PROFESSOR: Now, you seem to have thought about everything so what exactly did you need me to help you with?

JOHN: Well, my design has made it to the final stage of the competition and, in a few months’ time. I have to give a presentation, and that’s the part I was hoping you could help me with.

PROFESSOR: Right, well that should be easy enough. What have you managed to do so far?

JOHN: Well, I’ve got detailed drawings to show how it will work and I’ve also written a 500-word paper on it.

PROFESSOR: I see. Well, if you want to stand a good chance of winning you really need a model of the machine.

JOHN: Yes, I thought I might but I’m having a few problems.

PROFESSOR: What is the main difficulty so far? Let me guess – is it the materials?

JOHN: Yes. I want it to look professional but everything that’s top quality is also very expensive.

PROFESSOR: Look, projects like this are very important to us. They really help lift our profile. So why don’t you talk to the university about a grant? I can help you fill out the application forms if you like.

JOHN: That would be a great.

PROFESSOR: You’d better show me this paper you’ve written as well. For a global competition such as this you need to make sure the technical details you’ve given are accurate and thorough.

JOHN: That would be a great help.

PROFESSOR: Is there anything else I can do?

JOHN: Well, I’m really …