Unit One Personal Relationships(1)
Part One Viewing, Understanding, and Speaking
Video Script
Julia: Oh, my God! Hi, guys. How are you? Sorry to keep you waiting for long. How's life? You're OK? Here we go.
Mike: I really do. It seems to work that way.
Julia: Thanks.
Mike: So how are you?
Julia: I'm fine. How are you?
Mike: Good. Good.
Julia: So what were you guys talking about?
Carlos: We were just talking about the ideal roommate.
Julia: Oh.
Jane: Julia, you have three roommates.
Julia: Oh, yeah.
Jane: What do you think makes an ideal roommate?
Julia: Hmm. Well, I want my roommate to be a neat person, as I want everything to be in order. I don't like to see our rooms in a mess.
Mike: You want a neat person. I'd like my roommate to be very thoughtful. This is important because people who live together need to help each other. For example, if I were sick and it was my turn to clean the living room, my roommate would do it for me. And I would not hesitate to ask him to do a favor for me. In fact, I'm lucky. I've a roommate like that right now.
Carlos: So you mean you like a helpful roommate, and he can always give you a hand when you are in trouble. If you ask me, I would like someone who is interesting.
Jane: You mean who shares your interests?
Carlos: Not only that. I mean he is really intelligent and interested in learning new things. He has different experiences from me and can share ideas with me. This roommate and I, we would immediately tell each other everything, and in this way become closer. It's a natural closeness, not something we have to work on. So just give me somebody really intelligent, and we can work together. Julia: So you are actually looking for a friend, not a roommate. A roommate doesn't have to be your best friend. If you have such high expectations of him, you might be disappointed. A roommate is different from a friend. If you want to look for a friend, he doesn't have to be your roommate.
Jane: So far, no one has mentioned honesty and I think that honesty is really important. Do you all agree with me on this?
Julia: Oh, yeah.
Mike: Yes, I agree with you. You have to live with your roommate for a long time. If you don't trust him, how could you be happy? But if my roommate is honest, then I would want him for my friend. Now, personally, I am unwilling to live with a quiet person. I mean a person who is silent and has nothing interesting to share with me. Such a person would make me feel unhappy.
Julia: Then how about a good sense of humor? Do you think it is important?
Carlos: Yes, I think it's important. Wouldn't it be wonderful to live with someone who sees the humor in everything? You'd have so much fun together, and you'd never be bored.
Mike: I agree with you, but it's impossible for a roommate to be perfect. I would hate for my roommate to want me to be perfect. Won't you? We should never demand too much of our roommates. Or we'll ruin our relationship, and we need to remember that. Julia: OK, let's be realistic and try to appreciate what we have now.
Part Two Listening,Understanding, and Speaking
Listening I
M = man W = woman
M: Hello, 776-2235.
W: Oh, good evening. It's Mrs. Richards here. I'm phoning from Number 65 next door.
M: Yes?
W: Well, I've been trying to sleep since eleven o'clock, but I'm afraid the noise from your house is so loud that it's quite impossible for me to do so.
M: Oh, sorry.
W: Would you mind asking your friends to be a little quieter and turn the music down? I'm sorry but it's absolutely deafening. M: Sorry. Yes, I will.
W: Thank you.
Listening II
One cold evening during the holiday season, a little boy about six or seven was standing out in front of a store window. The little child had no shoes and his clothes were old and torn. A young woman passing by saw the little boy and could read the longing in his pale blue eyes. She took the child by the hand and led him into the store. There she bought him some new shoes and warm clothes. They came back outside into the street and the woman said to the child, "Now you can go home and have a very happy holiday." The little boy looked up at her and asked, "Are you God, ma'am?"
She smiled down at him and replied, "No, son, I'm just one of his children."
The little boy then said, "I knew you had to be a relative of God."
Listening III
"Are you going to 181st Street?" asked an old woman.
The younger woman leaving the supermarket was in a hurry, but she stopped and turned to look. She saw an old lady with a small bag of groceries at her feet. She was breathing hard.
"If you're going toward 181st Street, could you carry my bag for me?"
"I don't have the time for this," the younger woman thought. But when she saw the old woman, who looked very tired, she said, "Of course."
The old woman took hold of the younger woman's arm and they walked together slowly and talked. They were neighbors but they didn't know each other. The old woman lived alone and the younger woman lived with her family. They talked about the difficulty of living in a big city: the younger woman talked about the cost of food and the problems of raising children, the older about loneliness.
They finally reached the old woman's apartment house. She seemed reluctant to go in. She reached into her purse. "Let me give you a dollar for your trouble," she said.
"Oh, no. It was no trouble."
"Well, we're neighbors," the old woman said. "We'll see each other again."
"I hope so."
The old woman took her bag and started to go in. Then she turned and said sadly, "But then, perhaps we'll never see each other again."
Unit One Personal Relationships(2)
Part Three More Listening
Practice One
Jane: Laurie, it seems incredible that you've been with Pete for five years.
Laurie: Can you believe it?
Jane: Yes, it's hard to believe. Well, I remember you used to say that you would do anything for him, absolutely anything, now do you still think so?
Laurie: I remember. People always say things like that when they fall in love, Jane.
Jane: Exactly, but I'm asking you now, after five years, would you do anything for him?
Laurie: No, not anything. Obviously, there are things I wouldn't do, just the other night, I said "forget it". But what do you have in mind? Give me an example.
Jane: OK, right, now let's think. Now, if um... OK, say he was wanted by the police, would you lie to protect him?
Laurie: Ooh, it'd depend on the crime I think. If it was a traffic ticket, probably. But no, ooh. Yes, I probably would actually even if it was a serious one—isn't that terrible? I just realized that about myself. Yes, I probably would, unless, of course, he did something to me.
Practice Two
Jane: Right. OK, we'll leave that one, Laurie. What about your career? Would you give up your career? If Pete wanted you to give up your job, would you do that?
Laurie: No, Jane, why could he possibly want me to give it up?
Jane: Well, I don't know, say if he was feeling threatened by your success or something like that.
Laurie: No, absolutely not.
Jane: But he might be, what if he really wanted you to give up your career? Would you?
Laurie: Of course not. Not for that reason, no. Because that would break us up eventually because of the resentment. I wouldn't ask him to give up his career, unless he changed careers and I don't know, say if he became a hit man or something.
Jane: What about if he, say if he found a new religion or something, that he was completely obsessed with it and he wanted you to convert to that religion, would you do that for him?
Laurie: He's a good Catholic boy, so I somehow can't see that happening. You mean like some cult or something? That I think would be the beginning of the end. If someone's so obsessive about religion, I think, then there's only room for that.
Jane: But if you loved him? And that was part of him.
Laurie: I'd let him go to his God.
Practice Three
Ed: Hey Rocky! You've been holding this wall up all night. Get out and dance with someone like that girl over there.
Rocky: No way, Ed!
Ed: Oh come on man! What kind of woman do you like?
Rocky: I want a woman that fulfills my every need, and that girl is not the right type.
Ed: Hey. Where have you been? Times are changing, and you're never going to find a woman that will shine your shoes and fill your beer mug all the time. Wake up!
Rocky: Oh really? I met a lot of women like that, just not at this party. Oh, I prefer women that stay home, cook, clean, and watch the kids.
Ed: Okay, but where do you fit into this wonder plan? I mean what are your household responsibilities once you get home from work?
Rocky: Hmm. Eat, watch TV, and throw out the trash.
Ed: Wait, wait, wait. I can't believe I'm hearing this. You're never going to get married. I recently read a news report that said that 40 percent of women don't think their husbands do their share around the house, and you seem to fit into that mold.
Rocky: That's interesting, but that doesn't change my point of view.
Ed: That's your problem. Well, I like women who are open-minded and have something interesting to say. Hey, and if I stick with you here, this is going to be a long, lonely night.
Practice Four
Norma: You know, Brian, it doesn't look like you've vacuumed the living room or cleaned the bathroom.
Brian: No, I haven't. Ugh. I had the worst day. I am so tired. Look, I promise I'll do it this weekend.
Norma: Listen, I know the feeling. I'm tired, too. But I came home and I did my share of the housework. I mean, that's the agreement, right?
Brian: All right. We agreed. I'll do it in a minute.
Norma: Come on. Don't be that way. You know, I shouldn't have to ask you to do anything. I mean, we both work, we both live in the house, we agreed that housework is... is both of our responsibility, I don't like to have to keep reminding you about it. It makes me feel like an old nag or something.
Brian: Sometimes you are an old nag.
Norma: Oh, great!
Brian: No, it's just that I don't notice when things get dirty like you do. Look, all you have to do is tell me, and I'll do it.
Norma: No, I don't want to be put in that position. I mean, you can see dirt as well as I can. Otherwise—I mean, that puts all the responsibility on me.
Brian: It's just that cleanliness is not a high priority with me. There are other things I would much rather do. Besides, the living room floor does not look that dirty.
Norma: Brian.
Brian: Okay, a couple crumbs.
Part Four Testing Y ourself
Section I
Jane: What kind of man would you like to marry, Sally?
Sally: I suppose I'd have to take two things into consideration: his personality and his background.
Jane: What would you look for?
Sally: Well, he'd have to be intelligent—I can't stand stupid people. He'd have to be hard-working, reliable, and down to earth(practical). I couldn't get along with someone who wasn't practical.
Jane: I like a man with a good sense of humor.
Sally: Oh, I do, too. He'd have to be good-natured. I have a terrible temper myself, and I don't think a marriage can work if both people are the same.
Jane: What did you mean when you said that background was important?
Sally: As far as I'm concerned, people who've been brought up in different environments think differently. They usually just can't understand each other well enough to get married.
Jane: Do you think that good looks are important?
Sally: In my opinion, that matters the least, though of course I couldn't marry an ugly man.
Section II
A few months ago, I moved into a very small flat after living for years with my parents. It is the first time I have ever had a place of my own and I am very fond of it, despite the lack of space. I had been there only for a few days when a friend phoned and begged me to let him stay for a while. He explained he had lost his job recently but was sure he would find another one very soon. Since I thought it would be only for a short time, I agreed.
More than a month has gone by and my friend shows no sign of moving out. There are only two small rooms in the flat, plus the small bathroom and tiny kitchen. He has more or less taken over the front room. I don't like sharing the bathroom, either. In fact, I just don't like other people living in my flat!
