Finding¹ a Room
In smaller cities and towns, it's usually quite easy to find a room to rent. This is especially true in towns where universities or college are located.

1. A: Do you take in students?
B: Yes. If you don't mind sharing room, there's one available.
A: How much is it?
B: $30.00 a week.
A: Do you think I could have a look at it, please?
B: I'm on my way out now. Could you come back in an hour?

2.A: I've been told you might have a vacant² room.
B: Yes. I have a spare room.
A: How much are you asking?
B: $10.00 a night.
A: Could I see the room, please?
B: Sure. Come on in.

3.A: A friend told em I might find a room here.
B: Yes. I'll have a room free next week.
A: What do you charge?
B: $25.00 a week, but you can't have visitors.
A: Fine. Would It be OK to look at the room?
B: Could you come back later? We're right in the middle of dinner.

4.A: I wonder if you can help me. I'm looking for a room.
B: Yes. I've got a small room.
A: How much do you charge?
B: $35.00 a week, but don't allow smoking.
A: OK. Can I see the room now?
B: Would you mind waiting? I'm on the telephone.

5.A-David B- 房东 C-David's wife
A: I've been told you might have a vacant room.
     听说您有空房间。
B: Yes, I have a spare room.
　是的，我有一间空房。
A: Would it be ok to look at the room now?
　 现在能看看房子吗？
B: Could you come here in 20 minutes? We're right in the middle of dinner.
　 你 20 分钟后过来好吗？我们正好在吃晚饭呢。 

20 分钟后， David 和太太一起去看房。

C: This apartment looks nice.
　 这个房子不错。
A: Yes, it has two bedrooms. That's convenient. And the living room is larger than I expected.
　 是的，有两间卧室，这比较方便。还有，客厅比我原先想的要大。
A: The living room is really large, isn't it!
　 这个客厅真大呀！
B: Yes, about forty square meters.
　 是的，大约有 40 平方米。
A: The bathtub is large enough for two people.
　 这个浴缸很大，足够两个人同时使用了。
C: Great. We can give our two children a bath together.
　 太好了，我们可以给两个孩子一起洗澡了。
C: Can I open the window and air out the room?
　 我能打开窗户，给房间通通风吗？
B: Sure.
　 当然可以。
A: It's a nice apartment.
　 这套房子挺让人喜欢的。
B: As you can see, the apartment has been recently renovated³ and comes completely furnished.
　 正如你所看到的，这房子已经装修过了，而且其他家具也都齐备。
A: How much is the rent?
　 房租多少钱？
B: 2500 yuan a month.
　 一个月 2500 元。
C: Are the utilities⁴ included in the rent?
　 房租中包括水、电和煤气费吗？
B: Only gas is included. You have to pay for the electricity and water.
　 只包括煤气。你需要支付水电费。
A: When can we move in?
　 我们什么时候可以搬进来？
B: Next Wednesday, if you like.

6.Dialogue Script⁵ 对话原文

Sam: Is this Ms. Li?
Li:  Yes, are you calling about the apartment?
Sam: Yes, is it still available?
Li:  How did you find out about it?
Sam: I saw your advertisement on one of the bulletin⁶ boards.
Li:  Well, you're welcome to come over and see it. The address is on the ad.
Sam: Great. I'll be there in about twenty minutes.
     (20 minutes later)
Li:  What do you do in China?
Sam: I study Chinese and Chinese history.
Li:  Sounds interesting…Do you want to share with any roommates or live alone?
Sam: I prefer to live alone. I need my peace and quiet.
Li:  Good. That will make everything simpler. I like to keep things simple.
Sam: Me too. And I like my privacy⁷.
Li:  OK, now I'll show you the apartment. This is the balcony. That is in     the  kitchen. The bedroom is over there.
Sam: This place is perfect! It's so quiet! But, the kitchen is kind of small...
Li:  You won't need much space if you're cooking for one.
Sam: Well, I guess that's true. So what about the trash?
Li:  You take it to the first floor. It's picked up daily around 9 p.m.
Sam: Great! If it's OK with you, I think I'll take the apartment.
Li:  You seem like the ideal⁸ tenant⁹. OK, let me go get the contract.

讲解： 

1.在这段对话中，Sam看到了招租广告以后，打电话给Ms. Li，预定看房。首先说一下这个Ms. , 表示“女士”。在英语中，未婚女性称为“Miss”，小姐。已婚女性称为“Mrs.”，太太， 而Ms. 则是在不考虑或不知道婚姻状况的情况下使用，放在姓氏或姓名前。 

2.当Ms. Li问are you calling about the apartment? 你是打电话来问公寓的事情吗？Sam回答说，Yes, is it still available? 是的，房子还没租出去吧？就是说房子还能租吗？available 这个词表示“可用到的，可利用的”。例如：I'm sorry, those overcoats are not available in your colour and size. 对不起，这种外套没有你要的颜色和尺码。它还表示“有空的”， 例如：The lawyer is not available now. 律师现在没空。 

3. Ms. Li比较谨慎，问Sam，How did you find out about it? 你是怎么知道有这么个公寓出租呢？Sam回答I saw your advertisement on one of the bulletin boards. 我在一个公告栏上看到了你的广告?