Conversation One

　　M: Hey, any idea of what to do this summer vacation? There doesn’t seem to be any jobs available.

　　W: Why don’t you try house-sitting? Last summer my friend Marsha house-sat for the Howards when they went away on vacation. Mr. Howard hired Marsha to stay in their house because he didn’t want to leave it empty.

　　M: You mean the Howards paid Marsha just to live in their house?

　　W: It wasn’t that easy. She had to mow the lawn and water the house plants. And when Eric house-sat for Dr. Cohen, he had to take care of her pets.

　　M: House-sitting sounds like a good job. I guess it is a little like baby-sitting—except you take care of a house instead of children.

　　W: The student employment office still has a few jobs posted.

　　M: Do I just have to fill out an application?

　　W: Margaret and Eric had the interview with the homeowners and provided three references each.

　　M: That seems like a lot of trouble for a summer job.

　　W: Well, the homeowners want some guarantee that they can trust the house-sitter. You know they want to make sure you’re not the type who’ll throw wild parties in their house, or move a group of friends in with you.

　　M: House-sitters who do that sort of thing probably aren’t paid then.

　　W: Usually they’re paid anyway just because the homeowners don’t want to make a fuss. But if the homeowner reported it, then the house-sitter wouldn’t be able to get another job. So why don’t you apply?

　　M: Yeah, I think I will.

　　Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

　　19. What does the man plan to do this summer?

　　20. What did the Howards do when they went away last summer?

　　21. What is the duty the house-sitter probably wouldn’t have to take?

　　22. How do homeowners decide to hire a house-sitter?

　　Conversation Two

　　W：Hey! Are you going to play some tennis this afternoon?

　　M: Well, to tell you the truth, I’m not feeling so hot today.

　　W: Come on. How long has it been since we played?

　　M: A couple of days.

　　W: A couple of days? Come on. It’s been more than a couple of days.

　　M: Yeah. I guess you’re right. It’s been almost a week.

　　W: It’s been exactly a week. And we used to play at least three times a week.

　　M: I know. Playing right after class was something to look forward to.

　　W: Yeah. And it was right before dinner. So we build up our appetite.

　　M: I’ve just been very busy, I guess. And my stomach is bothering me today.

　　W: But you look OK to me.

　　M: Well, I was up late with Steve in the library working on a project. We have to turn it in by tomorrow for that anthropology class. We’ve been working on it all weekend. And I was drinking a lot of coffee. I guess I just drank too much.

　　W: Listen. I took that class last semester. And I could meet you in the library later tonight and help you if you want. And then you have time to play tennis this afternoon.

　　M: Yeah. I guess my stomach doesn’t hurt that bad. And I could certainly use your help. But it’s also…

　　W: Is there something else bothering you?

　　M: Well, to be honest, I’m getting tired of losing.