✅ 30 Minutes of Simple English Dialogues for Beginners | Real Conversations (A1-A2)

Added: 2026-05-06

[00:00:00]Welcome to Better English for You.

[00:00:04]Rise and shine.

[00:00:07]>> Lisa, wake up. The alarm went off.

[00:00:10]>> Five more minutes, James.

[00:00:12]>> No, get up now. It is 7:00.

[00:00:16]>> Uh, I am so tired.

[00:00:18]>> You say that every morning >> because it is true every morning.

[00:00:23]>> Come on, we will be late.

[00:00:25]>> Late for what? It is Saturday.

[00:00:28]>> Is it Saturday? Yes, check the calendar.

[00:00:31]>> Oh, you're right. It is Saturday.

[00:00:34]>> Now, let me sleep.

[00:00:36]>> Wait, mom said we have plans today.

[00:00:38]>> What plans?

[00:00:39]>> We are going to Gran's house.

[00:00:41]>> Oh, I forgot. What time?

[00:00:43]>> At 10:00. So, get up now.

[00:00:46]>> Okay. Okay. I am getting up.

[00:00:48]>> Finally. Go and wash your face.

[00:00:50]>> I will shower first.

[00:00:52]>> Make it quick. I need the bathroom, too.

[00:00:54]>> You always need the bathroom, too, >> because there is only one bathroom.

[00:00:59]Fine. 5 minutes. I promise.

[00:01:01]>> Last time you said 5 minutes and took 20.

[00:01:04]>> That was one time.

[00:01:05]>> It was every time. Lisa, >> James, I am going now. Stop talking.

[00:01:10]>> Good. I will get dressed while you shower.

[00:01:12]>> What are you wearing today?

[00:01:13]>> My blue jumper and jeans.

[00:01:15]>> I want to wear my yellow dress.

[00:01:17]>> Fine. Just hurry up.

[00:01:19]>> I am hurrying. I am in the shower.

[00:01:21]>> Lisa, do you want breakfast after?

[00:01:23]>> Yes. Toast and eggs, please.

[00:01:25]>> I will ask mom to make it.

[00:01:26]>> Good. I will be out in four minutes.

[00:01:29]>> Four? I am counting.

[00:01:31]>> Huh?

[00:01:32]>> You are so dramatic, James.

[00:01:34]>> I am practical. There is a difference.

[00:01:36]>> Done. Your turn. Was that 4 minutes?

[00:01:39]>> 6 minutes, but good enough. Thank you.

[00:01:45]>> Brother and sister eat breakfast together.

[00:01:49]>> James, what is there to eat?

[00:01:51]>> Cereal, toast, or eggs? You choose. I want cereal and some toast.

[00:01:58]>> Both? You are very hungry today.

[00:02:00]>> I did not eat much last night.

[00:02:02]>> Fair enough. Do you want milk with the cereal?

[00:02:05]>> Yes, please. Not too much milk.

[00:02:08]>> Okay. Here is your bowl.

[00:02:10]>> Thank you. Where's the sugar?

[00:02:12]>> In front of you. The small white pot.

[00:02:14]>> Oh, I see it. Thanks.

[00:02:16]>> Can I have the juice, please?

[00:02:18]>> Here you go.

[00:02:19]>> Thank you. Do you want some?

[00:02:21]>> Yes, please. Just a small glass. There, small glass for you.

[00:02:26]>> Perfect. James, where is mom?

[00:02:28]>> Still asleep. She worked late last night.

[00:02:31]>> Oh, let us be quiet then.

[00:02:33]>> Yes, do not make noise.

[00:02:35]>> I will eat carefully.

[00:02:37]>> And no dropping your spoon this time.

[00:02:39]>> That happened once.

[00:02:41]>> It happened three times last week.

[00:02:43]>> Fine. I will hold the spoon tightly.

[00:02:45]>> Good. James, is the toast ready?

[00:02:48]>> I am not James. I am Lisa.

[00:02:50]>> Ha. Sorry. I was talking to myself.

[00:02:53]>> You talk to yourself >> sometimes. The toast is in the toaster.

[00:02:57]>> Good. I like it golden brown, not burnt.

[00:03:00]>> I know. You tell me every day >> because you sometimes forget.

[00:03:05]>> I do not forget. I just get distracted.

[00:03:07]>> That is the same thing.

[00:03:09]>> Here is your toast. Not burnt.

[00:03:11]>> Perfect. Thank you, James.

[00:03:13]>> You are welcome. Do you want butter?

