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Correct the conversation

From UNIT 2: Misunderstandings, colloquialisms, wrong words and false friends

Markus, the student, and Julie, the teacher, are having a conversation lesson. Markus, however, makes some mistakes. Imagine you are Julie, who is making notes about Markus’s errors. What mistakes has Markus made and can you correct them?

 

Julie: Tell me about where you live.

Markus: I live in an old flat. It needs painting, but I have no occasion to do it.

Julie: Why not?

Markus: I’m always very busy with my studies.

Julie: What are you doing?

Markus: Well, I like having meetings with my colleagues…

Julie: In the flat?

Markus: No, in the student bar or in Coffee Houses. They’re great fun. I have good relations with them. We often talk about passing our exams in the summer and going out in the evenings.

Julie: What are you studying?

Markus: Actually, I’m studying philosophy.

Julie: It’s not an easy subject, is it?

Markus: Yes, it isn’t. In fact, I’ve had to resign from my English course because I don’t have a lot of time for study.

Julie: Okay Markus, before I tell you about the errors, you should think about going back to your course. When would you like to have another conversation meeting?

Markus: I would like to meet up next Wednesday afternoon.

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Now scroll down the page for the answers...

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You'll have to scroll down a little further than that...

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A little bit more...

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Ah, here we are.

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Correct the conversation: the answers

Note: These are possible answers: many alternatives are available. Mistakes are in red; the correction is in blue. For more information, see Unit 2 of the book.

 

Julie: Tell me about where you live.

Markus: I live in an old flat. It needs painting, but I have no occasion time to do it.

Julie: Why not?

Markus: I’m always very busy with my studies.

Julie: What are you doing?

Markus: Well, I like having meetings getting together with my colleagues friends…

Julie: In the flat?

Markus: No, in the student bar or in Coffee Houses. They’re great fun. I have good relations a good relationship with them. We will pass be taking our exams in the summer and going out in the evenings.

Julie: What are you studying?

Markus: Actually, I’m studying philosophy.

Julie: It’s not an easy subject, is it?

Markus: Yes No, it isn’t. In fact, I’ve had to resign withdraw from my English course because I don’t have a lot of time for study. But on the second other hand my English has not improved.

Julie: Okay Markus, before I tell you about the errors, you should think about going back to your course. When would you like to have another conversation meeting?

Markus: I would like to meet up next Wednesday afternoon.

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