Unit 1Conversation 1Janet:W hat a wonderful view! This is such a great city. Do you ever get tired of living in London, Andy?Andy:"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."Janet:T hat's a quotation by Samuel Johnson, isn't it?Andy:C orrect! So do you have any plans when you finish at Oxford?Janet:I've got another year to go, and then I suppose I'll go back home.Andy:A nd will you find a job?Janet:I think I'll have to do my Masters before I look for work. But I must admit London is very special. Do you think you would ever leave London? Andy:S ure! I'd love to come to China one day, and I like travelling. But I think I'll always come back here.Janet:W ell, your roots are here, and there are so many opportunities.Andy:B ut have you ever thought of living in London for a year or two?Janet:Y es, but what could I do here? I had planned to become a teacher. But I've often thought if there was a job I could do here in publishing, maybe as aneditor, I'd go for it.Andy:T hat sounds like a great idea. I think that would really suit you.Janet:M aybe I should update my CV and send it to one or two publishers. Andy:D on't make it look too good!Janet:W hy not?Andy:W ell, if you enjoy working with London Time Off, we don't want you working with anyone else!Janet:O h, working with you and Joe, it's great fun, and really interesting. I couldn't think of a better way to find out about a city.Andy:S o maybe you should think about applying for a job with us.Janet:B ut do you think I'd stand a chance? I mean, I'm not sure if Joe likes me. Andy:D on't even think about it! Joe is very straight talking, and I promise you that you'd know if he didn't like you!Janet:P erhaps we should both update our CVs and look for jobs together. Andy:H ey, right! That would be fun.Conversation 2Janet:Talking about future plans, how do you see your career developing? Andy:My career? Well, I like working for London Time Off. It's part of a largermedia company called Lift Off USA, so there are lots of opportunities. But... Janet:But what?Andy:It's not always very easy working with Joe. I mean, I kind of think he has a different agenda. I like his work, but sometimes I don't think his heart's in hisjob.Janet:How did he end up in London?Andy:He did media studies in the States, and then found work as a gofer at Lift Off in New York.Janet:What's a gofer?Andy:Go for this, go for that. It's a word for the least experienced person in the film and TV industry. Then he came to London and got a proper job as a researcher at Lift Off UK, and then after a few years he got the producer's job on London Time Off.Janet:He's good at his job, isn't he?Andy:Yes. He's confident and very competent at what he does, so the people who work with him rate him quite highly.Janet:Except you?Andy:No, I rate him too. And I get on with him quite well, although we're not best buddies or anything like that. It's just that... I want his job!Janet:Now we know your little secret. I promise I won't tell anyone!Andy:It's OK, I suspect he knows it too. But if I can't be a producer on London Time Off, then I guess I'll find something elsewhere. Janet, there was something Iwas going to ask you.Janet:Sure, what is it?Andy:I was wondering... oh, it's nothing. Anyway, all this talk about your future career is making me thirsty. Let's go for a drink.Janet:Whose round?Andy:Yours!Unit 2Conversation 1Joe:OK, when you've finished chatting, let's get down to work.Janet:Fine by me. What's on the agenda?Joe:First up today is Read all about it! Now, I assume everyone has read all the books for the feature? Has anyone read any of the books?Andy:Well, Joe, there are over 20 new books coming out next month, so...Joe:I'm sorry, I really think that's quite unacceptable. It's your job! What about you, Janet?Janet:I'm sorry but this is the first time I've worked on Read all about it, and I didn't know I was meant to read all the books.Andy:Have you read them?Joe:No, but that's why you're my assistants. You're meant to assist me.Andy:It's true that we need to read the books, Joe, but we haven't...Joe:OK, here you go. You're always making excuses!Andy:And what's more, we haven't even chosen the books yet.Joe:OK, let's get on with it. What's on the list?Janet:I suppose we're looking for books with a London angle?Andy:Not necessarily.Janet:Is it OK to look for non-fiction