EnglishPod

Daily Life - Tools #D0124

A: Alright, ladies and gentlemen. We’ve been hired to build a deck on this here house, and turn this boring and drab lawn into a backyard oasis. There is one catch, though. We’ve only got one day to finish this, so I’m gonna need everyone to give one hundred and ten percent today. It’s going to be tough, but we’ve got a great team here, and I know that together we can tackle this project. That being said, let’s get to work!

B: That’s right. Now, remember, we’ve been over the plans, but we really need to make sure that everything is up to code. The home inspectors here are pretty thorough, so please make sure you follow the plans exactly. And remember the carpenter’s rule of thumb: measure twice and cut once.

A: Okay, guys. Let’s get at it. Bob! Pass me that hammer! The nails won’t go in; the wood is too hard. I think I’m gonna need the nail gun. That did it!

C: Do me a favor and help me cut this two-by-four, will ya? Pass me the circular saw, and grab hold of the end of the board. Now help me drill some holes in it so we can place the bolts.

B: I think you should sand the edges. Look at all these splinters, someone could get hurt. Geez...you gotta take pride in your work!

C: Yeah, you’re right. Pass me the sander and I’ll take care of it.

A: Julia! Get over here with the level, measuring tape and that box of screws!

C: Oh, no! Look out below!

Key Vocabulary

table saw - a circular saw mounted under a table or bench so that large pieces of wood could be cut

to give one hundred and ten percent - to try your best

moulding - a decorative strip used for ornamentation or finishing on the edges of a wall

two-by-four - a piece of wood that is 2 inches thick and 4 inches wide

drywall - a wall or ceiling constructed of a prefabricated material, such as plasterboard or paneling

take pride in your work - let your effort be a reflection of your skill

Supplementary Vocabulary

contractor - a person or firm that supplies materials or labour for other companies

plans - set of actions to complete a task

carpenter - a person who makes or repairs wooden structures

measuring tape - a tool used to measure how long something is