[00:03:15]>> Yes. And some jam, please.

[00:03:17]>> Here, strawberry jam.

[00:03:19]>> My favorite. You remembered?

[00:03:22]>> Of course. You have had the same jam every day for 5 years.

[00:03:27]>> Maybe I just know what I like.

[00:03:32]>> Brother and sister Coral.

[00:03:35]>> James, give me the remote.

[00:03:37]>> No, I am watching something.

[00:03:39]>> You have been watching for an hour.

[00:03:42]>> So what? I was here first.

[00:03:44]>> That is not fair.

[00:03:46]>> Life is not always fair, Lisa. That is a terrible thing to say.

[00:03:50]>> I am just being honest.

[00:03:52]>> James, I want to watch my program.

[00:03:55]>> It is not on yet. Yours starts at 4:00.

[00:03:58]>> Really? What time is it now?

[00:04:00]>> It is 3:30.

[00:04:01]>> Okay, fine. But at 4:00 it is my turn.

[00:04:05]>> Fine, deal.

[00:04:06]>> And do not change it at 4:00 and pretend you forgot.

[00:04:10]>> I have never done that.

[00:04:11]>> You did it last Tuesday.

[00:04:13]>> That was an accident. A very convenient accident.

[00:04:17]>> Lisa, stop being dramatic.

[00:04:19]>> Stop being selfish.

[00:04:21]>> I am not selfish. I just >> You just what?

[00:04:25]>> Okay, I am a little selfish sometimes.

[00:04:27]>> Huh? You admitted it.

[00:04:29]>> Do not make a big thing out of it.

[00:04:31]>> I am not. I just want you to be fair.

[00:04:34]>> You are right. I will give you the remote at 4. I promise.

[00:04:37]>> Thank you, >> Lisa. I am sorry. It was difficult.

[00:04:41]>> I am sorry, too. I shouted >> a little.

[00:04:44]>> More than a little.

[00:04:46]>> Yes, a lot.

[00:04:47]>> We both got angry over a remote control.

[00:04:50]>> A bit silly, right?

[00:04:52]>> Very silly. Friends, >> we are always friends. We are siblings.

[00:04:56]>> Same thing, but louder.

[00:04:58]>> That is actually very true.

[00:05:03]>> Let's cook something.

[00:05:06]>> James, I am hungry. Let us make something.

[00:05:09]>> Like what?

[00:05:10]>> Pasta. It is easy.

[00:05:12]>> Good idea. Do we have pasta?

[00:05:14]>> Yes, I saw some in the cupboard.

[00:05:16]>> And sauce?

[00:05:18]>> We have tomato sauce in a tin.

[00:05:20]>> Perfect. I will boil the water >> and I will open the tin.

[00:05:24]>> Okay. Get a big pot from the shelf.

[00:05:26]>> This one?

[00:05:27]>> Yes. Fill it halfway with water.

[00:05:29]>> Done. Should I add salt?

[00:05:32]>> Yes, a little. It makes the pasta taste better.

[00:05:35]>> How much salt?

[00:05:36]>> One spoon. Not too much.

[00:05:38]>> Okay, one spoon. Done. Now put it on the stove. High heat.

[00:05:42]>> Got it. James, do we have cheese?

[00:05:45]>> Check the fridge.

[00:05:46]>> Yes, there is cheddar cheese.

[00:05:48]>> Great. We can grate it on top.

[00:05:50]>> I love cheese on pasta.

[00:05:52]>> Me, too. The water is starting to boil.

[00:05:54]>> Add the pasta now.

[00:05:56]>> Yes. Pour it all in.

[00:05:57]>> Done. How long does it cook?

[00:06:00]>> About 10 minutes. Stir it every 2 minutes.

[00:06:02]>> Okay. I will set the timer.

[00:06:04]>> I will heat the sauce in a small pan.

[00:06:07]>> It smells good already. Cooking always smells good.

[00:06:10]>> James, taste the sauce. Is it okay?

[00:06:13]>> H, it needs a little pepper.

[00:06:15]>> I will add some.

[00:06:16]>> Good. Lisa, the pasta is ready. Drain it >> carefully. Done. It looks perfect.

[00:06:23]>> Mix the sauce in. Then the cheese.

[00:06:25]>> This looks amazing. We are good cooks.

[00:06:29]>> We are okay cooks.

[00:06:31]>> We are great cooks. Taste it. M >> actually. Yes. This is delicious.

[00:06:36]>> Told you.

