Lesson 8 -- Ted Forms a Rock Band

Speak English Like an American -- Lesson 8

Ted plans to become a successful musician. First, he needs Susan to loan him money for a new guitar. Susan suggests that Ted bake cookies to earn the money.
Susan: You're in good spirits today, Ted.
Ted: I've got great news, mom.
Susan: What is it?
Ted: Amber and I are going to start a rock band.
Susan: Good for you !
Ted: Mom, I'm not going to beat around the bush . I need to borrow $1000 for a new guitar.
Susan: Ted, your father and I can't shell out that much. We aren't made of money .
Ted: You're not? I thought you were millionaires, like Donald and Ivana Trump.
Susan: Ha ha, this is no time to be a wise guy !
Ted: I promise I'll pay you back.
Susan: How?
Ted: We are going to take the music world by storm and make lots of money.
Susan: That sounds like a pipe dream . Aren't high school rock bands a dime a dozen ?
Ted: Yeah, but we are different. With my guitar playing and Amber's beautiful voice, we are sure to make a splash .
Susan: Well, we are going through hard times . You are going to have to work for that $1000.
Ted: How?
Susan: You can bake cookies.
Ted: I bet Mrs. Clapton never made Eric bake cookies. But I guess those are the breaks .

Idioms,

(to)beat around the bush – to talk around the subject; to avoid getting to the point

Dime a dozen – so plentiful as to be nothing special; common

Good for you! – good job! Well-done!

Hard times – a time of difficulty

(to be) in good spirits – happy; in a good mood

Made of money – very rich

(to) make a splash – to win popularity quickly

(to) pay (someone) back – tp repay a loan or debt

Pipe dream – an unrealistic hope

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Mastering a language is a lifelong effort that requires breaking bad habit and holding on to persistance.
I have spent one hour to practice this short article in the morning. Here is my recording.
I have paid special attention to the words -"promise" and "world" , Hope I have corrected it.