ESL Podcast 185 – Ways to Pay

I was at the store, and when the clerk finished ringing me up, I had a few problems.

Clerk: Your total comes to $79.42.

Peter: Do you take credit cards?

Clerk: Yes, we take Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Peter: Here’s my Visa.

Clerk: Hmm…I’m sorry but your card has been declined.

Peter: Oh, I can’t imagine why. I’m sure it’s just a mistake. Here, use my MasterCard.

Clerk: Well, sir, it looks like this one is overdrawn¹, too. Do you have a debit² card or cash? We also accept personal checks.

Peter: Like I said, I think it must be bank error. Yeah, I have a debit card, but I think there’s a fee for using it, right?

Clerk: Yes, I think the bank charges you a small fee.

Peter: In that case, I’ll write a check. Oh no, I forgot my checkbook at home. Can you hold these items for me? I can run to an ATM to get some cash. I’ll come right back.

Clerk: Sure. I can hold it for you until the end of the day.

Peter: Okay, great. I’ll be right back.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 overdrawn   

透支( overdraw的过去分词 )； (overdraw的过去分词)

参考例句：

• The characters in this novel are rather overdrawn. 这本小说中的人物描写得有些夸张。
• His account of the bank robbery is somewhat overdrawn. 他对银行抢案的叙述有些夸张。

2 debit   

n.借方，借项，记人借方的款项

参考例句：

• To whom shall I debit this sum?此款应记入谁的账户的借方？
• We undercharge Mr.Smith and have to send him a debit note for the extra amount.我们少收了史密斯先生的钱，只得给他寄去一张借条所要欠款。