A few days ago, I decided that it was enough and that he would have to leave. I intended to tell him that I wanted the place to myself again, but he persuaded me to let him stay longer. He still hasn't found a job and can't afford to rent a place of his own. And there just doesn't seem to be anyone else he can stay with.
Of course, I'd like to help him. He is, after all, a friend! But there are limits, even to friendship. I don't know what I'll do if he is here much longer.
Section III
Ralph: Well, my parents are not going to be able to look after themselves, I'm afraid. So I have to decide what I'm going to do with them.
George: How old are they now, Ralph?
Ralph: They're approaching their seventies.
Gopal: Would you not have them living with you? Do you think you would want that?
Ralph: Absolutely not.
George: You wouldn't?
Ralph: Well, I'd rather not, no. I know that sounds selfish.
Gopal: That's interesting because in India, a lot of the grandparents live with their children and they play an important role in the home. They're not just there...
Ralph: ... But is that because they've always been in the home, Gopal?
Gopal: They have, true.
Ralph: That's the difference. To me it would be very unnatural to suddenly have them back and in my world.
George: Would you think of putting them in a retirement home?
Ralph: Um, yeah, that would be what I'd like to do.
George: Is that unthinkable to you, Gopal?
Gopal: Well, it's interesting because my parents are very independent. But I would feel happier if they came to me, then you know because my husband isn't Indian, it would be quite unusual. How about you, George?
George: I'm just like Ralph. I'm a long way from my parents; the idea of them living with me does seem pretty weird. But the terrible thing about retirement homes is that they're full of old people and if I were an old person, I would hate to be surrounded just by old people.
Ralph: I think the best alternative idea is to have a "granny flat", that is, to have a house next door.
Gopal: Next door but separate enough to live in your own little space...
Unit Two Remembering and Forgetting
Part One Viewing, Understanding, and Speaking
Video Script
Helen: Jason.
Jason: Yes, Mom?
Helen: Didn't you have something you had to do tonight?
Jason: Hmm, I can't think of anything.
Helen: You told me you had an article to turn in tomorrow. Did you finish it?
Jason: Oh, yeah, I was supposed to write an article for the high-school paper.
Helen: You'd better get to work on it right now. It's 8 o'clock.
Jason: I can't think of anything to write about.
Helen: Can't you write an article about how you feel about graduation?
Jason: That's a good idea. I'll go and work on it. Hmm, by the way, how did you feel about graduating from high school?
Helen: Me? A little scared and excited, too.
Jason: I feel the same way. I'm scared of leaving home and going to college.
Helen: Don't worry about that. Leaving home is part of growing up. Besides, you'd better get to work on your article.
Jason: OK.
(About one and a half hours later.)
Jason: Mom, where is the typing paper? I can't find any.
Helen: It's in Dad's study. I'll go and get some for you.
(Michael is in the study. He is working on his computer when Helen knocks on his door.)
Michael: Who is it?
Helen: Helen.
Michael: Come on in, honey.
Helen: Jason needs some typing paper. He's writing an article. (Helen takes out some typing paper from the printer.) How was your work going?
Michael: I'm still preparing tomorrow's presentation. What time is it, Helen?
Helen: (She looks at her watch.) It's about 9: 30. Well, don't work too late.
(The next morning, Michael and Jason are getting ready to leave for the company and school.)
Michael: Helen, where is my new grey coat? I can't find it anywhere.
Helen: It's in the closet.
Jason: Mom, where is my mathematics textbook? I left it on the desk several days ago and it's gone.
Helen: I put it in the second drawer of your desk.
Michael: Honey, where is my briefcase? I put all my presentation papers in it.
Helen: It's beside your desk on the right side. All your papers are in it from last night.
Michael:(He finishes dressing and starts to leave.) You know something, honey? I can always count on you. You always know where everything is.
Helen: That's why everyone says I'm Mrs. Perfect Memory. Hurry up, or you'll be late. Ah, don't forget your briefcase, Michael. Michael: Bye-bye.
Helen:Bye.
(When Michael comes home, Helen is busy preparing dinner in the kitchen. Helen finds that Michael is in a bad mood, so she goes to the living room and sits beside Michael.)
Helen: Hi, honey, what's the matter, Michael? You look depressed.
Michael: Mr. Smith decided not to put the new product on the market yet. A whole month's work turned out to be useless for now. Helen: Don't worry too much, Michael. Everything will be just fine. At least you can take some time off now. You've been working too hard lately.
Michael: Maybe later on, but I'd like to go over that presentation again.
Helen: Why don't you come and see what I'm fixing for you for dinner? I think you'll like it.
(Helen walks into the kitchen.)
Helen: Oh, my goodness. I forgot to turn the oven on. Now we can't have that famous pumpkin pie because it would take too long to bake now.
Michael: (He smiles.) Well, imagine that. Mrs. Perfect Memory finally made a mistake and forgot to turn on the oven.
Part Two Listening,Understanding, and Speaking
Listening I
A math professor was very absent-minded. When he moved from Cambridge to Newton, his wife, knowing that he would forget that they had moved and where they had moved to, wrote down the new address on a piece of paper and gave it to him.
During the day, the professor had an idea in solving a math problem. He reached in his pocket, found the piece of paper and started to write on it. Then he thought it over and realized that there was a mistake in his idea. So he threw the piece of paper away.
At the end of the day he went home (to the old address in Cambridge, of course). When he got there, he realized that they had moved. However, he had no idea where they had moved to, and the piece of paper with the address was long gone.
Fortunately, there was a young girl on the street. He went to her and asked, "Excuse me, perhaps you know me. I lived in this house until this morning, and we've just moved. Would you know where we've moved to?"
The young girl replied, "Yes, Daddy, Mommy thought you would forget, so I came to meet you."
Listening II
The Absent-Minded Me
I will tell you a story of what happened to me
When my father once lent me his car.
Of all the foolish things that I've ever done,
This was the most foolish, by far.
We arrived at the school, my brother and I,
And I put the car keys away.
I was feeling quite lucky as I started
To go to my classes that day.
But at some point in time,
For some reason I completely forgot
That the car I had driven to school
Was still parked in the lot.
When at last the long school day was over
I walked out the back with a shout,
And continued, while talking with my good friend,
To walk home on my usual route.
I entered the house and asked, "Dad, where's your car?
I have a meeting I don't want to miss."
I realized right then from the look on his face
That he didn't think I'd say this.
I noticed a smile in his eyes
And he laughed in a humorous way.
He simply replied,
"You drove it to school just today."
The next sound I heard was uncontrolled laughter
Which had to be coming from Mother.
She managed to say in her usual way,
"We'd better go bring home your brother."
Part Three More Listening
Practice One
For an anniversary gift, my friend Nathan decided to give his parents a specially monogrammed quilt that said "The Wood Family—established ? ? /? ? /? ?" Unfortunately, he couldn't remember his parents' wedding date, so he dialed their home, and his father answered.
"Hi, Dad," Nathan said. "I need to know the date when you and Mom were married."
For the next several moments, the line was silent. Finally, Nathan heard his father's voice once again. "Carol, " he called out to his wife, "it's for you."
Practice Two
A large dog walks into a butcher's shop, carrying a purse in its mouth. He puts the purse down and sits in front of the meat case. "What is it, boy?" the butcher jokingly asks. "Want to buy some meat?"
"Woof!" barks the dog.
"Hmm," says the butcher. "What kind? Liver, bacon, steak..."
"Woof!" interrupts the dog.
"And how much steak? Half a pound, one pound, ..."
"Woof!" signals the dog. The amazed butcher wraps up the meat and finds the money in the dog's purse. As the dog leaves, he decides to follow. The dog enters an apartment house, climbs to the third floor and begins scratching at a door. With that, the door opens and an angry woman starts shouting at the dog.
"Stop!" yells the butcher. "He's the most intelligent animal I've ever seen!"
"Intelligent?" counters the woman. "This is the third time this week he's forgotten his key."
Practice Three
Memory seems to be a growing problem in my family. My wife has trouble remembering a number of things, including where she left her keys, whether she paid her credit card bill, when she visited her dentist last, and why she married me.
I have trouble remembering things, too, including appointments, anniversaries, and birthdays. My memory got me in big trouble last year: I couldn't remember the exact date of my wife's birthday. She was really upset, giving me no credit whatsoever for remembering the exact month.
I also have trouble remembering people's names. They introduce themselves to me and two seconds later I have no idea what to call them. "Hey you!" doesn't seem to please anyone, not even my sister.
If everybody worked on their memory, the world would have fewer problems. For example, the divorce rate—growing faster than my bald spot—would decrease. A married man who's tempted to have an affair would be able to remember what the ring on his finger means. And he might also remember his wedding vows.
Of course, having great memory has its disadvantages. When others hurt us, we would perhaps forgive, but we couldn't possibly forget.
At family reunions, we'd be bored too soon, after recalling every last detail of Uncle Mike's adventure in the Amazon, which he has told us only 189 times.
Great memory would also ruin our enjoyment of prime time TV, because half the shows are reruns. Forgetting the plot is crucial. Practice Four
Every time I smell roses I can see myself again in the garden of that large house in Cornwall. The year is 1971, the month is March and the sun is shining. And when I smell a certain type of suntan oil, I am back again in the Greek islands. Or it is the smell of lavender that reminds me of my grandmother.
Smell is one of the senses that is most likely to produce pleasant memories, but it is the most difficult to recall. This is because only a small area of the brain is used in smell. Most people, however, can recognize at least 4,000 different smells, and women usually have a better sense of smell than men.
Our ideas of what smells are pleasant or unpleasant is something that we learn at about the age of three or four. It is not something we are born with. We learn what smells good and what doesn't. And we know what smells mean danger, for example, the smell of burning.
Flowers are one thing, but what about the smell of people? Each human being has a unique odor. A one-month old baby can recognize its mother by smell. In many parts of the world people greet each other by sniffing the face or the hands. The kiss began as a sniff and New Zealand Maoris still sniff when they meet one another. In modern times we use soap and perfume to replace our natural odor.
Part Four Testing Y ourself
Section I
Mr. Jones hadn't called his doctor for several years. Now it was two o'clock in the morning, and his wife had a bad stomachache that he was sure was appendicitis. The doctor said, "Relax. It couldn't possibly be appendicitis. She probably has something wrong with her stomach. I took out your wife's appendix ten years ago, and in all of medical history, I've never heard of anyone having a second appendix." "That may be true," Mr. Jones said, "but haven't you ever heard of anyone having a second wife?"
Section II
One cold day in the middle of winter, Mr. and Mrs. Ross decided to fly to Florida for a vacation.
