Mary
Hello, you two! Paula, thanks for the book you sent me. It helped me a lot with my essay.
Paula
Think nothing of it. I was just glad I could help. Anyway, what are you doing this Saturday? Have you got any plans? John and I can’t agree on what to do, actually.
Mary
Oh? What’s the problem?
John
Well ... I’d like to try that new fast food restaurant near the university because I’ve heard it’s really cheap and it has a nice friendly atmosphere. Unfortunately, Paula doesn’t agree.
Paula
No, really, John. I can’t stand going to fast food places any more. They all look the same, they’re noisy and they all serve the same sort of fried food – the choice is so limited! I would love to go to a good restaurant. You know, a place where you get served by waiters who know their job and you have a good, varied menu to choose from. I’ve heard that The Salamander in King Street is fantastic!
Mary
Hmm ... I don’t really like the idea of going to an expensive restaurant. I know the food might be good and all that, but I can’t really afford it. And besides, it’s all so formal – you can never relax properly!
John
I think you’re right, Mary. So you agree that we should give the fast food place a try?
Mary
I didn’t say that, John! No, I disagree with you, actually. I think Paula’s right when she says they are noisy places ... people trying to make themselves heard over the sound of loud music. To be honest, I’d be quite happy if we went to Gino’s. They’ve got excellent coffee and it’s such a relaxing atmosphere.
John
No way, Mary! You’re wrong there. I think going to a café is just boring! It’s the sort of thing we can do every day! There’s nothing special about it, is there?
Mary
You’ve got a point there, I suppose, but what’s so special about eating fast food? People do that every day as well!
Paula
Yes, I agree, Mary. There’s nothing exciting about going to a fast food place. But I don’t want to go to a café either! Oh, well ... I think I’ll just stay at home and watch television since we can’t agree what to do.
Mary
Well, I don’t know about that! Tell you what – come round to my flat and I’ll cook for the three of us. My mum has just sent me some of her Italian recipes – they all seem easy to cook and they are bound to be tasty! Do you both agree to that?
John
Absolutely!
Paula
Me too!