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Advanced Dialogue: Congratulations!

By Kenneth Beare, About.com

Congratulations!

(in a bar)

David: Ken, Ken! Over here!
Ken: (comes over) David! Long time no see! What have you been up to lately?

David: No good, I can assure you. And you?
Ken: Much the same, except I do have some big news.

David: Come on, the suspense is killing me.
Ken: No, really. What have you been doing these past few weeks. The last time I saw you were looking for a new job.

David: Well, that's not exactly true. I was thinking about changing jobs. Luckily, that was all taken care of when they offered me a new position in the accounts department.
Ken: A step up in the big business world!

David: I wouldn't exaggerate, but I'm pleased. I had been hoping to get a promotion for a while, so when it finally came through I was relieved. Actually, that's why I was looking for a new job. I just didn't want to work there anymore if they weren't going to recognize my efforts.
Ken: I hear you. Sometimes you can do your best and it seems like the others don't know you exist... I hope they money's better?

David: I got a reasonable raise... Now, enough about me. I'm dying to hear your news.
Ken: Hold on now... I'm getting married!

David: NO! You said you'd never get married. I can't believe it.
Ken: That was then and this is now. You've got to meet Andrea, she's heaven.

David: So come on. This is all news to me. I didn't even know you were dating.
Ken: We weren't. We've just been dating for two weeks now.

David: ... and you're getting married?!
Ken: I know, I know. I can't help it. I'm just completely head over heals in love with Andrea.

David: Well, congratulations my friend! That is fantastic! This calls for a beer!
Ken: Thanks David, I'm glad to hear you feel that way. I thought you might be surprised.

David: Jack! Two pints of your best over here!

Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz.

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