too?Joe:Absolutely.Janet:OK, here's an idea. There's a new biography of Charles Dickens which I'm reading.Andy:Sounds good—his books are always on TV.Janet:You see I'm studying Dickens at university, and I noticed it in the bookshop last week. It's really interesting.Joe:OK, tell us more.Janet:Well, it's a description of the London locations where he set many of his books, like Oliver Twist and David Copperfield.Andy:Sounds right up your street!Joe:Well done, Janet. Maybe you can show Andy how to plan the feature. OK, that's it everyone. Let's get to it!Conversation 2Janet:What's the matter with Joe today?Andy:No idea. He's a bit like that sometimes. He gets annoyed with me, but I don't really know why.Janet:He wasn't being at all fair. How often does he get like this?Andy:Well, I suppose it's not very often. But sometimes he really gets on my nerves. Janet:Don't let it get to you. He's probably got too much work, and he's stressed. Andy:Well, he should keep his problems away from the studio. Anyway, you're the expert on Dickens, tell me something about him.Britain. Many of his novels first appeared in magazines, in short episodes.Each one had a cliffhanger at the end that made people want to read the nextepisode.Andy:And was he a Londoner?Janet:He was born in Portsmouth but his family moved to London when he was ten years old.Andy:And he set most of his stories in London, didn't he?Janet:That's right. He knew the city very well.Andy:Whereabouts in London are his stories set?Janet:Around the Law Courts in the centre of London. He worked as a court reporter and many of the real life stories he heard in court inspired some of the mostfamous characters in his novels.Andy:I think some of his stories take place south of the river?Janet:That's right, especially around Docklands. The thing was... Dickens was a social commentator as much as he was a novelist—his stories describe thehardship, the poverty, and crime which many Londoners experienced in the19th century. It makes me want to read some Dickens again. Maybe I'll just go shopping for a copy of Great Expectations.Andy:Anyway, you did me a huge favour. That was a real brainwave to suggest the new biography.Janet:Cheer up, Andy. It wasn't your fault.Andy:No, it's OK. I'll get over it. Go on, off you go and enjoy your shopping!Unit 3Conversation 1Tanya:Hey! That looks good on you! You should try it on!Janet:No thanks, I'm just looking.Tanya:Go on, try it on. I can tell it suits you.Janet:You seem to want me to buy something. And I'm not sure I want to buy anything at all.Tanya:Well, yes, I'm pretty sure you want to buy something.Janet:How do you know?Tanya:Well, it's my job to know what women want to wear.Janet:How do you know what I want to wear?Tanya:I can just tell. Most women don't hold things up like that unless they know they want to buy it, but either they haven't got the money or they are nervousabout impulse buying.Janet:So what type of woman am I then?Tanya:No money!Tanya:If you were nervous about impulse buying, you'd try it on. That way you'll feel good that you've made a careful decision.Janet:That's pretty smart. What is your job then?Tanya:I'm a buyer for a store in New York City. I'm here for London Fashion Week.Hey, do you want to go? I have some free tickets for the catwalk show thisafternoon.Janet:Well, I'm not sure. I'm waiting for a friend, actually, and...Joe:Hi Janet!Janet:Joe! What are you doing here?Joe:Why the surprise?Janet:It's just... I didn't expect to see you. That's all. Er, this is...Tanya:Hello, I'm Tanya Feinstein. Is this the friend you were waiting for... Janet:No. Yes!Tanya:So would you both like to come this afternoon?Janet:Tanya has invited us to the catwalk show this afternoon.Tanya:Look at this. Oh, it's perfect. I'll just try it on. I'll leave you two to make up your minds.Conversation 2Joe:Who is she? Is she a friend of yours?Janet:No, she just came up to me and started talking about fashion. She's a buyer for some New York fashion store.Joe:But why has she invited us to a catwalk show?Janet:She's giving out free tickets. Part of her job I think.Joe:So, do you want to go?Janet:I suppose so. Haven't got any money for shopping, so why not?Tanya:OK, you guys made up your mind?Joe:You sure you got a couple of tickets for us?Tanya:Sure!Joe:Thanks. So what's your take on the London fashion scene then?Tanya:As far as I'm concerned, the