The moment

Vikram is in New York for a conference. Two days ago he bought a shirt at a big department store, and it's too small. Now he's back at the counter, and he can't find the receipt. Olivia is the cashier. Listen for the detail that saves him, and for how he accepts an answer that isn't quite what he wanted.

The conversation

OliviaVikram
  1. Olivia
  2. Vikram
  3. Olivia
  4. Vikram
  5. Olivia
  6. Vikram
  7. Olivia
  8. Vikram
  9. Olivia
  10. Vikram
  11. Olivia
  12. Vikram
  13. Olivia
  14. Vikram

Words to know

take something back to the store

find information on a computer

a refund; the store gives back what you paid

swap one thing for another thing

Check yourself

1How does Olivia find Vikram's purchase?
2Why does Vikram say "Actually, do you have it in a large?"
3What does "could I have a receipt this time?" show?

Practice · 3 min

Play each line and repeat it in the gap. Then take Vikram's part with his lines muted. Notice how "Actually" changes his plan in one word. Say it with a small pause after it, the way people do when they've just had a better idea.

  1. OliviaHi. How can I help?
  2. VikramHi. I'd like to return this shirt. It's too small.
  3. OliviaSure. Do you have the receipt?
  4. VikramSorry, I can't find it. I think I threw it away.
  5. OliviaHmm. Did you pay by card?
  6. VikramYes, this card. On Tuesday, I think.
  7. OliviaGreat. I can look it up with the card.
  8. VikramOh, good. Can I get my money back?
  9. OliviaYes, it goes back on the card. It takes a few days.
  10. VikramActually, do you have it in a large?
  11. OliviaLet me check. Yes, one large, in blue only.
  12. VikramBlue is fine. Can I exchange it instead?
  13. OliviaOf course. No refund, then. Same price.
  14. VikramPerfect. And could I have a receipt this time?

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.