[00:06:41]Brother and sister talk about school and studying.

[00:06:45]>> Lisa, have you done your homework?

[00:06:47]>> Not yet. I am starting now.

[00:06:50]>> What subject?

[00:06:51]>> Maths. And I do not like maths.

[00:06:54]>> What is the topic?

[00:06:56]>> Fractions. They confuse me.

[00:06:58]>> I can help you. I am good at fractions.

[00:07:01]>> Really? Okay. Please help me.

[00:07:03]>> Show me the question >> here. What is 1/2 + 1/4?

[00:07:08]>> Okay. Think of a pizza.

[00:07:10]>> A pizza.

[00:07:11]>> Yes. If you cut a pizza into four pieces, what is one piece?

[00:07:16]>> One quarter.

[00:07:17]>> Good. And two pieces?

[00:07:19]>> Two quarters. Or 1/2.

[00:07:21]>> Exactly. So 1/2 is the same as two quarters.

[00:07:26]>> Oh, so 1/2 + 1/4 is 3/4.

[00:07:30]>> Yes, you got it.

[00:07:32]>> That makes so much sense. Now, >> maths is easier with pictures.

[00:07:36]>> James, you are a good teacher.

[00:07:39]>> Thank you. Now, do your work.

[00:07:41]>> What is your homework?

[00:07:43]>> Science. The water cycle.

[00:07:45]>> What is the water cycle?

[00:07:46]>> How water moves in nature. Rain, rivers, clouds.

[00:07:51]>> Oh, I learned that last year.

[00:07:53]>> Can you still remember it?

[00:07:54]>> A little. Water evaporates from the sea.

[00:07:57]>> Good. Then it forms clouds.

[00:07:59]>> Then it rains and it goes back to the sea. Yes. A cycle. It never stops.

[00:08:05]>> We just taught each other our homework.

[00:08:08]>> That is the best way to study.

[00:08:10]>> Teach someone else and you remember more.

[00:08:12]>> Exactly. Our teacher says that too.

[00:08:15]>> James, can we study together every evening?

[00:08:18]>> Yes, I like that idea.

[00:08:20]>> Good deal.

[00:08:21]>> Deal. Now be quiet. I need to concentrate.

[00:08:24]>> Sorry, I will be quiet.

[00:08:29]Brother and sister watch TV together.

[00:08:33]>> Lisa, what is on TV tonight?

[00:08:35]>> There is a nature documentary >> about what?

[00:08:38]>> The deep ocean. Strange sea creatures.

[00:08:42]>> Oh, that sounds interesting.

[00:08:43]>> I knew you would like it.

[00:08:45]>> What time does it start?

[00:08:46]>> At 7. In 10 minutes.

[00:08:48]>> Good. Shall we make popcorn?

[00:08:50]>> Yes, I will make it.

[00:08:52]>> I will get the blankets.

[00:08:53]>> It is like a little cinema.

[00:08:55]>> Huh? Exactly. Lisa, turn the volume up a bit.

[00:08:58]>> Is this loud enough?

[00:09:00]>> Yes. Perfect.

[00:09:01]>> James, look. The program is starting.

[00:09:03]>> Shh. I want to hear.

[00:09:05]>> Look at that fish. It glows in the dark.

[00:09:08]>> That is called bioluminescence.

[00:09:10]>> What does that mean?

[00:09:11]>> It means the creature makes its own light.

[00:09:13]>> How do you know that?

[00:09:14]>> I read a lot.

[00:09:15]>> Show off.

[00:09:16]>> Not a showoff. Just curious.

[00:09:18]>> James, I am taking some popcorn.

[00:09:21]>> Do not take all the big pieces.

[00:09:23]>> I always take the big pieces. It is my right.

[00:09:26]>> Since when?

[00:09:27]>> Since always.

[00:09:28]>> Fine. I will take the medium ones.

[00:09:30]>> Good. Now, be quiet. The shark is coming.

[00:09:33]>> Oh, wow. That is a big shark.

[00:09:35]>> It is huge. I'm scared and excited at the same time.

[00:09:39]>> Me, too.

[00:09:40]>> James, this was a great idea.

[00:09:42]>> You chose it. Your idea.

[00:09:44]>> Oh, yes. My great idea.

[00:09:46]>> Okay, Lisa, your great idea.

[00:09:48]>> Shh. It's the best part.

[00:09:53]The night before an important exam.

[00:09:57]>> Lisa, you look worried. What is wrong?

[00:10:00]>> My English exam is tomorrow.

