B1 · Dining Problems and Solutions
Verifying an Overcharged Service Fee
- CEFR level:
- B1
- Sentences:
- 12
- Duration:
- 1 min
- Speakers:
- Tom & Emma
"Verifying an Overcharged Service Fee" is a B1-level English conversation about dining problems and solutions, 12 lines long (about 1 minute) between Tom & Emma. Read the full script below with the translation next to each line, then try speaking one of the roles out loud.
Dialogue script
Each entry shows the English sentence first, with the translation on the line below it. To practise speaking, cover the translation and repeat after the audio.
- Line 1Tom 0:00
The bill includes a service fee twice, and totals look wrong.
- Line 2Emma 0:04
Can we compare item lines before talking to the cashier?
- Line 3Tom 0:08
I checked quickly, and both subtotal and final fee include it.
- Line 4Emma 0:12
Then we should request clarification with the receipt in hand.
- Line 5Tom 0:16
I worry they think we're arguing over a tiny amount.
- Line 6Emma 0:19
It's not about tiny money; it's about transparent billing.
- Line 7Tom 0:23
I'll ask calmly, "Could you explain these two service entries?"
- Line 8Emma 0:27
If it's a system bug, ask for corrected printout.
- Line 9Tom 0:31
We'll pay immediately after correction to avoid queue pressure.
- Line 10Emma 0:35
I'll photograph both versions for our expense record.
- Line 11Tom 0:39
If they refuse correction, we'll request manager review politely.
- Line 12Emma 0:43
Good, clear process keeps the conversation respectful.
Native audio, line-by-line recording and pronunciation scoring for this dialogue are in the EngTalk app.
Key vocabulary
Content words from this dialogue, ranked by the CEFR level at which they appear across the whole 500-dialogue library. Function words and proper nouns are excluded.
- compare /kəmˈpɛr/ verb
to examine similarities and differences between things
- arguing /ˈɑrɡjuɪŋ/ verb
exchanging or expressing divergent opinions; having a verbal dispute
- tiny /ˈtaɪni/ adjective
very small
- money /ˈmʌni/ noun
coins, bills, or funds used to buy things
- calmly /ˈkɑmli/ adverb
in a quiet, relaxed, and peaceful manner
- explain /ɪkˈspleɪn/ verb
make something clear by describing it
- correction /kəˈrɛkʃən/ noun
a change that fixes an error
- pressure /ˈprɛʃər/ noun
force, stress, or strong influence
- refuse /rɪˈfjuz/ verb
to say no or not accept
- process /ˈprɑsɛs/ noun, verb
a series of actions; to handle or prepare something
- conversation /ˌkɑnvɚˈseɪʃən/ noun
a talk between two or more people in which thoughts and feelings are expressed
- respectful /rɪˈspɛktfəl/ adjective
showing respect