Lesson 37: Let's Agree to Disagree

Conversation

Anna: You know, I am from the country and sometimes I miss it. But I really like life in the city! I love the city. Oh, look. Someone lost a bag. Maybe it's theirs. Excuse me. Is this bag yours?

Dr. Jill: No. It's not mine. It might be hers.

Anna: Excuse me. Is this bag yours?

Sarah: No. It's not mine. It might be his.

Anna: Thank you. Hello. Is this bag yours?

Phil: Yes, that's mine. These are all my travel things. Thank you, thank you!

Anna: Are you okay? You seem ... nervous.

Phil: Well, this is my first visit to Washington, D.C. I'm from a small town in the country. I feel a little lost.

Anna: I am from the country too! And I understand. When I first came here, I felt lost ... all the time.

Phil: So, do you like living in the country or in the city?

Anna: I like to live in the city.

Phil: Why?

Anna: The city is exciting! It has more culture than the country. There are many museums and restaurants. Every night, there is theater and music. And, there are more jobs. That is why I'm here.

Phil: Well, I agree. There is more culture in the city and there might be more jobs. But the country has more nature! It's peaceful and beautiful. There are more trees and mountains. The air is clean. You can go hiking and camping. The city is not beautiful. It's noisy and dirty.

Anna: I disagree. I think all the different buildings are beautiful. And I like to watch all the different people.

Phil: That's another thing that is different. People in the country are friendly. They always say "hello!" Here, no one says "hello." I think city people are rude.

Anna: Well, I agree. Country people are friendly. But I don't think city people are rude. I think they're just busy.

Phil: That's a good point.

Anna: Look at me. I live in the city and I said "hello" to you.

Phil: But you are from the country.

Anna: I have an idea. Let's say "hello!" to people -- to many people!

Phil: What? Why?

Anna: Well, if we say "hello," maybe they will say "hello" to other people ... Hello!

Phil: ... and they will say "hello" to more people! That's a great idea! I'm glad you found my bag.

Anna: Come on. Let's go say "hello" to people.

Anna: We don't have to agree with people. They have their opinions. We have ours. And as we like to say, you can always agree to disagree! Until next time...! Hello!

New Words

agree - v. to have the same opinion
dirty - adj. not clean
disagree - v. to have a different opinion
friendly - adj. acting like a friend or kind and helpful
nature - n. the physical world and everything in it that is not made by people
noisy - adj. making a lot of loud or unpleasant noise
opinion - n. a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something
peaceful - adj. quiet and calm or without noise
rude - adj. not polite