clothes shops in London are some of the best in the world. The way I see it, if I want haute couture I can go to Paris or Milan.But if I want street fashion that will look good in New York too, I come toLondon. The kids here all have this unique style.Joe:But they can't afford designer prices.Tanya:In London the fashion tends to start on the streets. It gets popular among the kids, and then the designers come and pick up on their style, turn it intodesigner clothes. Whereas in Paris or Milan, it's more of a top down process. Janet:Top down?only for a few rich people.Joe:So you think it's different in London?Tanya:I sure do. And, if you ask me, New York as well. Anyway, you ready?Joe:Sure. Why not? Janet?Janet:Well... Oh well, it's getting late. So, I suppose so.Tanya:OK, follow me. Let's get a cab.Unit 4Conversation 1Andy:So what happened then?Janet:I saw some wonderful clothes, and had a wonderful day.Andy:But what were you doing there with Joe? I thought you were meeting me. Janet:You were late.Andy:Ah, yes. You've got me there.Janet:Joe is right you know. You are late quite often.Andy:OK.Janet:I didn't know what to do because I didn't know you were on your way, and Tanya offered me the free tickets and then Joe just turned up.Andy:Oh well, look I'm really sorry I didn't... Oh, I'd better take this. Hi, Andy speaking... Oh, yes of course. Hi, Mr Pearson. Are we still on for today?It's the guy we're meeting today. Yes, we're already here. Somethingunexpected has come up, OK. Sure, we'll have to make another arrangement to meet. That's fine, no problem. So when would it be convenient for you? I think that's OK, but can I just check my schedule? Can you hold on for a moment,please?He can't make it this morning. Are we clear this afternoon?Janet:I think so, yes.Andy:That's OK. Could we make it at 2.30 rather than 2? Well, let me think, how about at our local, the Duke of York? Would that be OK with you? ... Sure, no problem. See you this afternoon. Bye!Janet:What's he coming to talk about?Andy:The City. The financial capital of the world... next to New York, of course. I'd better tell Joe about the change of plan.Conversation 2Janet:So what does the world of high finance have to do with our website?Joe:Well, I thought we could do something on the Bank of England Museum—it's really quite interesting.Janet:So who exactly is Tim Pearson?Joe:He works there and he's coming along today to plan an interview and a tour round the museum.Janet:So we're not actually doing any filming?Andy:No, just asking him more about the Bank and the museum.Tim:Hi.Joe:Hi, Tim.Tim:Hi.Andy:Hi, Tim.Janet:Hi, I'm Janet.Tim:Hi, Janet. Right, so where do you want to begin?Joe:I've got a plan of the museum. Can we go through it with you?Tim:Fine. Basically, the Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England. There's also a collection of bank notes and gold bars.Andy:Any free samples?Tim:Sorry, no chance! Now, you come in here on the left, past the museum shop.Then the first room you enter is a reconstruction of a late 18th century banking hall.Janet:And moving through to this room, on the top right hand side?Tim:That's the story of the early years at the Bank from when it was founded in 1694.Janet:What about this room on the left?Tim:That's the Bank's collection of silver goods, a pile of gold bars. And this room here below contains a description of how the modern economy works. Janet:So is our paper money always backed by its value in gold?Tim:Yes, the notes they gave or received were originally receipts for the loans in gold. But gradually these paper receipts replaced the gold and became banknotes.Janet:So is the Bank independent or controlled by the government?Tim:The Bank was given its independence in 1997.Janet:And why didn't the Bank help the economy during the credit crunch in 2008? Tim:Well, it's a bit difficult to explain...Andy:Take your time, Tim, we'd really like to know.Tim:Well, uh...Unit 5Conversation 1Andy:I loved the question you asked Tim Pearson about the financial crisis. Janet:Well, I shouldn't have asked it. After all, he's an expert!Andy:There you go again, you're always putting yourself down. You don't know how to take a compliment.Janet:True. I never find it easy to accept praise. Do you think woman have been conditioned to accept criticism?Andy:Well, I think that's gender stereotyping. Do