Library Time
Rahul visits the school library during his free period to borrow a storybook and learns the rules of using the library properly.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask Do you have a library card?
- Answer Yes, I got one on my first day here.
- Ask How many books can I borrow at once?
- Answer You can borrow up to two books at a time.
- Ask When is this book due for return?
- Answer The due date is written on the issue slip.
- Ask What happens if I return it late?
- Answer You'll have to pay a small fine for each overdue day.
- Ask Can I renew this book for another week?
- Answer Yes, as long as no one else has reserved it.
- Ask Where can I find books about space?
- Answer Check the catalogue — they're on the second bookshelf.
- Ask Is this book fiction or non-fiction?
- Answer It's fiction — it's a story about a magical forest.
- Ask Can I take the encyclopedia home?
- Answer No, that's part of the reference section and stays in the library.
- Ask Why is it so quiet in here?
- Answer We keep silence in the library so everyone can read peacefully.
- Ask Where's a good place to sit and read?
- Answer Try the reading corner near the window — it's very comfortable.
Dialogue
RahulExcuse me, could you help me find a good storybook?
LibrarianOf course. Do you have your library card with you?
RahulYes, here it is. I like adventure stories.
LibrarianGreat, adventure fiction is on the third bookshelf, near the reading corner.
RahulThank you! How long can I keep this book?
LibrarianTwo weeks. The due date will be printed on your issue slip.
RahulWhat if I need more time to finish it?
LibrarianYou can renew it once, as long as no one else has reserved it.
RahulPerfect. And please remind me to keep silence while reading here.
LibrarianThat's the spirit. Enjoy your book!
Common mistakes
- Saying "I want borrow this book" instead of "I want to borrow this book."
- Saying "return date" loosely instead of the more precise "due date."
- Saying "pay fine" instead of "pay a fine."
- Saying "renew the book one more time" instead of "renew the book for one more week."
- Saying "keep the silent" instead of "keep silence."
- Saying "this book is non fiction book" instead of "this is a non-fiction book."
Quick quiz
1. What is a "due date"?
2. What does "overdue" mean?
3. What is the "reference section"?
4. Complete: "He used a ___ to save his page."
5. What does "renew" a book mean?
6. What is "fiction"?
Practise speaking and listening
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