Daily English 1284 - Discovering a Minor Theft

Complete Lesson

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Dialogue/Story

Slow Speed begins at: 0:59
Explanation begins at: 3:46
Normal Speed begins at: 16:47

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Maria: What’s going on here? I came as soon as I got your phone call. Why are you holding onto my son like that?

Storeowner: I am restraining your son because I caught him shoplifting. I thought you’d like to be here when I called the police.

Maria: There’s no need for that. He’s not a delinquent.

Storeowner: He is from my standpoint. Theft is a serious crime.

Maria: I know it is and I’ll make restitution. Please give him a second chance. Please don’t call the police.

Storeowner: Well, it’s not the value of what he’s stolen that’s important. It’s the fact that he committed an offense.

Maria: Please let me pay for it and I’ll make sure he never enters your store again. What did he take and how much do I owe you?

Storeowner: I told you that it’s not the cost of the item. It’s the principle.

Maria: What exactly did my son take?

Storeowner: He ate a grape.

Maria: One grape?

Storeowner: Yes, before I stopped him. He could have eaten the entire fruit stand if I hadn’t been vigilant.

Maria: All this over one grape?

Storeowner: You should be thanking me for alerting you to this behavior. As a parent, you know you need to nip these things in the bud. Today it’s a grape; tomorrow it’s a car!

Maria: [sigh] Okay, how much do I owe you for one grape?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Category: Daily Life