[00:10:02]>> Are you ready?

[00:10:03]>> I think so, but I am nervous.

[00:10:06]>> How much did you study?

[00:10:07]>> Every evening this week. 5 days.

[00:10:10]>> 5 days is a lot. You are ready.

[00:10:13]>> What if I forget everything?

[00:10:14]>> You will not forget. You know the material.

[00:10:17]>> What if the questions are strange?

[00:10:19]>> Read each question carefully. Take your time. What if I run out of time?

[00:10:24]>> Lisa, you are creating problems that do not exist.

[00:10:28]>> I cannot help it. I am a worrier.

[00:10:30]>> I know, but worrying does not help.

[00:10:33]>> I know that, too, but I still worry.

[00:10:37]>> Okay, let us review together just for 30 minutes.

[00:10:41]>> Really? You would do that?

[00:10:42]>> You are my sister. Of course.

[00:10:44]>> Thank you, James.

[00:10:46]>> What topics are in the exam?

[00:10:48]>> Reading, writing, and grammar. Okay, tell me three grammar rules you know.

[00:10:53]>> One, add s to verbs in present simple with he, she, it.

[00:10:58]>> Good. Two, >> use a before consonant sounds. Use an before vowel sounds.

[00:11:04]>> Excellent. Three, >> questions use do or does, not normal word order.

[00:11:09]>> Perfect. You know your grammar.

[00:11:12]>> I do. I know it when I am calm.

[00:11:14]>> Then be calm tomorrow. Breathe slowly.

[00:11:17]>> Breathe in. Breathe out.

[00:11:20]>> Yes, like that. You are going to do well.

[00:11:23]>> Do you really believe that?

[00:11:24]>> I really believe that.

[00:11:26]>> Okay, I believe it too. A little >> good. Now sleep. Your brain needs rest.

[00:11:33]>> Good night, James. Thank you.

[00:11:35]>> Good night, Lisa. You will be amazing.

[00:11:41]>> After Lisa's exam results, >> Lisa, you are home. How is the exam? I got my results back already.

[00:11:50]>> Already? That was fast. And how did you do?

[00:11:55]>> I passed.

[00:11:56]>> You passed, Lisa. That is amazing.

[00:11:59]>> I got 78 out of 100.

[00:12:02]>> 78. That is a great score.

[00:12:05]>> Do you think so?

[00:12:06]>> Yes. You passed with a high mark.

[00:12:09]>> I was hoping for 80.

[00:12:10]>> You got 78. That is very close.

[00:12:13]>> I made one silly mistake in grammar.

[00:12:16]What mistake?

[00:12:18]>> I wrote he go instead of he goes.

[00:12:21]>> Oh, the present simple third person rule.

[00:12:24]>> Yes, I know the rules. I just rushed.

[00:12:27]>> Next time, slow down. Check your work.

[00:12:30]>> I will. The teacher said so, too.

[00:12:33]>> Good advice, Lisa. I am proud of you.

[00:12:36]>> Really?

[00:12:37]>> Really? You studied hard, you passed.

[00:12:40]>> I was so nervous this morning.

[00:12:42]>> And now you can relax. Yes, it feels wonderful.

[00:12:46]>> We should celebrate >> ice cream.

[00:12:50]>> Yes, ice cream sounds right.

[00:12:52]>> Chocolate for me.

[00:12:53]>> Strawberry for me.

[00:12:55]>> James, thank you for helping me last night.

[00:12:57]>> I did not do much. You knew the answers.

[00:13:00]>> You calmed me down. That was important.

[00:13:03]>> You would do the same for me.

[00:13:05]>> Always. Come on, let us get that ice cream.

[00:13:08]>> Should we ask mom first?

[00:13:10]>> I will text her. She will say yes. This is a celebration.

[00:13:15]Okay, lead the way.

[00:13:20]>> Let's go shopping.

[00:13:22]>> Lisa, do you have the shopping list?

[00:13:25]>> Yes, mom wrote it this morning.

[00:13:27]>> What do we need?

[00:13:28]>> Milk, bread, tomatoes, onions, and rice.

[00:13:32]>> That is not too much. Easy.

[00:13:34]>> James, do you know the way to the market?

[00:13:36]>> Yes, we go straight down this road.

[00:13:39]>> Then >> turn left at the blue corner shop.

[00:13:42]>> The one with the red door? Yes. Then walk for five more minutes.

[00:13:46]>> Okay, I remember now.

[00:13:47]>> Lisa, the weather is nice today.

