Recording 9

Mrs Smith: Hello, you must be Chi Wen. I'm Mrs Smith, but my homestay students all call me Lucy.
Chi Wen: Oh, hello, Lucy. I'm very pleased to meet you.
Mrs Smith: So, how long have you been in Australia, Chi Wen?
Chi Wen: Well, I only arrived last month and I'm still finding it all a bit strange, actually.
Mrs Smith: Oh, don't worry. I'm sure it won't take long to settle in. If you like, I can introduce you to
friend of mine, Yi Ling. She's a student from China who stayed with me last year. I know she's really
enjoying herself here in Australia.
Chi Wen: Oh, that would be nice.
Mrs Smith: Now, I have had a lot of students staying with over the years and I do have a few rules.
Chi Wen: Oh, of course.
Mrs Smith: First of all, my husband and I want everyone to feel at home so we treat everyone as if
they were a member of our own family.
Chi Wen: That sounds lovely.
Mrs Smith: I cook and serve dinner for everyone at six. We also make everyone speak English at
dinner; it's really important to practise your English as often as you can.
Chi Wen: I see, that's a very good idea. And what about other meals? Can I cook for myself?
Mrs Smith: Yes, everyone makes their own breakfast. I do the shopping, and I always make sure
there is plenty of food in the fridge so you can prepare yourself a packed lunch to take to college if you
like.
Chi Wen: Yes, I've noticed that in Australia you often eat sandwiches for lunch.
Mrs Smith: Well, we often eat lunch in a bit of a hurry, so sandwiches are very convenient. Now, do
you have any other questions about the house rules?
Chi Wen: What about laundry? Can I use the washing machine?
Mrs Smith: Oh, yes. I expect everyone to wash and iron for themselves, although I can put a load of
washing on if you need me to. I will give you clean bed sheets every week. I clean the kitchen and the
living areas myself but expect all my students to help out and clean their own rooms.
Chi Wen: I have one other question. I don't have a mobile phone here yet. Can I use yours to make
a couple of local calls?
Mrs Smith: That shouldn't be a problem. Just let know when you want to use it.