Listen
Feifei has finally bought a laptop and is grateful for Finn's advice. But was he really helpful? Listen to the programme to find out.
Will a bell and a whistle do much for your machine?
The script for this programme
Feifei: Hi Finn. I'm so happy. I finally bought that laptop I was so keen on.
Finn: That's great, Feifei. It took you a long time to decide on the brand, the model... and even the colour, didn't it?
Feifei: Yes, I know. But there are so many options on the market... Every computer has its good and bad points, but I followed your advice!
Finn: My advice?
Feifei: Yes, your very good advice! Let me take the laptop out of the bag and show you...
Finn: Bells?!
Feifei: Yes, bells! Aren't they lovely?
Finn: And what on earth are those?
Feifei: Those are whistles!
Feifei: And this one, too.
Finn: Feifei, the laptop is a good one. This is the latest model of a very good brand...
Feifei: Yes, it is! And you told me to buy one with all the bells and whistles!
Finn: Yes, but when I said that, I didn't mean actual bells and whistles. In English, when you say 'bells and whistles', you mean something extra, like all the add-ons and gadgets.
Feifei: No whistles? And no bells?
Finn: I'm afraid not. 'Bells and whistles' is today's expression in The English We Speak. Let's hear some examples of how it's used.
- My neighbour is very jealous of me. I've just bought a car with all the bells and whistles! It's even got a mug holder for my coffee by the dashboard!
- I don't need a mobile phone with the latest bells and whistles. They add to the cost and all I do is answer calls and send text messages.
Feifei: Well, even if you didn't mean actual bells and whistles, Finn, you gave me good advice.
Finn: Oh? How come?
Feifei: When I left the shop, with my brand new laptop, a mugger tried to steal it from me.
Finn: Oh, that's terrible, Feifei!
Feifei: Yes, I know. But I managed to unzip my bag, shook the laptop and blew the whistle. A policeman who was nearby heard the noise; he rushed over and arrested the mugger!
Finn: Oh, that's brilliant! Well, maybe I should attach some bells and whistles to my laptop, too.
Feifei: Yes. A computer with all the bells and whistles is great, I say!
Finn: OK. Bye.
Feifei: Bye.
