I agree. Its not worth trying, Ive got the same problem. The gadgets are not worth a dime, believe me. You wont get this money back. Im ashamed to tell you but my parents and I are now looking for sales and discounts everywhere and yesterday they were givingaway free tickets to a stand-up show and I got one. My mother was lucky to pick up a cookery book last week at a knockdown price. You cant imagine how happy she was!
I can. I always feel the same when I snap up a bargain.
* A KNOCKDOWN PRICE
Hi Denise,
Ive got great news. At last Ive got my first pay and started setting aside some money! I hope Ill save up enough to visit you next year. I managed to flog all my old smartphones and tablet PCs to my roommates. My parents have already said good-bye to that money. They didnt think Id get it back one day. So they allowed me to use it the way I wished. Now I can start searching for a knockdown price for air tickets on the Internet. It wont cost me a fortune, I hope.
Looking forward so much to seeing you soon,
Patric
* HOW TO BE SOLVENT
Hi Jack,
I have some financial problems at the moment. I cant understand how I have been tangled up in this situation. I owe my landlady a hundred dollars. I have to pay up before the end of the month. Whats worse, Ive run up many other bills. I havent the slightest idea how Im going to pay back my debts. I could try to sell my old rotten car but its highly unlikely. I cant even give it away. Our boss said theyd have to cut back our pay from next month. Thats terrible! I really counted on that money. So I dont know what I am going to do to getalong and be solvent.
Ben
* SEARCHING FOR A BETTER PRICE AND DRIVING A HARD BARGAIN
Its way too expensive. Can I have it cheaper?
He is driving a hard bargain. He says twenty dollars and hell break even.
Try to beat him downto fifteen. Tell him that guy over there is selling cheaper.
It wont work. He is very stubborn. But who dares wins.
So any success?
Sort of. He knocked three dollars off for cash.
Great! Thats a real bargain. Lets go and pick up something else!
I think we could club together and buy a gift for Kate. Its her birthday in a week.
No problem! But wed be better off going to another market. They seem to rip us off here, if they see we are really interested in anything.
All gift shops for tourists are a rip-off. They overinflateprices and try to throw in some rubbish!
Yeah, I know. They swindle tourists all over the world. Lets take our time and shop around. Do you mind?
No, I dont. You are right. Last time I snapped up a Diesel bag in a store, a few minutes later I found the same one at half price around the corner.
Bad luck! Things happen. Last year we were in an Aqua park in Egypt and had to fork out five bucks for a can of cola. That beats everything! Can you believe it?
* A USEFUL DIET
I said to myself, Its enough! I have to stock up on fruit and vegetables and forget about junk food. I am not going to be on a diet but I have to avoid rich and fatty products. I wont skimp on healthy foods. I know I splashed out on some new clothes for my children last month and ran up a huge bill. They were selling them off at half price and I couldnt help buying. I snapped up a bargain. I know the next day all the clothes were sold out! So I think a lack of money is now a good chance for me to think how to stay in shape and keep fit. I do want to be slim and slender.
4. EXCLAMATIONS, COMMANDS AND WARNINGS
* A PIECE OF THE ACTION
Julies birthday was coming and Bill offered to throw a party at a small hotel. He knew what to do as hed organized one the year before.
Ladies and Gentlemen instead of buying unwanted gifts, would you mind chipping in? We wont trouble your parents, he asked. Julie liked the idea but she was worried about the money.
Are you sure they will all club together? Renting a hotel hall is not cheap. How much was it for your birthday last year? she asked. Bill had barely answered when the door opened and little Reece turned up. There was silence in the room.
Dont be a chicken! I wont give you away to our parents. But I want a piece of the action, as mother says, demanded Reece and held out his piggybank.
Oh, its very you, Reece, sighed Julie but Bill was more optimistic:
Well done, boy! You are in! he said and patted the little ones head.
* IN SHORT
Pupil, Sir, I just wanted to ask you a couple of questions.
Teacher, Fine. No problem. Fire away!
Girl, I am afraid of failing Maths tomorrow and feel so awful at the moment.
Her roommate, Oh, lighten up, will you! Youll just bring everyone down!
She, Joanna wants you to talk to her on the phone.
He, Joanna? On the phone? Hang on/Hold on! Whos Joanna? Is she someone I know?
Boy, I feel like killing Jim! He set me up!
His father, Steady on! I know he acted stupidly, but he was annoyed and in reality, hes not a bad person.
Son, Ive got a problem at school. Will you promise to take it easy on me?
His father, Come on! Spit it out! What awful things have you done again?
Student, I tried my best to find the book but failed. It was not available in our e-library either.
Teacher (smiling), Come off it! If youd tried, you could have just opened your lecture notes and looked at the links I referred you to.
* STEP ON IT!
When he started up the engine, she nervously said:
Step on it! Were late. Just a few meters walk away, an elderly couple were crossing the road at the traffic lights.
Watch out! he answered pointing ahead through the windshield. The traffic lights are against us. All I need is to lose my license now.
As the green light showed, she demanded again:
Damn it! Go on! Hurry up! Weve not got all day! If we are late, Ill die. I cant wait.