Mrs. Ross packed their summer clothes very carefully the night before they left home, and the next morning they got up early and drove to the airport.
While they were waiting at the check-in counter, Mr. Ross began to question his wife about the things she had packed.
"Did you remember my red bathing suit?" he asked.
"Of course", she answered.
"You didn't forget our sports shoes, did you?" he asked.
"Of course not," she replied. Suddenly there was a long silence.
"Murray, what's wrong?" said Mrs. Ross. "You look worried."
"I'll bet you didn't bring the piano," he replied.
"The piano?" she said. "Why on earth would I bring the piano?"
"Because," he said quickly, "I left our plane tickets on top of it."
Section III
One day, Carol Evans was walking along the street when she bumped into another woman. She looked at the woman very carefully. Then she said, "Kate Foster! Well, well, well, I haven't seen you for ten years."
She looked the woman up and down. "But you've changed, Kate," she went on. "You used to be fat, but now you're slim." She smiled at her, "But you look well and it's good to see you again." She took the woman's hand and shook it. "But, oh, you have changed," she said. "I've never known anyone to change so much. You used to have thick hair but now it's very thin. You didn't used to wear glasses but now you're wearing really thick ones." She smiled at the woman again. "But you're still the same Kate Foster I used to have coffee with every week. We had some good times, didn't we, Kate?"
"Excuse me, ma'am," the woman said, "but my name isn't Kate Foster."
Carol thought for a minute, and then she said, "So you've changed your name as well, haven't you?"
Unit Three More Than Words
Part One Viewing, Understanding, and Speaking
Video Script
B (boy): You know, it's too bad that except for you guys I hardly have any friends on campus. I'll probably never get married. Girls don't even talk to me.
C (boy) : You expect girls to talk to you? Why don't YOU speak first?
A (girl) : I think we all lack communication skills, even though we know they're important. If we can't communicate with each other, it will be hard for us to make new friends. It will be also hard for us to make ourselves clear to others when we finally have a new job some day.
B: You're right. But what do you think we should do to improve our communication skills?
A: First we should be positive speakers.
C: What do you mean by "positive speakers"?
A: I mean we should think and speak positively. For instance, we should always take the initiative to talk to others instead of waiting for others to talk to us. We can talk about current events, our daily life, or the WEATHER!
B: Yeah, that's right. Maybe I should start talking about weather first thing in the morning! (Others laugh. )
A: We should listen attentively. Being good listeners also shows we are interested in what others have to say, and careful listeners tend to be better talkers.
C: You're right, but humor keeps our conversations interesting. Humor can keep a serious topic from becoming boring. And, have you ever noticed that a humorous person will often be the center of attention?
D (girl) : Sure! And in addition to what all of you have said, I'd like to say that it's important to read more, experience more, and so you will have something to talk about.
E (boy) : Yes. But so far you've been talking about verbal language, while I think nonverbal language plays an important role in communication. For example, people use gestures instead of simply talking on many occasions, especially when talking with good friends. A nod of the head, a smile, a very small change of facial expression can communicate a lot. What's more, when talking to someone, it's important to have occasional eye contact with the person you are talking to. Sometimes, it can be really annoying if the person you're talking to looks down at the watch or looks elsewhere. I suppose it's an indication that you are boring them.
D: Yes. When it comes to nonverbal behavior, er... I think we have to consider cultural differences. In order to communicate comfortably with foreigners, we should keep in mind that gestures don't mean the same thing in all cultures.
C: Can you give an example?
D: Yes. For us, nodding the head up and down means "Yes", shaking the head back and forth means "No". But in Bulgaria, the custom is just the opposite. They nod the head up and down to mean "No", and shake it back and forth to indicate "Yes".
B: That certainly is different! If I ever have the chance to talk with a Bulgarian, I'll be glad to know that.
A: Yes, learning a foreign language involves a lot more than just its words and grammar. It is also necessary to learn the culture. You know, I read that when people of Maori tribes meet each other, they will rub their noses. It's the same as when we say hello. Isn't that interesting?
Others: Yes.
D: Shall we rub our noses next time we meet? (Others laugh. )
C: To communicate well, we have to be open and willing to talk to people, even when we don't really know them. I remember when I was a little kid, I was very shy. I didn't dare talk to people, especially strangers. I think it was because I was brought up in a small town. But after I entered college, things began to change for the better. Talking has become a lot easier for me.
A: I cannot imagine you were shy! It seems to us you never stop talking!
(All laugh. )
Part Two Listening, Understanding, and Speaking
Listening I
One day, two travelers were discussing the difficulties they had had while traveling in foreign countries.
A young woman from France told a story of the difficulty she had had when she was traveling in the United States.
"I was eating in a restaurant," she said, "and I wanted to order some mushrooms. I was unable to make myself understood, so I asked for a pencil and paper and I carefully drew a picture of a mushroom."
"That sounds like a good idea," the other traveler said.
"I thought so, too," she continued, "but my drawing was not too good, because the waiter returned in about ten minutes, not with an order of mushrooms, but with a large umbrella!"
They both laughed. The young German man then told his story of a trip in Spain. He was, he said, unable to speak a word of Spanish.
"One day, while eating in a restaurant in a small village, I was having difficulty explaining to the waiter that I wanted a glass of milk. Finally, I drew a picture of a cow on the back of the menu, and I made gestures showing how to get milk from a cow."
"What happened next?" the woman asked.
"The waiter still seemed puzzled. He looked at the picture for a very long time. Finally, he left and was gone for almost half an hour. When he returned at last, he handed me a ticket for a bullfight."
Listening II
As a famous writer, Mark Twain was also famous in his day as a lecturer and teller of funny stories. He often went from town to town giving lectures that included many funny stories.
One day, he was walking down the street of a small town where he was going to give a lecture that evening. A young man came up to him and said, "Mr. Twain, I'd like to talk to you for a minute, please. I have an uncle that I love very much. The problem is he
never laughs or smiles. Is there anything you can suggest?"
"Don't worry. Bring your uncle to my lecture this evening, young man. I promise that he'll laugh and smile."
That evening the young man and his uncle sat in the first row, allowing Mark Twain to speak directly to them. He told some rather funny stories, but the old man never even smiled. Then he told the funniest stories he knew, but the old man's face still remained blank. Mark Twain finished the lecture almost exhausted.
Later Mark Twain was telling a friend about the experience.
"Oh!" said the friend. "You could have saved yourself the trouble. I know that old man. He has been deaf for years."
Listening III
More than Words
Saying I love you is not the words I want to hear from you.
It's not that I want you not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel.
More than words is all you have to do to make it real.
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
'Cause I'd already know.
What would you do if my heart was torn in two?
More than words to show you feel that your love for me is real.
What would you say if I took those words away?
Then you couldn't make things new just by saying I love you.
Now I've tried to talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is close your eyes and just reach out your hands and touch me
Hold me close don't ever let me go.
More than words is all I ever needed you to show.
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
'Cause I'd already know.
(Repeat the part marked with "*".)
Part Three More Listening
Practice One
For almost an hour, a customer tried on one swimsuit after another in our shop. As her saleslady, I wasn't of much help because she wouldn't open the dressing room (试衣室) door. However, she wouldn't open it to let her husband or daughter see the various suits either. Annoyed, the daughter demanded she be allowed in the dressing room. The mother finally gave in.
"But not just yet," she cried out. "I'm in my birthday suit."
With a wry grin, her husband said, "At least we know that one fits!"
Practice Two
The lady who was in the bed opposite from where I was, who was a Nigerian lady whose English wasn't good enough, said to me, "How old is your son?" And I said, "He is seven." "Your other son," she said. I said, "He's seven." "No, your other son. Your big son." And it came in a blinding flash that she was talking about Mike. So I said, "That's not my son, that's my husband." Instead of retiring into a corner, licking her wounds, thinking, "Oh God, I've said the most awful thing." she went on with the subject by saying, "I said to my husband, it was strange. I haven't seen a son being so full of love for his mother as that son is!" But she'd really just got me and, you know, now I can laugh. It's a joke and it's a nice dinner-party story, in a way. But at the time I was completely destroyed.
Practice Three
People usually like to mark their space. Are you sitting now in your home or in a library or on a beach or a train? Have you marked the space around yourself as yours? If you are on the beach you may have spread your towels around you; on the train you may have put your coat or small bag on the seat beside you; in a library you may have spread your books around you. If you share a flat you may have one corner or chair which is your own.
Once I was traveling on a train to London. I was in a section for four people and there was a table between us. The man across from me had his briefcase on the table. There was no space on my side of the table at all. I was annoyed. I thought he thought he owned the whole table. I had been reading a book about nonverbal communication so I took various papers out of my bag and put them on his case! When I did this he stiffened and his eyes nearly popped out of his head. I had invaded his space! A few minutes later I took my papers off his case in order to read them. He immediately moved his case to his side of the table.
Practice Four
In interpersonal communication, people in almost every culture recognize four different distances: intimate, personal, social, and public. Intimate distance occurs in a very close relationship such as between a mother and a child. Personal distance lets good friends talk closely but comfortably. Social distance is used at parties or other gatherings. Public distance concerns more formal situations such as between a teacher and a student.
These four types of distance exist in all countries, but the amount of distance usually depends on the culture. At a party, for example, a Canadian may sit several feet away from you, while an Arab may sit very near to you. Your awareness of the other culture's use of distance can often help you communicate better with its people.
Part Four Testing Y ourself
Section I
There was a long line of "souls" before the gate of "Heaven" and "Hell". Waiting in line beside each other were two residents of New York City, a taxi driver and a priest, and they started chatting to kill the time. Finally, it was the taxi driver's turn to be judged; after talking with "God" for a few minutes, he was allowed to enter "heaven". The priest came after him and had his few minutes with "God". He, however, was sent to "hell".
Needless to say, the priest was surprised by this turn of events and asked "God" why he, who had constantly talked to people about "God", had been sent to "hell" and a taxi driver was going to "heaven". "God" replied, "We judge whether one goes to ‘heaven' not by the words he has said but by the deeds he has done on earth. While you talked about ‘God', people slept, but they all remembered me when he drove."