you think that men are good at accepting compliments?Janet:Well, they seem to be able to deal with criticism much better.Andy:Don't you believe it!Janet:Anyway, thank you, I accept your compliment.Andy:Not only that, but I think you'd make a really good TV presenter.Janet:I'm not so sure. I haven't seen many women in television here.Andy:Well, in the media in general, I can assure you that there are lots of women in presenting and management roles.Janet:Well, maybe, but I'm Chinese as well. I don't think I'll be accepted as a presenter on a British TV programmed.Andy:Gender AND racial stereotyping. I mean, it depends on what job and sometimes where you work in London, of course, but generally, Londoners are proud of their multi-ethnic community. Especially the Chinese, because youcook great food!Janet:Now who's doing the stereotyping! But seriously, look at all these smart women walking to work. Are they all secretaries or managers?Andy:OK, it's a good point. I think that many women manage to get middle management jobs in most professions. But it's true that a lot of them talk about the glass ceiling.Janet:What's the glass ceiling?Andy:It's the situation where a woman is successful in a company, but then she hits the glass ceiling—this invisible barrier which stops her going any higher in her career.Conversation 2Janet:So what do you think causes the glass ceiling?Andy:It's partly prejudice by men about women's abilities in management. But it's also when women take time off to have children, they don't always recover the same power when they return to work.Janet:It's not fair.companies in America and Britain are run by women.Janet:That's extraordinary! In China there appears to be more women in top jobs, butI may be wrong.Andy:And look, here are some more statistics. About 60 per cent of university graduates in Europe and North America are women. And something like 75per cent of the eight million new jobs in Europe have been filled by women. Janet:So the percentage of women in the total workforce is growing.Andy:You got it! But women in the UK are in a slight majority—there are more women than men.Janet:Do you think it's especially bad in the UK, and in London especially? Andy:Not really. Some jobs which were traditionally done by women, like nursing, are now also done by men, and there are traditional men's jobs, likeengineering, which are done by women. And there are plenty of women'sfootball teams!Janet:Women's football! We have women's football in China too.Andy:Mind you, their matches don't get many spectators!Janet:I give up. What else has changed?Andy:I think fathers spend more quality time with their children today. But I bet you it's still the women who spend most time looking after the children and thehome.Janet:I guess that's true everywhere.Andy:Anyway, I'm going home to watch the match on TV. The local women's team, of course.Janet:It's typical of you men! You always bring it back to football!Andy:And that's typical of you women! You always bring it back to gender stereotyping.Unit 6Conversation 1Joe:I think this is my favorite view in the whole of London. Big Ben is a really important part of the life of the country.Andy:It's well worth a visit.Janet:So are you saying that you can go up Big Ben?Andy:Sure. I went up when I was a kid. I can highly recommend it.Joe:That would be a great idea for the website. Do a report on a visit to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.Andy:Well, I'm not too sure, actually. But I can try and find out. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure you need to get permission from your Member of Parliament. Joe:Ah, you and I don't have one, because we aren't UK residents. So I guess that means we can't go up Big Ben.Andy:I don't really know, to be honest. But it's also well worth taking a tour round the Houses of Parliament.Janet:So, what you're saying is that visitors like myself can go into the most important government building in the country? Wow! I'd love to do that. Andy:I think they do tours in the summer. But here's a trick question: can you actually see Big Ben from here?Joe:I haven't a clue.Janet:Well... yes. That's it up there, isn't it?Andy:Wrong. In fact, Big Ben is the name of the bell, and not the clock tower. Joe:I had no idea.Andy:So if you can do tours round Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, why