does it cost per minute? P
For international calls, it's fifty cents a minute. P
Is there a cheaper option? P
Yes, I would recommend getting a calling card. P
Where do they sell calling cards? P
You can get one at the convenience store in the lobby. P
3-9-18 Finding the Tower
Pardon me, can you tell me how to get to Harbourfront from here? P
Follow this road all the way down. Go under the bridge, to the very end. That's Harbourfront. P
Oh, thank you. Do you know how to get to the CN Tower from there? P
That's a long way to go to the Tower. I can tell you a shorter way from here. P
That's okay. I want to see the lake first. P
I see. Well, when you reach the lakeshore, make a right, keep walking, and go up Rees Street. P
That's it? Which side is Rees Street on? P
It will be on your right. You won't miss it. P
What is the man picking up? P
He is picking up her clothes from the cleaners. P
What is the girl returning? P
She is returning her library books. P
What is the man doing to his computer? P
He is hooking up his new computer. P
3-9-19 Using the Internet
Is there some place to use the internet? P
Yes, we provide internet service in each of our hotel rooms. P
Is it free? P
Yes, you'll just need to sign on to our system. P
I don't have any cables. P
Not a problem. Our internet is wireless. P
The internet is still not working. P
I will send someone up shortly. P
I need to look up information about the subway. P
Go to the subway website and all the information will be there. P