I’d like to rent a car for my business trip

Conversation

Dialog

Alice: Good morning! Welcome to Speedy Rentals. How can I help you today?

Ryan: Hi! I’d like to rent a car for my business trip.

Alice: Of course. Will you be picking it up today?

Ryan: Yes, my pickup time is 10 a.m., and I’ll return it on Friday around 3 p.m.

Alice: Got it. That makes your drop-off time Friday at 3 p.m. Would you prefer an automatic or manual transmission?

Ryan: Definitely automatic. I’m not used to driving manual.

Alice: No problem. Our daily rate for a mid-size sedan is $45. Would you like to add GPS or a Wi-Fi hotspot? That’s an additional fee of $10 per day.

Ryan: I’ll skip those. But do I need to return the car with a full tank?

Alice: Yes, please. If not, we’ll charge a fuel replacement fee. Also, please be aware of possible late fees if you return the car past your scheduled time.

Ryan: Understood. And what happens if there’s any damage?

Alice: We’ll inspect the vehicle before and after the rental. If there’s any new damage, the security deposit may be used to cover repairs.

Ryan: Got it. Sounds good. Let’s go ahead with the rental.

Alice: Perfect. I just need your driver’s license and credit card.

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Vocabulary

• Rent – To pay to use something temporarily.
  Example: I’d like to rent a car for three days.

• Pickup time – The scheduled time when you get the rental car.
  Example: My pickup time is 10:00 a.m.

• Drop-off time – The scheduled time when you return the car.
  Example: Drop-off time is Friday at 3:00 p.m.

• Manual transmission – A car that requires the driver to change gears using a clutch and stick.
  Example: I can’t drive a manual transmission.

• Automatic transmission – A car that changes gears automatically.
  Example: I prefer automatic transmission—it’s easier.

• Daily rate – The price you pay to rent the car for one day.
  Example: What’s the daily rate for this SUV?

• Additional fee – Extra money charged for extra services or conditions.
  Example: There’s an additional fee for GPS.

• Full tank – A completely filled fuel tank.
  Example: Please return the car with a full tank.

• Late fee – An extra charge if you return the car late.
  Example: There’s a $20 late fee per hour.

• Damage – Physical harm to the car like dents or scratches.
  Example: We will inspect the car for any damage.

• Security deposit – Money held temporarily in case of damage or rule violations.
  Example: The security deposit is $300 and will be refunded.

• Pick up – The act of collecting or receiving the rental car.
  Example: Where do I pick up the car?

• I’m not used to – I’m not familiar or comfortable with something.
  Example: I’m not used to driving a manual car.

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Exercises

Vocabulary

1. What does it mean to rent a car?

A) To buy it permanently
B) To borrow it for free
C) To use it temporarily for a fee
D) To repair it

2. What is your pickup time?

A) The time you buy the car
B) The time you take the car from the rental agency
C) The time you return the car
D) The time you pay the bill

3. What is your drop-off time?

A) When you take a break
B) When you call the company
C) When you return the rental car
D) When you get your deposit back

4. What does a car with manual transmission need?

A) A GPS
B) An electric battery
C) Gear shifting by the driver
D) Self-driving system

5. An automatic transmission car:

A) Needs the driver to shift gears
B) Changes gears by itself
C) Can only drive in the city
D) Has no brakes

6. What does daily rate mean?

A) The cost of lunch
B) The fuel price
C) The cost per day of renting the car
D) The cost of parking

7. What is an additional fee?

A) A discount you get
B) A fee added for extra services
C) A payment for washing the car
D) The refund you receive

8. What is a full tank?

A) A completely filled gas tank
B) A bag for your clothes
C) A new engine
D) A free parking spot

9. What is a late fee?

A) A bonus for early return
B) A charge for returning the car late
C) A fee for using a phone
D) A tax included in the rate

10. What does damage mean?

A) A clean car
B) A car with strong brakes
C) Physical harm or scratches on the car
D) A change of tires

11. A security deposit is:

A) A payment for extra insurance
B) A gift from the rental agency
C) A fee for using the car abroad
D) Money held in case of damage

12. To pick up the car means:

A) Wash the car
B) Leave the car at the airport
C) Take the car from the rental location
D) Call the police

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Fill in the blanks

Complete the sentences using the words from the vocabulary list:

Words to use: rent – pickup time – drop-off time – manual transmission – automatic transmission – additional fee – full tank – late fee – damage – security deposit – pick up – daily rate – I’m not used to

1. I’d like to ______ a car for my weekend trip.

2. What time is your ______?

3. The ______ for this car is $50.

4. Please return the car with a ______, or you’ll be charged.

5. There’s a $25 ______ if you return the car late.

6. I can’t drive this car; ______ driving manual.

7. You can ______ the car at the downtown office.

8. Do I have to pay an ______ for GPS?

9. We need to check the car for any ______ before you leave.

10. A $300 ______ is required to rent this vehicle.

11. My ______ is Monday at 3:00 p.m.

12. I prefer ______ because it’s easier in traffic.

13. This car has a ______, so you’ll need to shift gears manually.

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Reading comprehension

1. Where does this conversation take place?

A) At the hotel front desk
B) At a rental car counter in Chicago
C) Inside a restaurant
D) In a taxi office

2. Why did Ryan choose an automatic transmission?

A) It was cheaper
B) He had no other option
C) He’s not used to driving manual
D) He wants to go faster

3. How much is the daily rate for the car?

A) $55
B) $200
C) $35
D) $75

4. What is the total security deposit required?

A) $55
B) $100
C) $0
D) $200

5. What happens if Ryan returns the car without a full tank?

A) He gets a reward
B) He pays a fuel fee
C) The deposit is returned
D) Nothing happens

6. What extra feature did Ryan decide to pay for?

A) Wi-Fi
B) A map
C) GPS
D) Baby seat

7. How many days will Ryan keep the car?

A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Five

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8. What does Alice ask Ryan to do before leaving with the car?

A) Take a photo with the car
B) Call his company
C) Sign a new contract
D) Check for damage

9. What does Ryan do after everything is confirmed?

A) Pays in cash
B) Walks away without a car
C) Picks up the keys and starts his trip
D) Goes to the hotel

10. What will happen if Ryan returns the car late?

A) He will get a free day
B) He will be charged a late fee
C) He will lose the GPS
D) He will keep the deposit

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Homework

Role play

Work with a partner to create a new dialogue at a car rental counter. Be creative and make it realistic, one of you will play the traveler, and the other will be the rental car attendant.

Make sure to include the following words in your conversation:

• rent

• pickup time

• drop-off time

• manual transmission

• automatic transmission

• daily rate

• additional fee

• full tank

• late fee

• damage

• security deposit

• pick up

• I’m not used to

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Life experience

1. Have you ever rented a car while traveling for business or vacation? What was the process like, and did you face any challenges?

2. Have you ever had to choose between a manual and an automatic transmission when renting or borrowing a car? Which did you choose, and why?

3. Have you ever had to pay an additional fee or a late fee when using a rental service (car, bike, equipment, etc.)? What happened, and what did you learn from the experience?

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Done

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