English Business Conversation
MOHAN : Good afternoon.
ENQUIRY CLERK : Good afternoon. What can I do for you, sir?
MOHAN : What time is the Andhra Pradesh Express expected?
ENQUIRY CLERK : The scheduled time of its arrival is 4 o'clock.
MOHAN : But it's already fifteen minutes past four and there's yet no sign of its arrival.
ENQUIRY CLERK : I'm afraid it's running late by over an hour, and we've already announced it's running late.
MOHAN : I haven't heard any such announcement. I've been at the station for over ten minutes.
ENQUIRY CLERK : Perhaps, it was made before you came. Let me check ... It was made at 3.55, exactly 20 minutes ago.
MOHAN : Do you make only oral announcements?ENQUIRY CLERK : No, we also write them on the noticeboard just in front of the ASM's1 office.
MOHAN : Don't you think these announcements should be a little more frequent?
ENQUIRY CLERK : Well, I can't answer that question. For that you can speak to the ASM, if you like.
MOHAN : Very well. When exactly will the train arrive?
ENQUIRY CLERK: At 5.10. This is the position at the moment. But, it may cover some time, or it may be delayed further. We'll make another announcement as soon as we receive a message.
MOHAN : Bother!2 This will mean a lot of inconvenience to people. Have you thought of that?
ENQUIRY CLERK : I'm sorry, but I can't help it. Bear with me for some more time, please, and make yourself comfortable in the waiting room