don't we put something about it on the website?Joe:Fine by me. You OK to do the research?Andy:No problem. But can we get someone from the Houses of Parliament to update us?Joe:Sure. Actually, I know someone who works there, I'll give her a call now and see if she can meet us at lunch time.Conversation 2Joe:Oh, hi, Sarah!Sarah:Hi, guys.Joe:Thanks for coming.Andy:So, can you tell us what you know about the Houses of Parliament? Sarah:Sure.Joe:So tell us about Big Ben.Sarah:Big Ben is widely believed to be the clock tower, but in fact, it's the bell at the top.Andy:And when was the tower built?Sarah:In 1859.Joe:And how old are the Houses of Parliament?Sarah:They were completed in 1870.Joe:So none of these buildings we can see are really old?Sarah:No, that's not what I'm trying to say. Er The oldest part of the ancient Palace of Westminster is Westminster Hall, which dates back to the 11th century.Er... It would appear that it was used for entertaining, and as a court room.Sarah:It seems that over hundreds of years Parliament has developed into two houses—the House of Lords, and the House of Commons, with electedrepresentatives from all over the country.Janet:And they were what you now call MPs?Sarah:Yes, there's little doubt that they were the first MPs, although not everyone had the right to vote in those days.Janet:So who is more powerful, the king, the queen, or the prime minister? Sarah:Well, it's widely thought that the king or queen has more power. But it's the government which is elected by the people, and the prime minister is theleader of the government. So he—or she—is considered to be the mostpowerful person in the country.Janet:That's fascinating. But what's even more amazing is how old the Houses of Parliament are.Andy:Two large houses, one palace, one hall! I wonder if there's a spare room. Janet:What do you mean?Andy:Well, I was annoyed to be told that I have to move out of my flat. I was even more furious to learn that I have to leave by next month.Janet:So what will you do?Andy:Search me! I could do with a royal palace to live in.Unit 7Conversation 1Janet:So when do you have to move out?Andy:Well, my landlord has given me four weeks' notice to leave. It's not going to be easy to find somewhere immediately.Janet:What sort of price range are you looking for?Andy:Well, I can't spend more than 100 pounds per week.Janet:That sounds like a lot of money.Andy:Yes, you're right. London is one of the most expensive cities in the whole world. Anyway, this one looks quite promising. One bedroom for rent in a flat in Shepherd's Bush, shared with three other people.Janet:What's the rent?Andy:110 pounds per week. It's a bit more than I can afford but let's see.Joe:Janet!Andy:I'll just try it quickly before we start work.Joe:Janet! Are you in the studio?Joe:Can you tell Andy that I'd like to have a word with him when he comes in? Andy:Tell him I'm not in yet.Janet:Andy! You really shouldn't ask me to tell lies. I'll pretend I don't understand.OK, Joe, I'll tell him. OK. Hurry up, otherwise he'll catch you.Joe:Oh, and Janet... Oh, I thought you told me he wasn't in?Janet:I'm sorry, Joe, I didn't understand...Andy:Hello, yes, I was wondering if the room was still vacant...Joe:Well, tell him that if it's a personal call, he can do it outside business hours, in his own time.Janet:But he's looking for a new flat.Joe:Sorry, not interested. Andy, put the phone down, or you'll be looking for a new job as well.Andy:It isn't. OK, then thanks. Bye! Too late. It's already gone. Pity, it sounded really good. Oh, hi Joe!Joe:Andy! I really wish you wouldn't make private calls at work.Conversation 2Janet:So why does your landlord want you to move out?Andy:Well, he's been living abroad but he's coming back.Janet:Sounds fair enough.Andy:Sure, but it's frustrating, because I've lived there for nearly two years now, andI quite like it. It's just round the corner from where I was brought up.Janet:Yes, it is kind of nice round there.Andy:It's really convenient for work, as it's close to a tube station. And it's fairly cheap, because it's south of the river.Janet:So living south of the River Thames is cheaper?Andy:Oh, yes, kind of. Generally north of the river is more expensive because public transport is better, and it always has been more fashionable.Janet:But around Borough Market is very fashionable, isn't