Section II
There was once a man who was miserable over the loss of his left eye. But one day he got the idea that he might, by making an artificial eye, be able to regain his good looks. This hope was so strong that he started to work on it right away. After weeks of diligent experimentation, he produced an eye using a special kind of wood. He believed nobody would be able to tell that it was false. However he would not be satisfied until his wooden eye had been tested and shown to be attractive. So he went to a dance that weekend. There were many beautiful girls at this dance, but he had decided before he came that it would be much safer to ask, at least at first, a less attractive one. Therefore, seeing a girl in the corner with a particularly big nose, he came close to her. Proud and confident of his appearance, he asked the girl, in a polite and gentle voice,"Would you like to dance?" Excited about the unexpected honor, she jumped up and said twice, rapidly, "Would I? Would I?" Hearing this, the man's face grew red with anger and hurt. As he left her, he shouted back at her, "Big nose! Big nose!"
Section III
Knowing how to read body language is a useful communication skill, so is knowing how to use it. There are two basic groups of body language postures: OPEN/CLOSED and FORWARD/BACK.
OPEN/CLOSED is the most obvious. People with arms folded and legs crossed and bodies turned away are signaling that they are rejecting messages. People showing open hands, fully facing you and both feet planted on the ground are accepting you.
FORWARD/BACK indicates whether people are actively or passively reacting to communication. When they are leaning forward and pointing towards you, they are actively accepting or rejecting the message. When they are leaning back, looking up at the ceiling, doodling (乱涂乱画) on a pad, or cleaning their glasses they are either passively absorbing or ignoring it.
Unit Four Fresh Start(1)
Part One Viewing, Understanding, and Speaking
Video Script
(James knocks at the door. )
Prof. Rice: Come in, please.
James: Good morning. Professor Rice.
Prof. Rice: Morning, James. What can I do for you?
James: I have a problem, Professor Rice. You know, I like sports a lot. And when I was in high school, I spent a lot of time every day playing basketball, soccer and volleyball. However, I've been here a month and I haven't been able to find any sports facilities on campus. It's very disappointing.
Prof. Rice: James, I can understand that. You see, this is a new campus. A lot of facilities are still under construction. But don't worry, before you know it, everything will be ready for you.
James: The other problem I have is I can't find any sports clubs on campus.
Prof. Rice: Isn't that even better? You can start one yourself. It will be a good opportunity for you to practice your organizational skills and talents. Other students will thank you for it.
James: Right. I wish I had thought of that before. Thanks a lot, Professor Rice. You've been a great help. OK, bye, now.
Prof. Rice: Bye. Good luck with your club.
(James leaves the office. Jenny knocks at the door. )
Prof. Rice: Come in.
Jenny: Professor Rice, do you have a few minutes?
Prof. Rice: Of course, Jenny. Take a seat. How can I help you?
Jenny: There's a guy I see around campus all the time, and I can't stop thinking about him. I'm really interested in him, but he doesn't even know I exist. I can't concentrate on my schoolwork. And I'm not even hungry! If this keeps on, I'm afraid I'll fail all of my courses.
Prof. Rice: Do any of your friends know him? Maybe they could tell you more about him. For example, if he already has a girlfriend or not. If he does, just try to forget about him.
Jenny: I guess I'm really afraid that he wouldn't like me any way. I'm not really very pretty or smart.
Prof. Rice: That's not true. You have a lot of good qualities. So find out what you can about him through your friends. That way you won't embarrass yourself. If he is already interested in someone else, then you can go on with your own life and concentrate on your schoolwork. I'm sure you will meet someone who deserves your affection and love.
Jenny: That makes sense. I'll try to find and see what I can find out about him.
Prof. Rice: Any time I can help.
Jenny: I have to go. Have a nice day.
Prof. Rice: Bye-bye.
(Jenny leaves the office. A moment later, Mavis comes. )
Prof. Rice: Come in. Hi, Mavis. You don't look very good. Are you feeling OK?
Mavis: Professor Rice, I'm afraid that I have to quit school.
Prof. Rice: Come on in. Sit down. Tell me exactly what happened. Is the schoolwork too hard for you?
Mavis: No. The schoolwork is fine. But I just found out that I don't have enough money to finish even this semester. My parents said they would try to get a loan for me, but they just called and said they failed. Now I don't have enough money even to pay the tuition fee. Not to mention other expenses. I have been thinking about this for a while. Now it seems the only solution is to quit. Prof. Rice: You should never make a decision in a rush, Mavis. There is always a solution to the problem. Did you know there are several ways of seeking help? For instance, the school scholarships, student loans, special student aid funds and on-campus job opportunities?
Mavis: I didn't know this, Professor Rice. Could you explain a bit more to me, please?
Prof. Rice: Well, those who got high scores on their SATs, the school has offered some Freshman Scholarships, ranging from 1000 to 5000 dollars. I remember you got very high scores, so you could try to apply for that scholarship. Also I have the application forms for student loans. Anyone who qualifies can be granted up to 5000 dollars a year. And you don't have to pay that back until after you graduate. Erm..., ah, here, Mavis, take this one home and read it carefully. If you are qualified, fill it out and bring it back to me before the end of next week.
Mavis: Thank you very much, Professor Rice. Did you say that there are on-campus part-time jobs available? I may try one of those.
Prof. Rice: Yes, I did. There are all kinds of job positions available, ranging from lab assistants to cafeteria helpers. The vacant job positions are posted in the student center. Sometimes professors in this college look for teaching assistants as well. I'll look for those for you, too. In the meantime you can check the part-time job bulletin in the student center to see what work might be needed now. Mavis: It really helps to know about these things, Professor Rice. I appreciate your time and information. I'll get this form back to you on Friday.
Prof. Rice: Good, see you on Friday then.
Mavis: Good-bye.
(Two months later. James in the newly-built basketball court... )
James: Welcome to the Red Bull Basketball Club. I hope you'll have a great time with us, playing basketball and making friends. (On the way to teaching building... )
Jenny: My friends told me that Ted is engaged to a girl from his hometown. Well, that's life, I guess, and I'll get over him. (With Jenny's background voice saying the lines.)
(In the library, Mavis is working at the check-out counter... )
Mavis: I have been awarded the Freshman Scholarship. I paid my tuition fees. Now I am working part-time in the library on the evenings and weekends. (With Mavis' background voice saying the lines while working as a librarian. )
Part Two Listening,Understanding, and Speaking
Listening I
My cousin, John, is a university student. Last year he went to Italy and stayed there for two months. I was surprised that John was able to have such a long holiday because he never has any money.
"How did you manage it, John?" I asked. "I thought you were going to stay for two weeks."
"It was easy," John answered. "I got a job."
"A job!" I exclaimed. "What did you do?"
"I gave English lessons to a grocer," John answered. "His name is Luigi. We have become great friends."
"But you're not a teacher," I said.
"I told Luigi I couldn't teach," John explained. "But he insisted on having conversation lessons. He wanted to practice his English. He has a lot of American customers, so it is important for him to speak English. I spent three hours a day talking to him. In return he gave me a room, three meals a day and a little pocket money."
"Did your pupil learn much English?" I asked.
"I don't know," John said, "but I learned a lot of Italian!"
Listening II
J = Jim (male) C = Chris (female)
J: Hi, Chris.
C: Hi, Jim.
J: What are you doing this semester?
C: Oh, I'm still studying English. I have to do one more semester before I can start my real study.
J: You make it sound like prison. How are the classes?
C: I don't know. It seems like they never tell us what we really need to know.
J: What do you mean?
C: Look. When I study mathematics, for example, I go to class, I keep up, I do the homework, and I know it.
J: How is your English class different?
C: First of all, they don't want to teach us all the rules. They tell us one rule. Fine, we use that rule, but soon it doesn't work. It becomes more and more complicated.
J: But you don't really learn a language from the rules anyway. You have to use it.
C: Yes. That's something else they tell us. But why can't we just go to class, study, and do our homework?
J: Well, can you learn to play soccer by sitting at home and reading about soccer?
C: No, of course not.
J: But why not? You could understand the rules, too.
C: Soccer isn't like that. You have to feel the ball, practice kicking it hundreds of times. No one can learn that by studying at home. J: Well, learning a language is more like learning to play soccer. You have to ask a lot of questions, and listen to the answers carefully. And then of course lots of practice on all the other things—spelling, reading, writing...
C: Maybe I'll join a soccer team and practice English and soccer at the same time. I can talk with people before and after practice. J: Good idea.
Unit Four Fresh Start(2)
Part Three More Listening
Practice One
Librarian: Are you having a problem?
Student: Yes. I have to do a research paper for history. There is a major book that I need, but I can't find it.
Librarian: Did you try the card catalog?
Student: Yes, but it's not there.
Librarian: Well, if it's a recent book, it won't be in the card catalog. All acquisitions since 1993 are in the computer. I'd advise you to try that.
Student: No wonder! This book was published in 1998.
Librarian: All you have to do is go to the computer terminal. Type in the title or the author's name and you will get the call number and the circulation status.
Student: Do you mean it will tell me whether the book is out or not?
Librarian: Yes, it will. It will also give you the due date. If the book is in the library, it will tell you if it's on the shelf, in the reserve room or at the bindery.
Practice Two
We were learning German in a comfortable classroom. There were seven of us, ranging in age from 20 to 60. A couple of us knew a little German, the others knew absolutely nothing.
For the three weeks we were children again. We competed in games; when we won we were rewarded with chocolates. We shouted, we sang songs, above all we laughed. And although the learning method sounded strange for adults, it worked! On the first day we learned to count to 50. When Katya, our teacher, threw a ball at us, it was our turn to say the next number. We learned to go, stay, stand, open, close, see, hear, read, write by acting them out physically.
Opposites—big, little; fat, thin; high, low—Katya demonstrated them all. Later we learned prepositions by clapping our hands. And all the time the words were up on the wall on posters or shown to us on cards.
Twice every day we read a story. In the story there was an immense vocabulary having to do with eating, drinking, booking rooms, visiting friends, going to the theatre, skiing, boating, shopping, sightseeing, reading and writing. Katya told us to lie back, shut our eyes, settle down comfortably and she read for 35 minutes while music played.
The teachers don't like to say how many words you learn in a basic course but it's probably between 3000 and 5000. The method helps you to remember without making an effort. Learning becomes a pleasure.
Practice Three
A good opportunity for many international students to pursue a higher education is to leave their native country and come to the United States.
189 international students, mostly from India, decided to attend Southern University.
Following in his father's footsteps, Rajeshekhar Chimmalgi, a freshman physics major from India came to Baton Rouge in 1998 and attended Southern University. He has good things to say to hopeful attendees.
"At Southern, the physics' department staff and students helped me get through the registration process and advised me how to study and what classes to take," Chimmalgi said.
