ANE: Hi, Helen! How’s it going?
HELEN: Fine, thanks — and you?
JANE: Just fine. Where are you off to?
HELEN: To the library. I’ve got a history exam next week and need to start studying. Ugh.
JANE: Oh, no. Well, I’ll see you later then. Good luck!
HELEN: Thanks. See you later.
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LANGUAGE NOTES
• “Hi” is an informal way of saying “hello.” Notice that the “i” sound in “hi” is extended, to show that Jane is very pleased to see Helen.
• “How’s it going?” is an informal way of saying “How are you?”
• “Fine, thanks—and you?” Notice the rising intonation on “and you?” This shows that Helen is interested in what Jane has to say.
• “Where are you off to?” is an informal way of saying “Where are you going?” Notice the falling intonation since this is an information question, not a “yes/no” question.
• “To the library.” Notice that Helen does not say “I’m going” here because that information was already established in the question “Where are you off to?”
• “Oh, no” is a way of saying “I sympathize with you” or “I understand you are not happy.”
• “See you later” is an informal way of saying “goodbye.”