[00:13:50]>> Yes, sunny and warm. Good market day.

[00:13:53]>> Markets are always more fun in nice weather.

[00:13:56]>> Everything looks better in the sunshine.

[00:13:58]>> That is true. Look, the market is just ahead.

[00:14:01]>> Oh wow, it is busy today.

[00:14:03]>> It is always busy on Saturday morning.

[00:14:05]>> Stay close. I do not want to get lost.

[00:14:08]>> I am right here. Do not worry.

[00:14:10]>> Where do we start? Vegetables first, then bread, then rice.

[00:14:14]>> Good plan. I see a vegetable stall.

[00:14:16]>> Go and check the tomatoes.

[00:14:18]>> How do I know if they are fresh?

[00:14:20]>> They should be firm and red, not soft.

[00:14:22]>> These ones look good.

[00:14:24]>> Ask the price.

[00:14:25]>> Excuse me, how much are the tomatoes?

[00:14:27]>> What did she say?

[00:14:28]>> $2 for a kilo.

[00:14:30]>> That is a good price. Get one kilo.

[00:14:32]>> Done. Now, onions.

[00:14:34]>> Yes, same stall. Ask for half a kilo.

[00:14:37]>> You ask. I asked last time.

[00:14:39]>> Fine. Excuse me. Half a kilo of onions, please.

[00:14:42]>> Good. Now, let us find the bread.

[00:14:44]>> The bakery is over there. I can smell it.

[00:14:47]>> That smell is amazing.

[00:14:49]>> Fresh bread is the best smell in the world.

[00:14:55]>> Inside the shop.

[00:14:58]>> Lisa, grab a trolley.

[00:15:00]>> Got one. What is first on the list?

[00:15:03]>> Rice. It is in aisle three.

[00:15:05]>> How do you know?

[00:15:06]>> I come here with mom every week. Oh, I always stay home.

[00:15:12]>> Yes, you prefer staying home.

[00:15:14]>> It is true. Okay, aisle three. Found it.

[00:15:18]>> Which rice should we get?

[00:15:19]>> Mom said long grain white rice.

[00:15:22]>> There are two brands. One is cheaper.

[00:15:25]>> Which one?

[00:15:26]>> The green packet. It is $1 less.

[00:15:29]>> Get the cheaper one. Rice is rice.

[00:15:31]>> Ha, good thinking. Into the trolley.

[00:15:34]>> Next on the list, milk.

[00:15:36]>> Dairy section. Follow the signs, >> James. Everything in this shop is so organized.

[00:15:42]>> Yes. Each section has a sign.

[00:15:44]>> I see it. Dairy section over here.

[00:15:47]>> Get the 2 L bottle. Full fat.

[00:15:50]>> Mom likes full fat.

[00:15:51]>> Yes, for cooking.

[00:15:53]>> Okay, done. What is left?

[00:15:55]>> Just bread and some butter. Mom texted about.

[00:15:58]>> She wants butter, too.

[00:16:00]>> Yes, unsalted butter. She texted me just now.

[00:16:03]>> When did she text?

[00:16:05]>> 2 minutes ago. Check the bakery section.

[00:16:07]>> Found the bread and butter is next to it.

[00:16:10]>> Great. I think we have everything.

[00:16:12]>> Let me check the list. Milk, rice, bread, butter.

[00:16:17]>> We still need tomatoes and onions.

[00:16:19]>> Oh, we got those at the market.

[00:16:21]>> Right. Done. Then let us go to the checkout.

[00:16:24]>> There's a queue.

[00:16:26]>> Not too long. Five people.

[00:16:28]>> James, I like doing the shopping with you.

[00:16:31]>> You mean you like pushing the trolley?

[00:16:33]>> That, too. But I also like the company.

[00:16:36]>> Okay, I like it too.

[00:16:41]>> Order food at a restaurant.

[00:16:44]>> James, this restaurant looks so nice.

[00:16:48]>> Yes, mom chose. Well, >> where is the menu?

[00:16:51]>> On the table here.

[00:16:52]>> Oh, so many choices.

[00:16:55]>> Take your time. No rush.

[00:16:57]>> What are you having?

[00:16:59]>> I am looking at the pasta or the chicken. I want the vegetable soup to start.

[00:17:04]>> Good. As a starter?

[00:17:06]>> Yes. Then I will have the pizza for my main.

[00:17:09]>> What kind of pizza?

[00:17:10]>> Margarita. Simple and delicious.

[00:17:13]>> I think I will have the pasta carbonara >> that has bacon in it.

