DIALOGUE l

HOLIDAY PLANS

Kate: Have you had your holiday for this year yet, Jill?

Jill: Not yet, I'm taking it at the end of September.

Kate: Where are you going? Have you made up your mind?

Jill: Not really. 1 thought of going to Spain again, but I've already been there twice and I'd like to try somewhere new.

Kate: My brother's just gone to Mexico for two weeks. I had a card from him yesterday and he seems having a good time. Why don't you go there?

Jill: That's O.K. for you, well-off people, but I couldn't pos­sibly afford it. I'm much too hard up at the moment.

Kate: The air-fare is quite expensive. 1 admit, but you needn't spend a lot when you get there.

Jill: I've spent a lot of money this year. My flat was done up last month, so I haven't got much to spare for expen­sive holidays abroad.

Kate: Oh, I see.

Jill: Perhaps I'll just go to Scotland or Ireland in the end. I've heard they're both beautiful, and I haven't been to ei­ther of them.

Kate: We went to Ireland two years ago to pay Jill and her hus­band a visit. They are in Dublin now.

Jill: Oh, yes, so they are!

Kate: If you decide on Ireland, you can call in on them. Jill would willingly put you up for a few days. I'm sure.

Jill: That's a good idea. I haven't seen Jill for more than three years now and I'd like to know how she's getting on.

Answer the questions:

1. Where is Kate taking her holiday?

2. Why do you think she doesn't want to go to Spain?

3. Where has Kate's brother gone for his holiday?

4. How long is he going to stay there?

5. Is he having a good time there?

6. Why doesn't Jill want to go to Mexico?

7. Does Jill like the idea of going to Scotland or Ireland? Why?

1. Explain the meaning of the following phrases from the text?

(1) to try somewhere new

(2) well-off people

(3) in the end

(4) to put smb. up

(5) to be hard up