W: You have a lovely house, Jack.
W：杰克，你的房子真不错。
M: Thank you. But a number of things have been going wrong lately.
M：谢谢，但是最近有很多地方出了问题。
W: That's too bad. What problems are you having.
W：那可太糟了，出什么问题了？
M: Oh, the whole house needs re-painting for starters. The carpet in the living room is worn out, and I'd like to put in new wall-to-wall carpeting. Last week, I had to call the plumber to fix the toilet. Anyway, all par for the course when you own a house, I guess. I think I am going to hire an interior decorator to look the place over.
M：哦，刚刚住进来，整个房子都需要重新粉刷，起居室里的地毯也已经很旧了，我想把整个地板铺一层新的。上星期，我不得不打电话找水管工来修理厕所。不管怎么说，如果你有一间房子，我觉得这都是最寻常不过的事，我看我要请一个室内工程师来看看这个地方。
W: I’ve studied home decoration as a hobby. Could I make some suggestions?
W：我曾感兴趣学过室内装饰，我能给你提一些建议吗？
M: Go right ahead.
M：太棒了，请讲。
W: Well, I think a crystal chandelier would look great in your living room, and maybe some new drapes for the windows. Also, a grandfather clock would look great in the den. Perhaps you could buy some potted plants for the dining room
W：啊，我觉得在起居室里装一盏水晶灯会很漂亮，另外呢，可能需要一些新的落地窗帘来装饰窗户。还有，书房里放一盏大座钟会很漂亮的，你还可以买一些盆栽装饰餐厅。
M: Well, you really do have a talent for this, Alice. Thanks for the suggestions.
M：哇噻，你在这方面，可真是有天赋啊，爱丽丝。谢谢你的建议。
W: You are welcome, Jack. Glad to be of help.
W：不客气，杰克。很高兴能帮助你。
注释：
1． 词组“wear out”表示“用坏、用破、用旧”，其中“wear”一词的过去式和过去分词分别是“wore”和“worn”。
2． 本段对话中出现了很多固定用法，如“wall-to wall整个地板铺满的”、“grandfather clock有摆的落地大座钟”和“potted plant盆栽”。
