Alice: I telephoned you yesterday afternoon but you didn't answer? Where were you?
Jack: I was photocopying in another room when you called. I couldn't get to the phone in time.

Alice: What were you working on?
Jack: I was photocopying a report that I needed to send to a client. What were you doing when you telephoned?

Alice: I was looking for Tom and couldn't find him. Do you know where he was?
Jack: I think Tom was coming back from a meeting.

Alice: Oh, I see. What did you do yesterday?
Jack: I met the representatives from Smiths in the morning. In the afternoon, I worked on the report and was just finishing when you telephoned. What did you do?

Alice: Well, at 9 I had a meeting with Mr. Brown. After that, I worked on the bookkeeping.
Jack: Sounds like a boring day!

Alice: Yes, I don't really like doing the bookkeeping. But it needs to be done.
Jack: I agree with you on that, no bookkeeping - no business!

Alice: Tell me about the report. What do you think of it?
Jack: I think the report is a good. Tom believes it's good, too.

Alice: I know that every report you write is excellent.
Jack: Thank you Alice, you are always a good friend!

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide

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