Troubleshooting a Damaged Disc
A customer returns a movie and claims the disc was scratched or not playing correctly. They need to explain the issue to the clerk and discuss options for exchange or refund.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
returning
The act of giving back something you borrowed or rented, like a movie disc. Use it when you go to a store to return an item.
trouble
A problem or difficulty. In this context, it means an issue with the rented movie not working properly.
freezing
When a video or computer stops moving and gets stuck on one frame. Common in tech or media issues.
skipping
When a video jumps over parts and doesn't play smoothly. Often due to damage on a disc.
scratches
Small marks or lines on a surface, like a disc, that can cause it to not work. Check for them when returning damaged items.
damaged
Broken or harmed in a way that affects its use. Use this to describe items that are faulty, like a scratched disc.
refund
Getting your money back for a purchase or rental. Ask for it when an item is defective and you don't want a replacement.
exchange
Swapping one item for another similar one. Useful when you want the same product but a working version.
waive
To cancel or forgive a fee or charge. Stores might waive it as a courtesy for customer issues.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hi, I'm returning this movie, 'The Great Escape.' I rented it yesterday, but I had some trouble with it.
This is a polite way to start a return. It uses present continuous 'I'm returning' for the current action and past simple 'rented' and 'had' for what happened before. Useful for beginning conversations at rental stores when explaining problems.
What kind of trouble did you have?
A question to ask for more details about a problem. It uses 'what kind of' to specify the type of issue and past simple 'did you have' for experiences. Good for service roles to show empathy and gather information.
It kept freezing and skipping, especially towards the middle.
Describes ongoing problems with a disc using 'kept' (past continuous for repeated actions) and adverbs like 'especially' for emphasis. Helpful for explaining technical issues clearly in complaints.
So, what are my options? Can I get a different copy, or a refund?
Asks about choices after a problem. 'What are my options' is a common phrase for alternatives, and the 'or' connects two possibilities. Use this when seeking solutions like exchange or money back.
We can either exchange it for another copy... or I can process a full refund for you.
Offers alternatives using 'either...or' structure for choices. 'Process a refund' means to handle the return of money. Practical for customer service to politely give options without pressure.
Do you happen to have another copy available right now?
A polite way to ask if something is in stock, using 'happen to' for a soft, indirect request and 'available right now' for immediacy. Use in stores to check without sounding demanding.
We'll waive the late fee for this return.
Promises to cancel a penalty fee using 'waive' and future 'will' for assurance. Shows goodwill in service; useful when compensating customers for issues.