I can’t imagine why

Welcome to English as a Second Language Podcast Number 185, “Ways to Pay.”

You’re listening to English as a Second Language Podcast Episode 185. I am your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California. Remember to visit our website at eslpod.com for the Learning Guide that goes with this podcast. It includes the complete transcript, all of the vocabulary, additional definitions and uses, and cultural notes.

Today’s podcast is about the ways, or manner, that you can pay for something at a store. Let’s get started.

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 overdrawn, too. Do you have a debit card or cash? We also accept personal checks.

Peter: Like I said, I think it must be bank