Car accident
Julie was in a car accident. Another car rear-ended her. She gets out of the car and talks to the other driver. The tow trucks are waiting.
Julie: My poor car. The back is all dented.
The other driver: It was your fault. You stopped suddenly.
Julie: I had to stop. There was a red light, so don’t blame me. You hit me, so you’re in the wrong.
The other driver: Nonsense. Give me your details. Who’s your insurer?
Julie: I’m waiting for the cops to sort everything out.
The other driver: We’re blocking traffic. Let’s move our cars to the side of the road, first.
Julie: Okay, but don’t try anything funny. I have your license plate number.
Fixing the car!
Julie took her car to a body shop to fix her car’s damage. She meets the technician Peter.
Julie: How much will it cost to fix this?
Peter: We estimate it’ll run you $500. Will your insurance cover it?
Julie: No, I hit a wall. I don’t want my insurance rates to go up.
Peter: Okay, just sign on the dotted line.
Julie: How soon can you repair it? I need this car to get to work.
Peter: It’ll be all ready tomorrow, unless we have to wait for parts.
Julie: I see. Do you have a loaner I can use while I’m waiting?
Peter: Sorry, we can give you a lift to the nearest car rental company, and you can rent a car there.
To rent a car?
Julie needs to rent a car for a day. She goes to the hotel Car Rental Booth.
Julie: I’d like to rent a compact car please. What do you have?
Clerk: There are two Toyota Charlies available. Automatic or standard?
Julie: Auto, please. Does it come with a/c?
Clerk: Absolutely, and it’s a smoke-free car.
Julie: That’s just what I needed. How much do you charge per day?
Clerk: It’s just $50 per day, not including taxes and other fees. Please read the fine print on the contract.
Julie: Okay. When do I need to return it?
Clerk: You have to have it back by 5 tomorrow afternoon. There’s a late fee. And, please return it with a full tank of gas and with no damage.
(來源:英語學習雜志)