[00:17:18]>> I know. I love it.

[00:17:20]>> Excuse me, waiter.

[00:17:21]>> Lisa, you do not have to shout.

[00:17:24]>> Sorry, I got excited.

[00:17:26]>> The waiter is coming.

[00:17:27]>> Oh, good. You order. You are better at it.

[00:17:30]>> Hello. Could we see the menu for drinks, please?

[00:17:33]>> I want apple juice.

[00:17:34]>> And I will have water, please. Still water.

[00:17:37]>> James, ask what they recommend.

[00:17:40]>> Excuse me, what do you recommend tonight?

[00:17:42]>> What did he say?

[00:17:43]>> The grilled salmon is very popular today.

[00:17:46]>> H I still want pizza.

[00:17:49]>> Okay, I will have the pasta, please.

[00:17:51]Carbonara.

[00:17:52]>> And I would like the vegetable soup, then margarita pizza.

[00:17:56]>> Thank you very much, >> James. This is exciting. I love restaurants.

[00:18:01]>> We do not come often. So, it feels special.

[00:18:04]>> Exactly. Everything tastes better when it is special.

[00:18:08]>> I think that is just the ambiance.

[00:18:10]>> What is ambiance?

[00:18:11]>> The feeling of a place, the atmosphere.

[00:18:14]>> Then yes, the ambiance is wonderful.

[00:18:18]>> Good new word for today.

[00:18:23]>> Brother and sister do chores at home together. Lisa, mom left us a chores list.

[00:18:30]>> Oh no. How long is it?

[00:18:32]>> Six things.

[00:18:33]>> Six on a Saturday.

[00:18:36]>> She cleaned all week. Today is our turn.

[00:18:39]>> Fine. What is on the list?

[00:18:41]>> Sweep the kitchen, vacuum the living room, wipe the table, >> and >> tidy the bedrooms, take out the bins, fold the laundry.

[00:18:49]>> That is actually not too bad. Let us divide it.

[00:18:52]>> Good idea. What do you want to do? I will fold the laundry and tidy my bedroom.

[00:18:57]>> Okay. I will vacuum the living room and sweep the kitchen >> and the bins in the table.

[00:19:02]>> We do those together at the end.

[00:19:04]>> Agreed. Let us start.

[00:19:06]>> I will get the vacuum cleaner >> and I will get the laundry basket.

[00:19:09]>> Lisa, do you know how to fold fitted sheets?

[00:19:13]>> No one knows how to fold fitted sheets, James.

[00:19:16]>> True. Just do your best.

[00:19:18]>> I always do my best.

[00:19:20]>> The vacuum is very loud. Sorry.

[00:19:22]>> It is okay. I'm in the bedroom.

[00:19:24]>> Lisa, can you come and help move the sofa?

[00:19:27]>> Coming. One side each.

[00:19:29]>> Yes. Ready? Lift.

[00:19:31]>> It is heavy.

[00:19:32]>> Just slide it. Good. Done.

[00:19:34]>> James, there was so much dust under there.

[00:19:37]>> I know. That is why we had to clean it.

[00:19:40]>> Disgusting.

[00:19:42]>> Yes, but now it is clean.

[00:19:43]>> I finished the laundry. It is folded nicely.

[00:19:46]>> Good. I finished vacuuming.

[00:19:48]>> Shall we wipe the table now?

[00:19:50]>> Yes. And then the bins. We make a good team, James.

[00:19:53]>> We do. The house looks nice.

[00:19:55]>> Mom will be pleased.

[00:19:57]>> She will. And maybe she will order pizza as a reward.

[00:20:00]>> Huh? I like the way you think.

[00:20:06]A rainy day. Stuck inside.

[00:20:10]James, it is raining.

[00:20:12]>> I can see that.

[00:20:13]>> We were going to go to the park.

[00:20:16]>> Yes, but we cannot now.

[00:20:18]>> This is so boring. Why is staying inside boring?

[00:20:22]>> Because outside was the plan.

[00:20:25]>> Plans change. We have to adapt.

[00:20:27]>> What do you want to do then?

[00:20:29]>> We could do a puzzle.

[00:20:30]>> We finished all our puzzles.

[00:20:32]>> We could read.

[00:20:33]>> I read this morning already.

[00:20:35]>> We could draw.

[00:20:36]>> Oh, I like drawing. What shall we draw?

[00:20:40]>> You choose.

[00:20:41]>> Let us draw our house from memory.

