Dialogue and Multiple Choice Questions: Having a Hard Time Finding a Job

Original Conversation

Mark: Hi Peter! How are you doing these days?
Peter: Oh, Hi Mark. I'm not doing very well, actually.

Mark: I'm sorry to hear that. What seems to be the problem?
Peter: ... you know I've been looking for work. I can't seem to find a job.

Mark: That's too bad. Why did you leave your last job?
Peter: Well, my boss treated me badly, and I didn't like my chances of advancing in the company.

Mark: That makes sense. A job without opportunities AND a difficult boss isn't very attractive.
Peter: Exactly! So, anyway, I decided to quit and find a new job. I sent out my resume to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, I've only had two interviews so far.

Mark: Have you tried looking online for a job?
Peter: Yes, but so many of the jobs require moving to another city. I don't want to do that.

Mark: I can understand that. How about going to some of those networking groups?
Peter: I haven't tried those. What are they?

Mark: They're groups of people who are also looking for work. They help each other discover new opportunities.
Peter: That sounds great. I'll definitely try some of those.

Mark: I'm glad to hear that. So, what are you doing here?
Peter: Oh, I'm shopping for a new suit. I want to make the best impression possible at my job interviews!

Mark: There you go. That's the spirit. I'm sure things will look up for you soon.
Peter: Yes, you're probably right. I hope so!

Reported Conversation

Mark: I saw Peter today.
Susan: How's he doing?

Mark: Not too well, I'm afraid.
Susan: Why's that?

Mark: He told me had been looking for work, but hadn't found a job.
Susan: That surprises me. Was he fired or did he quit his last job?

Mark: He told me his boss had treated him badly. He also said he didn't like his chances of advancing in the company.
Susan: Quitting doesn't sound like a very wise decision to me.

Mark: That's true. But he's been working hard at finding a new job.
Susan: What's he done?

Mark: He said he had sent out his resumes to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, he told me that only two had called him for an interview.
Susan: That's tough.

Mark: Tell me about it. However, I gave him some advice and I hope it helps.
Susan: What did you suggest?

Mark: I suggested joining a networking group.
Susan: That's a great idea.

Mark: Yes, well, he told me he would try a few groups.
Susan: Where did you see him?

Mark: I saw him at the mall. He told me he was shopping for a new suit.
Susan: What?! Buying new clothes and no work!

Mark: No, no. He said he wanted to make the best impression possible at his job interviews.
Susan: Oh, that makes sense.

More Dialogue Practice - Includes level and target structures/language functions for each dialogue.