Learn English Conversation - Oxford English Daily Conversation Part 1

Brief Summary

This video script outlines a series of interconnected events and relationships centered around Julia, a new trainee at Apex TV. It covers her initial experiences at the TV station, her interactions with colleagues, and her personal life as she navigates new friendships and living arrangements. Key events include Julia's first day at work, a news report on a fraudulent windows company, a surprise birthday party, and the evolving relationships between the characters.

Julia starts her new job at Apex TV and meets her colleagues.
Tim and Julia work together on a story about a fraudulent windows company.
Ellie leaves for a job in San Francisco, leading Julia to become Rebecca's new flatmate.
Gary's obsession with being the best-dressed newsreader leads to a humorous incident.
Julia and Tim go on a date, which is interrupted by Gary.

Starting a New Job

The story begins with a news broadcast and introduces Julia Drake, who is preparing for her first day at Apex TV. Her parents wish her good luck as she leaves for work. At Apex TV, Julia arrives and is greeted by Ted at reception. She asks for Martha McKay, the producer, and is directed to the second floor. Julia provides her personal information, including her address, postcode (KT9 8NB), and phone number (01 372 89531), to Ms. Fossett at reception. Martha McKay welcomes Julia to Apex TV and introduces her to Rebecca Bond, Martha's personal assistant.

Meeting Colleagues and First Impressions

Martha introduces Julia to Tim Barnes, a reporter. Tim is engrossed in a story and briefly acknowledges Julia. After the introductions, Martha asks Julia about her preference for tea or coffee, and Julia requests a white coffee with no sugar. Gary Fenton, a newsreader, introduces himself to Julia, mentioning he is a newsreader and that Julia's mother is a fan of his. Martha then rushes off, leaving Julia to settle in.

First Day Reflections and a Dinner Invitation

Julia returns home and tells her mother about her first day, noting that everyone was friendly, "almost everyone". The next day, Martha reviews her schedule with Rebecca, which includes a food program, a meeting with Floyd and Hank, and a dentist appointment. Tim asks Martha for an assistant for a story about Carl Stalker, the "windows guy." Julia volunteers, despite Tim's initial reservations about her lack of experience.

Investigating "Wonderful Windows"

Tim explains the story to Julia: Carl Stalker, the Managing Director of "Wonderful Windows," has taken customers' money without providing the windows. Tim instructs Julia to wait at a corner and call him when she sees Stalker's blue Jaguar. Julia mistakenly identifies a woman in a car, but eventually spots Stalker. Tim confronts Stalker, questioning him about the customers' money, while Sean films the encounter.

After Work and a Surprise

After the confrontation with Stalker, Tim and Julia are about to get a drink, but Tim has to ask Rebecca to video the football match for him. Tim asks Rebecca to video the football match for him, implying he cannot make it back in time. The scene ends with Tim and Julia leaving together.

An Interview with Rebecca

Rebecca receives a call from Angus Moon from "The Modern Woman" magazine, who wants to interview her about her job as a personal assistant. Rebecca describes her morning routine, including her breakfast and exercise habits. Angus asks about Gary Fenton, leading to a prank by Gary, who reveals he orchestrated the interview as a joke.

The Food Program Mishap

Martha prepares for the food program, where she usually tries the food and drinks. Julia and Neil are also present. Frederick calls from New York. Julia adds salt to the lemonade and chili powder to the soup as a prank. Instead of Martha, Gary is chosen to try the food on air. He reluctantly tastes the lemonade and soup, unaware of the added ingredients.

Drinks After Work and a Revelation

After the show, the group goes for drinks. Tim orders a pint of lager, Rebecca orders a mineral water, and Martha and Julia order white wine and lemonade, respectively. The conversation reveals that Tim's girlfriend is Ellie, who is Rebecca's flatmate.

A Birthday Surprise Gone Wrong

Tim arrives at work late due to a train accident and realizes it is Ellie's birthday, for which he has no card or present. Julia is also late and is reminded by Rebecca that she was also late last Thursday. Julia decides to find a flat in town. Rebecca suggests she ask Martha for time off, but Julia is hesitant due to her lateness. Julia looks for flats but finds them too expensive. Rebecca invites Julia for a drink at her place, which is a surprise for Ellie's birthday.

Ellie's Departure and a New Flatmate

At Rebecca's flat, Gary mentions he has a flat nearby with a great view. A message on the answerphone reveals that Ellie has taken a job in San Francisco and has left a letter for Tim and rent money in her room. Ellie says goodbye in the message. Gary suggests that Julia could become Rebecca's new flatmate. Julia accepts the offer.

Aftermath of Ellie's Departure

Tim is upset about Ellie's departure. Rebecca explains the situation to Sean, noting that Tim walked out without saying a word. Rebecca mentions that Julia is her new flatmate. Julia's father visits her at work. Rebecca suggests having a party to welcome Julia to the flat.

The Party Invitation and a Refusal

Rebecca and Julia discuss inviting people to the party, including Frederick. Tim receives an invitation to the party but declines because he and Sean have a program to finish.

The Interview with Richard Bennett

Tim and Sean are working on a program featuring Richard Bennett, who gave up his job to walk to the South Pole but fell into a crevasse and had to be rescued. Richard reflects on his experience, realizing that his problems back home were no longer important and that he just wanted to be with his family and friends.

Shopping for the Interview

Rebecca and Julia are shopping. Julia is deciding between a skirt and trousers. They spot Gary in the men's department, supposedly buying new clothes for his interview with "Stars and Style" magazine, where he was voted the best-dressed newsreader.

Gary's Interview and a Prank

Tim and Sean confront Gary about his new suit and his obsession with being the best-dressed newsreader. On the day of the interview, Tim and Sean play a prank on Gary by taking his new trousers and replacing them with Sean's old, baggy trousers. During the interview with Charlotte Mortimer from "Stars and Style" magazine, Gary is forced to stand up, revealing the ill-fitting trousers.

Julia's First Interview

Tim is sick with stomach-ache, so Julia has to conduct an interview at a school with a teacher who has won the lottery twice. Despite her inexperience, Julia successfully completes the interview with Sean's help.

Tim's Appendicitis and a Date

Julia visits Tim in the hospital, where he had his appendix removed. Tim thanks Julia for her help and asks her out for a meal. They arrange to meet at an Italian restaurant.

An Interrupted Date

Tim and Julia are on their date at the Italian restaurant. They discuss their travel experiences. Gary arrives and joins them, interrupting their date.