Does this sound natural? (to clean the room) Coming into her room is always hit-or-miss. Today, it's spotlessly clean with nothing out of place and it looks like a bomb has hit tomorrow. You never know what to expect from her.

Does this sound natural? (fail an exam) The examiner failed him because he hadn't answered enough questions. His arguements were vague and open to interpretation.

Does this sound natural? (a new job) - How’s your new job? Are you settling in OK? - Well, I'm still finding my feet. As a matter of fact, it's not easy to be the new kid on the block. I just think that two weeks is not enough to get the hand of all these computer features.

Does this sound natural? (at the rink) - I’m a miserable failure at skating. The last time I was skating at the rink, I slipped and fell head over heels. My sprained ankle was swollen badly and I had to walk with a stick for a few days after. - I bet that was painful. But, it could have been worse. You might have torn the ligaments, falling on the ice like that.

Does this sound natural? (a choosy girl) - She is so indecisive, so fussy. She lays two dresses on the bed and spends hours trying to decide which one to wear, not to mention make-up! It’s no wonder we are always late. - Oh, man, what a drag! Girls are just spoilt for choice these days.

Does this sound natural? (a career in teaching) - What do you do for a living? I remember you were determined to pursue a career in science. - I had only limited success in research. It turned out a bit dull and unrewarding. I’ve made a good career in teaching, though.

Does it sound natural? Storm - What's the weather like? - Awful. It's pouring down and the wind is picking up now. A few blocks away the wind snapped a tree in two, missing a car by inches.