The majority of international students at Southern are there to obtain a graduate degree and then return to their home country. However, during their short stay in the U.S., many international students find it hard to fit in.
"It is really difficult because you are the only one and you don't know anyone," Chimmalgi said.
One of the easiest ways for them to feel comfortable is to be around people from their own culture. "I have some friends from Jamaica and Trinidad, so I don't feel so out of place," said one student named Boogle.
Farhana Lubna, a third semester graduate student from Bangladesh, feels that Southern could do more to make them feel comfortable. He said, "at Louisiana State University, they have an international expo and foreign students introduce their culture to the university. I think Southern could do something similar to that."
Practice Four
When students from other countries come to the United States, they are sometimes shocked at the informality in American college and university classes. For example, American professors do not dress up and they generally call students by their first names. Students can speak out in class, without raising their hands. Students can drink coffee, tea, juice, or soft drinks during class.
Foreign students can usually get used to these differences easily. However, two examples of American informality are very difficult for some to understand. First, American students call their teachers by their first names. Instead of calling a teacher Mr. Smith or Professor Johnson, they call them Tom or Barbara. In some countries, students are not allowed to do that. Second, American students sometimes criticize the ideas of their teacher. They might also give their teachers suggestions about changing something in the class. In many countries, students cannot openly criticize their teachers or classes.
Thus, some foreign students feel shocked, embarrassed and uncomfortable in American classrooms. They have two choices. One, they can imitate the behavior of the American students. But this will make them feel uncomfortable and disrespectful. Two, they can continue to follow their own customs. But in this case, the American teachers and students might think that the foreign students are too formal or too quiet.
What is the solution to this problem? There is no easy answer. However, time will help to solve the problem, because foreign students will become accustomed to the new behavior.
Part Four Testing Y ourself
Section I
Roger: Hello.
Ann: Hello Roger? This is Ann.
Roger: Oh hi, Ann. How have you been? And how's your new apartment working out?
Ann: Well, that's what I'm calling about. You see, I've decided to look for a new place.
Roger: Oh, what's the problem with your place now? I thought you liked the apartment.
Ann: Oh, I do, but it's a little far from campus, and the commute is just killing me. Do you think you could help? I thought you might know more about the housing situation near the university.
Roger: All right. So, what kind of place are you looking for?
Ann: Well, I'd like to share an apartment with one or two roommates within walking distance to school.
Roger: Okay, what's your budget like? I mean how much do you want to spend on rent?
Ann: Uh, somewhere under $200 a month, including utilities, if I could. Oh, and I'd prefer to rent a furnished apartment.
Roger: Hmm. And anything else?
Ann: Yeah, I need a parking space.
Roger: Well, I know there's an apartment complex around the corner that seems to have a few vacancies. I'll drop by there on my way to class today.
Ann: Hey, thanks a lot.
Roger: No problem.
Section II
Interviewer: Er... Monique... tell me, how long have you been here in London?
Monique: I arrived ten days ago.
Interviewer: I understand you are taking an English course at this school.
Monique: Yes, that's right.
Interviewer: When did the course start?
Monique: It started... er... five days ago.
Interviewer: How long does it last?
Monique: It lasts a month, and there are three hours of classes every morning. In the afternoons there are trips to places of interest in London.
Interviewer: I see. Why did you decide to take this course?
Monique: For two reasons, really. You see, I work in the Sales Department of a computer company, and I often have to speak English to customers; so I wanted to improve my spoken English.
Interviewer: You speak very well!
Monique: Thank you.
Interviewer: And the second reason?
Monique: It was a good excuse to see London.
Interviewer: Is it the first time you've been here?
Monique: Yes.
Interviewer: And are you living with an English family here in London?
Monique: No, I'm living in a hotel, but I think it's better to live with a family; there are five French people staying at the hotel, so we speak French together. I haven't met many English people yet!
Interviewer: What do you do in the evenings?
Monique: Well, I spend about two hours doing my homework, and I sometimes watch television in the hotel.
Interviewer: Well, I hope you find the course useful.
Monique: Oh, I'm sure I will. That reminds me, my class starts in a few minutes. Bye.
Interviewer: Goodbye and good luck.
Section III
Learning a skill requires time. No one acquires an ability to do some activity instantly. It is possible to pack information into your head in a relatively short period, but a skill must be developed. Any activity, whether it is riding a horse, or writing a paper, is actually composed of several separate and different activities, each of which must be mastered a step at a time. The basics are learned first, then additional abilities are developed and refined. A rider learns to sit a horse at the various gaits, then he learns how to position his hands and how to hold his feet. He is not expected to learn at once everything that riding involves. The same is true as you develop your skill as a writer. You cannot possibly discover all that you need to know at once.
You will start with the basics of composing and move from there, learning to develop a number of separate abilities that will improve your overall ability to write effectively. Don't be discouraged if your work is not perfect at first. No one expects it to be because it can't be. You should expect progress, not perfection, from yourself. Unit Five Animal world
Part One Viewing, Understanding, and Speaking
Video Script
Peter Brown: Good evening, everyone. Welcome to "Animal World" on Channel 2. I'm your host Peter Brown. You might have read or heard in the news about the discovery of a new animal in the Bobo area. Today we have invited three people to come to our program to talk about that. Mr. Dickens, a famous explorer, who actually found the new animal. Mrs. Smith, whose family has been
living in that area for generations, Mr. Johnson, a well-known zoologist. First, Mr. Dickens, could you please tell us briefly how you discovered the new animal?
Mr. Dickens: Yup. You know I have been interested in exploring the animals in the Bobo area. Five days ago, when I was walking through the woods there, I came across a group of strange animals. They were crawling on the ground and making the sound "bobo". Peter Brown: Interesting. What do they look like?
Mr. Dickens: They look like snakes but they each have a pair of transparent wings.
Peter Brown: Really? Mrs. Smith, you've lived in that area for a long time, have you seen this kind of animal there?
Mrs. Smith: Yeah. I think they have lived there for centuries. Many of our villagers have reported seeing them. I've seen them only once. I think they're really ugly. They are black, with a long tail and small bright eyes. Really scary.
Peter Brown: So, Mr. Johnson, you're a zoologist. From these descriptions, could you tell us what kind of animal this may be? Mr. Johnson: It's hard to say at this point. I need more information. Mr. Dickens, you mentioned that they have wings. Can they fly?
Mr. Dickens: Erm... I don't think so. I stayed there all day long observing them. None of them flew.
Mr. Johnson: Ms Smith, as a native in that region, do you or your villagers happen to know how they produce their young? Do they bear live young, or do they lay eggs?
Mrs. Smith: Oh, they lay eggs. Very colorful ones.
Mr. Johnson: In that case, probably they are a type of reptile. But I'm not sure about them. I think further investigation and research will have to be done on that.
Peter Brown: Thank you. Mr. Johnson. If any of you in the audience has any question to ask, please raise your hand and I'll call on you.
Audience 1: Excuse me, Mr. Dickens. Do you think these animals are dangerous? Did they attack you when they became aware of your presence?
Mr. Dickens: I don't know. I don't think they knew I was around since I stayed away from them quite a distance.
Audience 2: Mr. Johnson, do you think this snake-like animal is poisonous?
Mr. Johnson: As I mentioned before, we need to do further study on these animals before we can answer these types of questions about them.
Peter Brown: Thank you Mr. Johnson. We are looking forward to further research on these strange animals. Thank you for joining us. Thank you for watching. Remember 6 p.m. every Friday. We'll lead you to a world of animals.
Part Two Listening,Understanding, and Speaking
Listening I
It was very cold out. Two rabbits were playing in a field. Far away they saw two small red things. The rabbits went closer to look.
The two red things were pieces of an old red blanket. The pieces were thick and warm, but they were very small. They were too small to use.
Soon a fox came by. "Good day, my friends," he said. "You look worried. Do you have a problem?" The rabbits answered, "Yes! We need a needle and thread to sew the pieces of blanket together." "You can use my needle and thread if I can use the blanket too," said the fox.
The rabbits used the fox's needle and thread. When the rabbits finished their sewing, the fox looked at their work. "You did a good job," he said. "I'll see you tonight."
Night came and the wind was very cold. The fox came back to the rabbits."Good evening, my friends. It's a cold, cold night. But we will be warm! We have the nice, warm blanket you sewed with my needle and thread. You sewed down the middle of the blanket. The right thing is for me to sleep in the middle." "Yes, that's right, Mr. Fox," said the rabbits.
So the fox lay down on the ground. The rabbits put the middle of the blanket over him. The blanket covered him, but it did not cover the rabbits. They were cold all night!
Listening II
Once there was a farmer in Laos. Every morning and every evening he and his buffalo plowed his field.
One day a tiger saw the farmer and his buffalo working. The tiger was surprised to see a big animal listening to a small animal. He wanted to know more about the buffalo and the man.
After the man went home, the tiger spoke to the buffalo. "You are so big and strong. Why do you do everything that the man tells you to?" The buffalo answered,"Oh, the man is very intelligent." The tiger asked, "Can you tell me how intelligent he is?" "No, I can't tell you," said the buffalo,"but you can ask him."
So the next day, the tiger said to the man, "Can I see your intelligence?" But the man answered,"It's at home." "Can you go and get it?" asked the tiger. "Yes," said the man, "but I am afraid that you would kill my buffalo when I am gone. Can I tie you to a tree?"
After the man tied the tiger up, he didn't go home to get his intelligence. He took his plow and hit the tiger. Then he said,"Now you know about my intelligence, even if you haven't seen it."
Part Three More Listening
Practice One
A lion wakes up one morning feeling really wild and unwell. He goes out and meets a small monkey and roars: "Who is the mightiest of all the jungle animals?" The trembling monkey says, "You are, all mighty lion!" Later, the lion sees an ox and asks the same question. The frightened ox answers:"Oh great lion, you're the mightiest animal in the jungle!"
Feeling good now, the lion confidently walks up to an elephant and roars the same question. Fast as lightning, the elephant takes hold of the lion and knocks it against the tree six times and then raises his giant foot and stamps on the lion till it looks like a
pancake. The lion wanders away, lets out a cry, and shouts to the elephant: "Just because you don't know the answer doesn't mean you have to get so unhappy about it!"
Practice Two
Staff and boys were sound asleep at the Sussex boarding school when fire broke out in the early hours yesterday. Forty boys might all have been burnt to death, if the alarm had not been raised by the Headmaster's dog, Peter, whose frantic barking woke the Headmaster and his family.