[00:20:44]>> Our house. That is a good idea.

[00:20:46]>> You draw the outside. I will draw the inside.

[00:20:50]>> Okay. And we compare after.

[00:20:52]>> Yes. Let me get the pencils >> and paper. Big sheets.

[00:20:56]>> Here, James. The rain is very loud today.

[00:21:00]>> Yes, it is a heavy rain.

[00:21:02]>> I actually like the sound.

[00:21:04]>> Me too. Rain sounds peaceful.

[00:21:06]>> Like the world is having a shower.

[00:21:09]>> That is a nice way to think about it.

[00:21:11]>> Okay. I am drawing. Shh.

[00:21:14]>> I am drawing too.

[00:21:15]>> No peeking. I am not peeking.

[00:21:17]>> Done. Let me see yours.

[00:21:19]>> Done too. Show at the same time.

[00:21:22]>> 1 2 3. Show.

[00:21:24]>> Lisa, yours is so detailed.

[00:21:26]>> I drew every room and the garden.

[00:21:29]>> Mine is simpler, but I like it.

[00:21:31]>> It is very neat, James.

[00:21:33]>> You are a much better artist than me.

[00:21:35]>> And you are a much neater drawer than me.

[00:21:38]>> Different skills.

[00:21:40]>> A rainy day is not so bad after all.

[00:21:42]>> See, you just need an idea.

[00:21:48]My best friend, James. Who is your best friend?

[00:21:53]>> Omar. We have been friends since age seven.

[00:21:57]>> That is a long time.

[00:21:59]>> 6 years. He is like a brother.

[00:22:01]>> What is he like?

[00:22:02]>> Funny. Very funny and honest.

[00:22:05]>> Does he make you laugh a lot?

[00:22:07]>> Every day. He always has a joke.

[00:22:10]>> Did you ever have an argument?

[00:22:12]>> Once in fifth grade. About what?

[00:22:15]>> Something silly. I do not even remember now.

[00:22:18]>> But you made up.

[00:22:19]>> Yes, same day. Real friends do not stay angry.

[00:22:23]>> That is true.

[00:22:24]>> What about you? Who is your best friend?

[00:22:27]>> Dina. She sits next to me in class.

[00:22:30]>> What is she like?

[00:22:31]>> She is very kind and very calm.

[00:22:34]>> Calm? How?

[00:22:36]>> She never panics even before exams.

[00:22:39]>> Useful friend to have.

[00:22:41]Yes, she calms me down >> like I do.

[00:22:45]>> You do it differently. You argue with me first.

[00:22:48]>> Huh, fair point.

[00:22:50]>> Dina just listens and then says everything is okay.

[00:22:53]>> That sounds wonderful.

[00:22:55]>> She is wonderful.

[00:22:56]>> Do you tell her everything?

[00:22:58]>> Almost everything. Some things I only tell you >> because I am your brother.

[00:23:03]>> Because you are my brother and my friend.

[00:23:05]>> That is a nice thing to say, Lisa.

[00:23:08]>> I have my moments.

[00:23:09]>> Huh. Yes. Rare but nice.

[00:23:12]>> Hey.

[00:23:13]>> Huh? I am joking. You are great.

[00:23:20]>> Happy birthday to you, >> Lisa. Mom's birthday is next Saturday.

[00:23:26]>> I know. We have to do something special.

[00:23:28]>> I was thinking a surprise party.

[00:23:31]>> A surprise party. Yes, she would love that.

[00:23:35]>> But we have to keep it secret.

[00:23:37]>> I am very good at secrets. You told me about my own surprise party last year.

[00:23:43]>> I was excited. I could not help it.

[00:23:45]>> This time, be strong. Say nothing.

[00:23:49]>> I promise. Now, let us plan. What do we need?

[00:23:52]>> First, a cake.

[00:23:54]>> I can bake a chocolate cake.

[00:23:55]>> Can you really?

[00:23:57]>> Gran taught me. I made one last month.

[00:23:59]>> Okay, you do the cake.

[00:24:01]>> And we need balloons and decorations.

[00:24:04]>> I will buy those. And a banner. A banner that says, "Happy birthday, Mom."

[00:24:09]>> Yes. And we need to invite a few people.

[00:24:12]>> Aunt Rosa. Mom loves Aunt Rosa.

[00:24:14]>> Yes. And Gran. And maybe the cons from next door.

[00:24:18]>> Good. I will text Aunt Rosa.

[00:24:20]>> Wait. Tell her to keep it secret.

