Dialogue

Agent: Good morning. Can I help you?

You: I’ m trying to figure out the best way to get to Washington, D.C.

Agent: Are you driving or flying?

You: I’m driving. My car’s parked outside.

Agent: You have two options. The first is to take Interstate 85 north through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

You: What’s the other option?

Agent: You could also take I-75 north through Georgia into Tennessee. In Tennessee, you pick up I-81 which will take you through Virginia to Washington.

You: Is there a difference in distance between the two?

Agent: I-85 is somewhat shorter, but it’s not as scenic, and there’s usually a lot more traffic.

You: How do I pick up I-85 in Atlanta?

Agent: Just head north on the freeway until you reach the I-285 beltway. Then follow the signs.

You: By the way, do you have any information about the Washington, D.C. area?

Agent: Sure. Here’s a packet of brochures. Do you need a hotel reservation?

You: No thanks. I’ve already made one.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES

1. In this exercise you have to make suggestions. Use could.

Example: Where shall we go for our holidays? (Scotland)...We could go to Scotland...

1 What shall we have for dinner tonight? (fish)... 2 When shall we go and see Tom? (on Friday)...

3 What shall I give Ann for her birthday? (a book)...

V. IDIOMS

All Roads Lead to Rome (there are many different routes to the same goal)

Mary was criticizing the way that Jane was planting the flowers. John said, “Never mind, Mary, all roads lead to Rome. ” Some people learn by doing. Others have to be taught. In the long run, all roads lead to Rome.

End of the Road End of the Line (the end; the end of the whole process; death)

When we reach the end of the road on this project, we’ll get paid. You’ve come to the end of the line. I’ll not lend you another penny. When I reach the end of the road, I wish to be buried in a quiet place, near some trees.

A Stone’s Throw Away (a short distance; informal)

John saw Mary across the street, just a stone’s throw away. Philadelphia is just a stone’s throw away from New York City.

All the Way (from the beginning to the end)

I walked all the way home. The ladder reaches all the way to the top of the house.

Get in Someone’s Way (to interfere with someone’s movement or intentions)

Tom is going to back out the car. Please, don’t get in his way.

I intend to run for Congress. You had better not get in my way.