"Peter was asleep in the kitchen of my house," Mr. Phillips told our reporter. "He's not normally a nervous dog, but I thought he seemed a bit nervous last night. Then shortly after midnight he started making a loud noise. At first I thought he'd been frightened by thieves, but when I let him out he went straight over to C block, where the dormitory is located. I woke the master on duty and we discovered that a fire had started in the games room, where the boys had played table tennis and other games.
We used the fire extinguisher and put out the fire, but had it not been for Peter, we might have had a tragedy on our hands."
The fire department believes that the fire was probably caused by a lit cigarette end—a little surprising perhaps, since smoking is strictly forbidden in the games room.
Practice Three
Sea lions get bored easily, explains trainer Hurley, because they're smart. So she spends at least 20 minutes, three times a day, with each sea lion. She plays games with them, teaches them new skills, and praises their efforts.
For example, Hurley started by training each sea lion to chase after a ball and touch it with its nose. First she waited for the sea lion to do it by chance. Then she praised the animal with positive reinforcement, such as food, petting, or a game. Eventually, the sea lions knew to chase after the ball to get a reward.
The next step was to get the sea lions to swim beside lifesize plastic whale models, Hurley says. She and her team placed the models in a boat and the sea lions would follow them. "We began training the animals to touch their noses to the whale's body," says Hurley, just like they did with the ball. "Eventually, the sea lions learned to do it." Then they trained them to carry videotape recorders on their bodies and videotape the plastic whale.
Now they're almost ready to chase after the real thing, Hurley says. If successful, she may send them to videotape other marine mammals, such as the enormous blue whales.
A=After doing all that work, you might wonder, do the animals get paid? Well, not in dollars and cents. But they do get loving caretakers, a good home, food, and drink—and human companions who are willing to play plenty of games.
Practice Four
V= vistor M= marine biologist
(At Sea World in San Diego, some visitors from China are asking questions about seals to a marine biologist working there.)
V1: I haven't ever seen a live seal before. Do many seals live in the ocean here?
M: No, most of them live in cold climates, some in the far north in the Arctic, and others in the far south, Antarctica. You know, we are lucky that we have as many living species of seals as we do have.
V1: Why?
M: Because seal hunting, by the late 1800's, had killed so many seals that many species were almost gone forever.
V2: What saved them?
M: Many international agreements were reached to protect seals. This included the establishing of many seal sanctuaries, places where it is now illegal to hunt and kill them. Also, here in the United States there is less demand for seal fur than there used to be.
V2: Why is that?
M: There are now many people and organizations who are against the killing of animals for their fur. Also there are many new synthetic fibers that are so warm that fur is no longer needed.
V1: How many species of seals are there?
M: Eighteen. The most common one is called the harbor seal. It is found in both the north Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
V1: Thanks so much for talking with us.
M: You're welcome.
Part Four Testing Y ourself
Section I
I was a waiter at a restaurant on a beach in Southern California. One day while still new at the job, I noticed two kids jumping up and down near the water's edge, pointing toward an animal that appeared to be struggling in the waves. I decided I couldn't watch a dog drown.
Jumping through the window, I ran toward the beach. As I started to take off my coat, a man came by. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm going to save that dog!" I said.
Puzzled, he asked where I was from.
"The Midwest," I replied.
"Oh, I see," he said. "They don't have sea lions there, do they?"
Section II
Le Le and Ya Ya have arrived at the Memphis Zoo this week. The number of giant pandas in the United States has increased to nine. They spread across four zoos. It's not easy getting them here.
In order to bring a pair of pandas into the United States, each zoo has to get a permit, because the panda is the type of animal that may soon disappear from the world.
"Pandas are difficult to study in the wild. They live in mountains. They are shy, so it's rare that you would actually see one."
What the Western scientists know about pandas today mostly comes from studies of Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing at the
Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo.
Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing were the first two pandas in the U.S. zoo. They were given as a gift to the United States in 1972 by the Chinese government.
The nine pandas now in the U.S. belong to the Chinese government, and are in the American zoos for 10 to 12 years. A baby panda which was born at the San Diego zoo three years ago also belongs to China.
Studies on pandas can improve their conditions. They provide knowledge that helps save the wild population.
Section III
Mice like to be in pairs. If you want to keep only one mouse as a pet, you need to be sure to spend enough time with the animal. Mice need attention. No matter how much you love it and play and care for it, nothing takes the place of a friend for your mouse. No one knows a mouse better than another mouse.
If you're going to add a second mouse to your family, it's best to let one mouse get used to its home for a while first. Then, a few weeks later, add the second pet. Keep them separated for a while so they both get used to the home and let them visit each other regularly. Then after a few days, they should be able to jump right in and be friendly with each other. Getting two female mice is usually a good idea. They get along well. Male mice will get along fine when they're young, but once they're adults, they are likely to hate each other. Getting one male mouse and one female mouse may also not be a good idea, unless you want a huge number of mice running around in your house within a few months. Mice produce babies quickly and frequently.
Unit Six A World of Mystery
Part One Viewing, Understanding, and Speaking
E
H: Are you trying to tell me you are from Mars? Don't be silly! It's not Halloween. Come on. Take off the costume.
E: Ouch! Stop! This is my life support! I landed on this planet only yesterday. How can you treat a visitor so rudely!
H: I'm sorry. But did you say you just came to this planet?
E: That's right! I was traveling space the other day when I met a human being called Yang Liwei. He told me that his homeland on Earth is extremely attractive. So I decided to come here to have a look.
H: Wow! You are a real E.T.! Welcome, but I still don't believe it.
E: You'd better believe it. I'm a real E.T.! Good to meet you!
H: Welcome to Earth. Have you found anything different here?
E: Sure. There are so many people, bicycles and cars on the streets that they can hardly move. And the bicycles and cars look like toys. I have never seen them before. We don't need them at all. We can move freely whenever and wherever we want.
H: Well, it would be nice not to have traffic jams.
E: But it looks like you are enjoying life more than we do. It's beautiful here with all the trees and flowers. I hear that there are lots of interesting places here.
H: There sure are!
E: And the food you eat attracts me very much, especially the vegetables and fruits.
H: Don't you have attractive and tasty foods at home?
E: No, we need only electricity. It gives us enough energy to keep alive and active.
H: Amazing!
E: And I notice that you play interesting and exciting games. I watched one game and enjoyed it very much. There were ten people and one ball moving back and forth. Is it called basketball?
H: Yeah, that's right. Basketball is one of the most popular sports. Many people here love it. It's not strange that you liked it when you saw it. There are also many other kinds of sports, such as football, tennis and volleyball. All of them are very exciting to us. E: I wish we had exciting sports. We spend too much time on high technology. Everything in our world is controlled by computers and all we have to do is sit in front of them to get what we want and need.
H: So, do you play computer games as sports? Some of us like them very much.
E: They were popular on our planet one hundred years ago. Now nobody has much interest in them. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I must say our computer technology is much more advanced than yours.
H: You must be kidding. We have always thought that humans are the most intelligent creatures in the universe. But anyway, I'd really like to take a trip to outer space and see what exactly your life is like. Can I go back with you? That would be great!
E: I'd love to take you there, but there are two problems. How would you survive on my planet without oxygen? And how could you return to Earth by yourself?
H: Do you mean that it's impossible for me to go with you to your place?
E: That's right. But if it is ever possible, I promise you I'll show you around when you get there. I do have to go back now because I've almost used up the electricity in my body. It's been nice talking with you. I really do have to say goodbye for now.
H: One day I hope we do meet again and I hope you will keep your promise. Bye.
Part Two Listening,Understanding, and Speaking
Listening I
Reporter: How do you do, Mr. Howard? I'm from the Morning Express. I'd like to ask you some questions.
Mr. Howard: All right. What do you want to know?
Reporter: First, please tell me when and where you saw the UFO.
Mr. Howard: It was last night, around midnight. I had just fallen asleep when my dog barked.
Reporter: What did you do?
Mr.Howard: I didn't know why he was barking, so I looked out of the window.
Reporter: Tell me what you saw in the yard.
Mr.Howard: Well, there was a huge silver rocket that glowed.
Reporter: Incredible! Our readers will want to know if there were people in the rocket.
Mr.Howard: There were faces looking out of the windows, but I couldn't identify them because of the curtains.
Reporter: Curtains on the windows of a UFO? Thank you very much, Mr. Howard!
Listening II
John: Sue, have you ever heard the story of King Umberto I of Italy?
Sue: King Umberto I? I don't think so.
John: It's a very interesting story. I read that on July 28th, 1900, King Umberto met a man who owned a restaurant in Milan. Sue: Mm-hmm.
John: And he and this man, they looked exactly alike.
Sue: Oh?
John: They were identical. And they talked to each other, and they found out that both their wives were called Maria, both had sons named Vittorio and they were born on the same day at exactly the same time.
Sue: Oh, gosh!
John: Get this: They started to work in the same year. I mean, Umberto became king in the same year that this man opened his restaurant business.
Sue: Oh, wow. Well, their professions were different.
John: Yeah, well. But even their deaths were similar.
Sue: Hmm.
John: They were both going to take part in a sporting event near Milan. I mean, the king was going to be giving out the prizes, and the man was going to be in a shooting contest. And the day before the contest, the man who owned the restaurant was cleaning his gun and he shot himself.
Sue: Oh, my God!
John: He died instantly.
Sue: Hmm.
John: The next day, on the way to the sporting event, the king was assassinated. He was shot, and he died instantly.
Sue: Oh, boy, that really—I don't know if I believe all that.
John: It's a true story.
Sue: It really is? Is it really true?
John: I read it. It's a true story.
Part Three More Listening
Practice One
I've lived here beside Loch Ness since I retired last year. My house has a good, clear view of the loch. In fact, it's only about a hundred meters from the lake, and there's nothing but the road in between.
Last Tuesday, I got up as usual at about seven o'clock and went into my garden. I looked around, and something attracted my attention on the loch. There was almost no mist that morning, and I could see that there was something moving quite fast, going north, in the middle of the loch. It looked like a giant snake, with its head and part of its body above water, and it was moving very fast. I imagine that it was about thirty meters long. I ran into the house to get my camera, but when I got back it had gone.