[00:24:22]>> Of course. I will write that in the message.

[00:24:25]>> What present should we get, Mom?

[00:24:27]>> She loves flowers and books.

[00:24:29]>> We could get a book. She has been wanting.

[00:24:31]>> Yes. She keeps talking about one.

[00:24:34]>> Which one? The one about the garden. She saw it in a shop.

[00:24:37]>> A garden book. Perfect for her.

[00:24:40]>> And a bunch of yellow flowers.

[00:24:42]>> Yellow is her favorite color.

[00:24:44]>> Exactly.

[00:24:45]>> Lisa, we are good at this.

[00:24:47]>> We are good at everything when we work together.

[00:24:50]>> True. Now remember, say nothing to mom.

[00:24:54]>> My lips are sealed.

[00:24:59]What do you want to be? James, what do you want to be when you grow up?

[00:25:06]>> I think about this a lot.

[00:25:08]>> And >> I want to be an engineer.

[00:25:10]>> Like Mr. Kim next door?

[00:25:12]>> Yes, he designs bridges. I love that idea.

[00:25:16]>> Building things that millions of people use.

[00:25:19]>> Exactly. It feels meaningful.

[00:25:22]>> What kind of engineer?

[00:25:23]>> Civil engineer. Buildings, roads, bridges.

[00:25:27]>> That sounds amazing.

[00:25:29]>> What about you?

[00:25:30]>> I want to be a doctor.

[00:25:31]>> Really? Since when?

[00:25:33]>> Since Gran was in hospital last year.

[00:25:35]>> The doctors helped her so much.

[00:25:38]>> Yes, I watched them. They were so calm and kind.

[00:25:42]>> You are calm and kind.

[00:25:44]>> I try to be.

[00:25:45]>> You will make a great doctor.

[00:25:47]>> It takes many years of study though.

[00:25:49]>> Worth it.

[00:25:50]>> Yes. Worth it.

[00:25:51]>> Lisa, do you think we will both go to university?

[00:25:54]>> I hope so. We have to study hard.

[00:25:57]>> We already do.

[00:25:58]>> And we have to keep doing it.

[00:26:00]>> I believe we can. Me too, James. What if we both get good jobs?

[00:26:05]>> Then we help mom. She worked so hard for us.

[00:26:09]>> Yes, that is my plan too.

[00:26:11]>> We have good plans.

[00:26:12]>> As long as we work hard, >> we will. I know we will, >> James.

[00:26:17]>> Yes.

[00:26:18]>> I am glad you are my brother.

[00:26:19]>> Huh? That is very sudden.

[00:26:21]>> I mean it.

[00:26:22]>> I am glad you are my sister, too.

[00:26:28]Can I use your phone?

[00:26:31]James, can I borrow your phone?

[00:26:34]>> Why? Where is yours?

[00:26:36]>> It is charging. I need to send a message >> to who?

[00:26:40]>> To Dina about tomorrow.

[00:26:42]>> Just a message, not a video call.

[00:26:45]>> Just a message, I promise.

[00:26:48]>> Fine. Here, but only 2 minutes.

[00:26:51]>> 2 minutes is enough for a message. Last time you said 2 minutes and I got my phone back an hour later.

[00:26:58]>> I was talking to Dena. It was important.

[00:27:02]>> Two minutes.

[00:27:04]>> Fine. Timing me now?

[00:27:06]>> Yes, I have a timer.

[00:27:08]>> James, you are so serious about your phone >> because it is my phone.

[00:27:14]>> Okay. Okay. Message sent here.

[00:27:17]>> That was 90 seconds. Thank you.

[00:27:20]>> See, I was quick.

[00:27:21]>> You were. Thank you, >> James. How long have you been on your phone today?

[00:27:26]>> About 2 hours.

[00:27:28]>> 2 hours? That is a lot.

[00:27:31]>> I know. I watched some videos.

[00:27:34]>> About what?

[00:27:35]>> Engineering and some music.

[00:27:37]>> At least it was educational. Partly.

[00:27:41]>> Yes, partly. What about you?

[00:27:44]>> My screen time was 1 and 1/2 hours.

[00:27:47]>> That is okay.

[00:27:48]>> I read for an hour, too. So, balance.

[00:27:51]Good balance. Phones are useful, but not everything.

[00:27:55]>> Mom says phone off at dinner, phone off at bedtime.

[00:27:59]>> Good rules.

[00:28:00]>> Do you follow them?

[00:28:02]>> Mostly.

[00:28:03]>> Same.