it?Andy:Well, it's fashionable now, but it didn't used to be.Janet:Why is the transport better north of the river?Andy:Well, the tube was first built in the centre and north of London. In the south, until a few years ago, there were only a couple of tube lines. Plenty of buses,but it's always been an advantage to be close to a tube station.Janet:How about this? Three bedrooms vacant, large living room, no students, no pets.Andy:Where is it? OK, got it. That's in Fins bury Park. That's on the Victoria Line.Let's give it a go.Andy:Hello, yes, I'm calling about the flat in today's Evening Standard. Can you tellme something about it? ... Right, yeah, five minutes from the tube... twobedrooms still vacant... OK, I see... So, it's 100 pounds but with electricity, gas and water bills to be paid on top. Can I come round to see it? OK then, I'llcome round this evening. My name's Andy Harrison... yes, that's right. Thanksa lot... see you this evening... Bye.Janet:Great!Andy:It sounds great! I'll go and see it tonight. Do you want to come?Janet:I'd love to.Unit 8Conversation 1Andy:OK, you up for this, Janet?Janet:Well, I'd be willing to give it a go, sure.Andy:You'll be fine.Joe:Try and do it in one take, Janet. This woman is really quite busy.Janet:Well, I'll do my best, but I find it hard to make any promises.Joe:OK, here she comes. Hi, Ms Young, I'm Joe Varese, we spoke on the phone. Cathy:Hi Joe, please call me Cathy.Joe:And this is Janet Li, our interviewer today, and Andy, our cameraman. Cathy:It's nice to meet you all. Where do you want me to stand?Andy:Over to you Janet.Janet:Oh, yes OK... anywhere you like, Cathy, but I'd like you to describe the skyline, so maybe over here, where we can both see it?Cathy:Fine. Is this OK?Janet:That's great. And would you be prepared to talk about the London architecture in general, as well as the exhibition?Cathy:I wouldn't mind doing that, no, of course not.Joe:And we're going to try and do this in one take, Cathy, as I know you have to get back for the opening of the exhibition.Cathy:That's very considerate of you.Janet:Well, that's the plan, but I'd be reluctant to raise your hopes too much! Andy:Can we just check the sound level, please?Janet:Cathy Young, thank you for joining us today.Cathy:My pleasure.Janet:I'm grateful for having the opportunity to ask you about the latest architectural exhibition which opens tonight at Somerset House; it's called The LondonSkyline, past, present and future.Conversation 2Cathy:Well, it's probably the best place to get an idea of the architectural history of London. Straight ahead we can see St Paul's Cathedral, and over to my right,the City of London skyline.Janet:Tell me about St Paul's Cathedral.Cathy:Well, it's the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren, and was completed in 1708. The dome is now one of the most recognizable sights of London. Janet:And of course, it was a landmark during the 1941 Blitz?Cathy:Yes. The enemy bombers could see it from a distance, with the result that they knew where to drop their bombs. But to everyone's astonishment, it wasn'tdamaged.Janet:And what about the modern buildings over there?Cathy:Yes, absolutely. Perhaps the most notable one is the rocket-shaped building, which Londoners call the Gherkin. This was designed and built in 2004 byNorman Foster.Janet:He was the architect of the new terminal at Beijing Airport, wasn't he? Cathy:That's absolutely right.Janet:London is now quite a high-rise city isn't it?Cathy:Well, I'm not convinced you're right. It's not at all like Shanghai, or even Beijing.Janet:So what about the future?Cathy:As you might expect, the future is more skyscrapers, and most important of all will be the 72 storey Shard of Glass, at 310 meters, one of the tallest buildings in Europe.Janet:And the exhibition opens tonight at Somerset House...Cathy:Exactly, and runs until next September.Janet:I'm sure lots of people will go and see how such a familiar skyline has changed, and will develop in the future. Cathy Young, thank you very much.Joe:One take, thank you, Janet. You should be on TV.Andy:Amazing Janet. You will be on TV one day, if you keep going like this. Well done!Unit 9Conversation 1Andy:So you still OK for next Friday evening?Janet:Yes, I'm looking forward to it. It starts at 7, doesn't it?Jack:Hello, mate, what are you up to?Andy:Hey Jack. How are things?。