I waited for about five minutes and then it appeared again, this time nearer the road and my house, so I could see it clearly. I had
a good view of it about two minutes and I managed to take several photographs of it. The photographs haven't come out very well, unfortunately, but one or two of them show the creature quite clearly. I suppose the whole incident lasted for about fifteen minutes, because I looked at my watch the last time I saw it, and it said a quarter past seven. I've never seen anything so strange in my life. Practice Two
On April 14, 1868, two ships were scheduled to leave the busy port of New York for Europe. The night before, their captains met and had dinner together. The dinner was very ordinary and certainly neither man knew he would soon have a role in one of the world's greatest mysteries.
The two ships left the next morning. Their names: the Dei Gratia and the Marie Celeste. After several days at sea, Morehouse, the captain of the Dei Gratia, sighted the Marie Celeste, and he immediately recognized that something was wrong. It was not moving and there was no sign of life on deck. Morehouse and a few of his men took a small boat to the Marie Celeste to investigate. They searched every part of the ship and found nothing—not a man, dead or alive, no signs of illness or combat, no disruption. In fact, everything was in good order, as if the crew had left ten minutes before. There was a ten-pound note on a table, with an unfinished letter home near it, a freshly washed stack of clothes in the laundry, and plenty of food and water. These signs of normal, everyday life on an empty ship were the strangest feature of the mystery. What had happened to the captain and crew? If they had been attacked, why was everything still in its place and why were there no signs of a struggle? If they had died suddenly from a disease, where were their bodies?
Practice Three
Easter Island is one of hundreds of Pacific islands that were formed from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. It is, however, the only one of these islands that carries its own mysteries. First, it is isolated: it lies two thousand miles from the South American coast and fourteen hundred miles from the nearest inhabited island. But more importantly, it is a place where a mysterious civilization once flourished, leaving behind more than a thousand huge stone statues as evidence to its greatness. The first Europeans came to the island in 1722, when three Dutch ships landed on Easter Sunday. Since that time, thousands of archaeologists have come to Easter Island to study the great stone statues, some of which weigh over a hundred tons. The archaeologists' work has
written language found on the island has not been understood. In addition, no one
transported or even why they were built.
Practice Four
Crop circles are irregular circles that have appeared in farmers' fields across the world, mostly in England.
Although crop circles first gained worldwide attention in the early 1980s, the first circles appeared much earlier. There is even evidence of crop circles as early as 1678 in Hertfordshire, England. The first reported crop circle in modern times appeared in Tully, England, during 1966.
During the summer of 1980, many circles appeared in the English countryside. The phenomenon was centered in the land around the town of Warminster, which was a world-famous UFO hotspot. As the years passed by, more and more circles appeared each year, usually between the months of May and August in the early morning hours. Crop circles spread beyond the Wessex counties of Wiltshire and Hampshire to other parts of England, and then, worldwide. Crop circles are now reported in over 30 countries, including Canada, Hungary, the United States, Japan, and the former Soviet Union. The circles grew more and more mathematically complex, and included rings, lines, squares, triangles, as well as circles.
There were various theories about the origin of this strange phenomenon. Dr. Terence Meaden, a British physicist, believed that the circles were formed by electrified wind. He said that electrified air forms mini-tornadoes and spirals down on the fields, causing the circles. However, this theory does not account for the highly complex recent circles that have appeared. Hoaxers are often blamed for many of the circles, especially the more complex ones.
Part Four Testing Y ourself
Section I
The Bermuda Triangle is a triangular area in the Atlantic Ocean. Legend has it that many people, ships and planes have mysteriously disappeared in this area.
Many theories have been given to explain the extraordinary mystery of these missing ships and planes. But some people believe that there is no mystery to be solved. The number of wrecks in this area is not extraordinary, given its size, location and the amount of traffic it receives. Many of the ships and planes that have been identified as having disappeared mysteriously in the Bermuda Triangle were not in the Bermuda Triangle at all. Investigations to date have not produced scientific evidence of any unusual phenomena involved in the disappearances. Thus, no explanation is needed. The real mystery is how the Bermuda Triangle became a mystery at all.
The modern legend of the Bermuda Triangle began soon after five Navy planes (Flight 19) disappeared on a training mission during a severe storm in 1945. The most logical explanation as to why they disappeared is that lead pilot Lt. Taylor's compass failed. The trainees' planes were not equipped with working navigational instruments. The group was lost and simply ran out of fuel. No that one of the rescue planes blew up shortly after take-off, but this was likely due to a faulty gas tank rather than to any mysterious forces.
Section II
Can you name the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
Don't worry if you can't. Although most people know that a list exists of the Seven World Wonders, only few can name them. What makes it even harder is that only one still exists. Six of the Seven Wonders no longer stand, having been destroyed by natural disasters or by humans.
The list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was originally compiled around the 2nd century B.C. The first mention of the idea is found in History of Herodotus as long ago as the 5th century B.C. Decades later, Greek historians wrote about the greatest monuments of the time. The final list of the Seven Wonders was compiled during the Middle Ages. The list included the seven most impressive monuments of the Ancient World, some of which barely survived to the Middle Ages.
Here goes the list: the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Today, archaeological evidence reveals some of the mysteries that surrounded the history of the Wonders for centuries. For their builders, the Seven Wonders were a celebration of religion, mythology, art, power and science. For us, they reflect the ability of humans to change the surrounding landscape by building massive yet beautiful structures, one of which has stood the test of time to this very day.
Unit Seven Choices in Life
Part One Viewing, Understanding, and Speaking
Jane: (looking at the pyramid they built) Wow, partner, we did a great job, didn't we?
Tom: Yes, we sure did. Our planning paid off, didn't it?
Harry: I don't see what is so good about yours. I mean, didn't you see how tall ours was before it collapsed?
Jane: Sure, but the contest was to see who could build the taller pyramid that would remain standing.
Tom: Do you know why you failed? You didn't lay a solid foundation. You know, a solid foundation is very important for a structure like this.
Alice: I don't think we failed. At least we've tried and we've gained valuable experience.
Tom: Yes, yes, but where is your pyramid now? It's nowhere to be found.
Harry: Tom, you are paying too much attention to the final result. In my opinion, the process is more important.
Alice: Yeah and I really enjoyed the risk-taking process. I guess I always like to take risks and it's great fun. Even when I'm walking, I like to take a new path so I can see different and interesting things. Sometimes I get lost, but I always see something different.
Jane: I think it's better to plan ahead, to know what you are doing, and play it safe. I always try to imagine the possible results before I begin anything new. So when we were building the pyramid, my chief concern was on the possibility of collapse and the stability of the pyramid.
Alice: But you can never be sure of success in everything you try, no matter how well you plan ahead. A person would never learn anything new or interesting without taking some risks. I'm convinced of that!
Harry: I agree with Alice. I'd rather try something challenging or different and fail than to never attempt anything that might not succeed.
Alice: And do you remember the aim of the competition? It was to build the highest possible pyramid of cards that would remain standing.
Tom: But how can you build a high pyramid without a solid foundation? Being ambitious and taking risks isn't always bad and may even be exciting, but most of us want to win in a contest.
Jane: And whatever you say on how exciting it was to take a risk, you lost the game. It's something you have to face.
Tom: Yeah, that's right. And we did what was needed to win.
Alice: You two have to remember that this was just a game. Our main purpose was to have fun. On more important things we might take fewer risks.
Harry: Yeah, she's right. Of course we think that solid foundations matter at times. That's why we're going to college. That's our solid foundation for life, and we don't take that many risks in getting our education.
Tom: Still, I think you and Alice are different from Jane and me. We approach both life and games differently.
Harry: That makes all of our lives more interesting, right?
Other three: Right!
Part Two Listening,Understanding, and Speaking
Listening I
In the old days, ants and cicadas were friends. They were very different. The ants were hardworking, but the cicadas were lazy.
In the summer, the ant families were very busy. They knew that in the winter they would have to stay in their anthill. They wanted to have enough food for the whole winter.
While the ants worked hard, the cicadas didn't do anything. They sang and danced all day. When they were hungry, they could always fly to the farm and get something to eat.
One day, the cicadas were singing and dancing. They saw a long line of ants bringing food to their anthill. The cicadas said, "Stop, my silly friends. It's a very nice day. Come and dance with us." The ants said, "Don't you know about winter? If you don't work now, you'll have trouble later."
But the cicadas said, "We have strong wings. We can fly anywhere we want. Stupid ants!" And they continued to sing and dance.
In the winter, it rained all the time and it was very cold. In the anthill, there was singing and dancing. But the cicadas had nothing to eat. They asked the ants for some food. The ants said, "We thought you could fly anywhere. Now who is stupid and silly?"
The cicadas cried and said their wings were wet from the rain. The ants said,"We're sorry, but now it's too late. If we help you, there won't be enough food for us. Sorry, very sorry." And the ants closed their door.
The next day, when the ants opened their door, all the cicadas were dead! That's why we can hear cicadas sing in the summer, but in the winter they are silent.
Listening II
Many years ago, there lived a rich man who wished to do something for the people of his village. First, however, he wanted to find out whether they deserved his help.
In the center of the main road into the village he placed a very large stone. Then he hid nearby and waited to see what would happen. Soon an old farmer passed with his cow.
"What fool put this big stone right in the center of the road? " said the farmer, but he made no effort to remove the stone. Instead, with some difficulty he passed around the stone and continued on his way. Another man came along, and the same thing happened; then another came, and another, etc. All of them complained about the stone in the center of the road, but not one of them took the time and trouble to remove it.
Then came a young man, who was kind-hearted and hard-working. He saw the stone and said to himself, "It will be dark soon. Strangers or neighbors will come along in the dark, stumble on the stone, and perhaps hurt themselves."
The young man then began to remove the stone. He had to push and pull with all his strength to move it to one side. But imagine his surprise when under the stone, he found a bag full of money and this message: "This money is for the thoughtful person who removes this stone from the road. That person deserves help."
Part Three More Listening
Practice One
W: How can you say that?
M: Say what?
W: That... that it'll be the end of our relationship if I take this job.
M: What do you mean how can I say it? I've just said it.
W: But why?
M: Why?
W: Stop repeating my questions! Answer them.
M: Isn't it obvious? If you go to New York, I won't be able to see you. And you won't be able to see me! How can we have a relationship if we never see each other?
W: We'll find a way if we really want to!
M: How can I come to see you? On my salary?
W: I'll lend you the money.
M: What? Take money from you? Never!
W: All right. I'll come to see you.
M: You'll be too busy! I know you! You are so busy now that we hardly see each other, and we live in the same city!
W: Why didn't you say all this when I first told you I was thinking of taking the job?
M: I tried to.
W: You said I shouldn't let our relationship stand in the way.
M: No, I didn't.
W: Yes. That's what you said.
M: But I never thought you'd really do it! And anyway, you said it would be only for six months or so! Now you tell me you're going to be there for two years!
Practice Two
A little girl walked daily to and from school. Though the weather one morning was not good and clouds were forming, she walked to the elementary school as usual.
As the day progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl was very worried. She thought her daughter would be frightened on the way home, and feared that the storm might harm her child. Following the roar of the thunder, lightning would cut through the sky like a flaming sword.
Being concerned, the mother got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. Soon she saw her daughter walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look and smile. One followed another, each with the little girl stopping, looking at the light and smiling.
Finally, the mother called her over to the car and asked, "What are you doing?" The child answered, "God keeps taking pictures of me!"
Practice Three
Harry hears his alarm and turns on the radio. He hears the announcer say, "Good morning, everyone. And I hope it's a good day for you, not an unlucky one. It's Friday, the 13th. It's cold and rainy outside. It's a good day to stay home, if you can."
What's unlucky about Friday the 13th? Harry dresses and goes into the kitchen. He opens the refrigerator. Where's the orange juice? Harry looks in the back of the refrigerator. He knocks a carton of milk off the shelf. The milk spills on his pants and shoes and covers the floor. He cleans up the mess and runs to change his clothes. By now, he's late for work. Where are his car keys? He looks everywhere, then finally opens the refrigerator again. There they are, on the top shelf. He can't find his umbrella, so he runs through the rain to his car. The seat is all wet because he didn't close the window last night. Harry puts the key in the ignition and turns it. The engine starts, then dies. He tries again, but the same thing happens. Harry looks at the gas gauge. It's on empty.
Harry leaves his car and goes back in the house. He takes off his clothes and gets back into bed. It's Friday the 13th, a good day to stay home.
Practice Four
"The elderly" is a phrase that used to bring out many negative feelings. Many older people felt that they were finished with the best part of their lives. They just stayed at home and counted the days. For them, the days of excitement and adventure were over.
The elderly today, in contrast, choose a quite different lifestyle. They are often very healthy and adventurous. Some are still enthusiastic about their work, and many are excited about their interests. Retirement is not boring or frightening for them.
Helen is a perfect example. For forty-three years, she had been accustomed to the traditional life of a housewife and mother. During that time, she had brought up six children. She had ten grandchildren, and they were rapidly growing up.
When her last child finally moved out, she was not sad about it. On the contrary, she was thrilled about the opportunity for adventure. Helen began to make her preparations for the adventure of a lifetime. "And then," she says simply, "I took off."
Part Four Testing Y ourself
Section I
One day, an old mule fell into a farmer's well. Fortunately, the water wasn't very deep, so the mule stood on the bottom of the well.
The farmer didn't think it was worth the trouble to save the mule. So he called his neighbors together and asked them to help him haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
When the dirt started falling, the old mule got frightened. But as the farmer and his neighbors kept shoveling, and the dirt kept falling, the mule got a strange idea: Why not just shake off the dirt every time a shovel load hit him and step up?
So that's what he did, as blow after blow of dirt hit him on the back. "Shake it off and step up. Shake it off and step up." The mule kept telling and encouraging himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how bad the situation seemed, the old mule fought off the panic and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up. And it wasn't long before the exhausted old mule stepped up over the wall of the well to freedom.
The dirt which was going to bury him had actually helped him. This happened because of the way he "chose" to handle the dirt, the adversity, that others kept shoveling into his life.
Section II
Gloria is a student in a nursing school in the United States. She's going to graduate next month. She has two job offers. One is in a city hospital; the other is in a country hospital.
The hospital in the city is large; it's a 600-bed hospital. It's a cancer hospital. It gives excellent care to its patients. It's in a big city, near museums, theaters, and restaurants. The salary is high, $25,000 a year. But apartment rents are high, too.
The hospital in the country is small, a 50-bed hospital. It's a general hospital that takes care of all kinds of patients. It's in a beautiful area, near lakes, rivers and mountains. The salary is average, $20,000 a year. But apartment rents are low.
Gloria likes the city and the country. She doesn't know which hospital to choose. If you're in your early thirties and have never married, you're part of a growing U.S. population group. Researchers said that in 1970 only 9 percent of men between the ages of 30 and 34 had never married; today it's 25 percent. For women, the numbers went from 6 percent to 16 percent.
What's the reason for this large increase? Well, part of it is economic, said the researchers. It's harder for people in their twenties to marry and support a family now because their salaries may not be enough to live on.
People choose to marry later and have children later than they used to. At the same time, some highly educated women choose not to marry because they are now able to support themselves without a husband. Also, more single people are having or adopting children than in the past. Most singles who have never married seem to be very happy with their lives.
Section III
Throughout our lives, we are faced with choices: choices in schools, in careers, in personal and community life. Sometimes the decision is clear, and we can look ahead optimistically and say, "I hope that everything will work out." At other times the decision is not clear, and we find ourselves repeating, "I wish I knew what to do. I wish I had the answer." We go to others for advice, asking those around us, "What would you do if you were in my position?" and we ask ourselves, "What if I did this or I did that?"
Eventually we make the choice. Some are good choices, and some are bad choices. Some choices bring happiness and satisfaction, while others bring regrets: "I wish I hadn't done that," or, "If I had known better, I would never have done that."
Living with a good choice is easy, but living with a bad choice can be difficult. Yet as we evaluate ourselves and our actions, every day each of us has the opportunity to look forward or to look backward, to be optimistic or to be pessimistic. We can live with hopes and dreams, or we can live with wishes and regrets.
Unit Eight Romantic Stories(1)
Part One Viewing, Understanding, and Speaking
Video Script
A Romamtic Gift on Valentine’s Day
Episode 1:
(Mike, Tom and Simon are discussing something at the school snack bar. Then, Jerry comes in and joins them. ) Jerry: Hey, Guys! Fancy meeting you here! So what are you guys talking about?
Mike: Well, we're deciding whose turn it is to pay the check today.
Jerry: Oh? That's a difficult question! I have a more difficult problem for you though. If you can help me, if you can give some ideas for it, I'll gladly pay the bill!
Tom: Great! What's your problem?
Jerry: I want to give my girl a very special gift on Valentine's Day, but I haven't any idea as to what it should be. Simon: Simple! You can take her out for a romantic dinner. I bet the music and candlelight at the restaurant will add to the romance of your date that night.
Jerry: (imagining his girlfriend and he are sharing a dish... ) Yeah..., we could share a dish. Now... but that's not a real gift. I mean it's not something that will last long.
Mike: I see. I got an idea. Buy your girl a watch and ask her to wear it everyday!
Jerry: A watch! You know, it's really fashionable now for a girl to have a Swatch.
Mike: It's more than fashionable! What's more, whenever she looks at the watch, it'll remind her of you. Jerry: That's good. Fashionable and thoughtful gift! But... a Swatch will cost a lot!
Tom: Yeah. It's more of an expensive gift than a romantic one! Maybe a book would be a little cheaper.
Jerry: A book? What kind of book?
Tom: A textbook!
Jerry: What?
Tom: I'm just kidding. You know, girls are crazy about Jimmy's picture books. You can get her one of those popular love stories. Personally, I think, the... "Turn Left, Turn Right", that's a pretty good one.
Jerry: Yeah... And I can write "I'm lucky to have met you in such a big world!" and sign my name on the cover. But... won't it be too sentimental to do that?
Tom: Well, love is a sentimental affair! Don't you think so?
Jerry: That's true. But... but we have to go Dutch.
Simon: What?! Say that again!
Jerry: Your ideas were good, but they weren't good enough. In other words, they weren't perfect!
Mike: You liar! We've much better ideas than you do.
Jerry: But I... I didn't bring any money with me.
Tom: Really? Then what we'll do is... we'll send your girl the bill, you know, as a Valentine's Day gift. And then... Jerry: Oh! No! No! No! If you guys have had enough to eat, I'll just put it all on my account.
Episode 2:
新标准大学英语视听说 教程听力原文U n i t+ Document number【AA80KGB-AA98YT-AAT8CB-2A6UT-A18GG】
Unit 1-Conversation 1**（1）Janet: So this is the Cherwell Boathouse — it's lovely! And look at those people punting! It looks quite easy. Mark: I'm not so sure about that! Janet, there's something Kate and I wanted to discuss with you. Some people in college are organizing charity events this term. We've decided to get involved. Janet: Raising money for charity Right. In China, people raise money for charity but students don't usually do that. Mark: Students often do that here. Anyway, we're thinking of doing sponsored punting. Janet: Sponsored punting! What's that Kate: Sponsoring is when people pay you to do something — like run a long distance. So people would be sponsoring students to punt. Janet: What a great idea! I'd love to join you! Mark: That's why we're telling you about it. So that's decided then. Let's make a list of things we need to do. Kate: I'll do that. One of the first things we should do is choose the charity. Mark: Yes. And choose a day for the event. And we need to design the sponsorship form. I've got one here. Kate: That looks fine, but we must change the wording. Who wants to do that Mark: I'll do that. What have we got so far Kate: Choose a charity. Also a day for the event. Change the wording on the sponsorship form... Um ...
Unit 1 Listen1_Ex1 Interviewer:Angela, you were born in Korea but you've been living in Canada for a long time, haven't you? Angela:Yes, I was 10 years old when my parents immigrated to Canada and I've been living here for 20 years now. Interviewer:Do you think that belonging to two different cultures has affected your personality? Angela:Yes, definitely. There are times when I think that I have two personalities. Depending on where I am and who I'm with, I'm Korean or I'm Canadian. Interviewer:That sounds complicated. Could you explain what you mean? Angela:Well, growing up in Canada when I was going to high school, for example, I was known as Angela to the outside world, and as Sun-Kyung at home. I would wave hello to my teachers, but bow to my parents' Korean friends when they visited our home. Interviewer:Do different cultures have different ideas as to what is polite? Angela:Yes, definitely. In high school, I was expected to look straight in the eyes of my teachers and to talk openly with them. But when Koreans spoke to me, I was expected to look at my feet and to be shy and silent. Interviewer:Do you think that having two personalities makes you a richer person? Angela:Yes, but sometimes I don't know who I am. 1.Angela immigrated from Canada to Korea.(F ) 2.Angela is about 20 years old now.(F ) 3.Angela had two different personalities,one at school and one at home.(T ) 4.Sun-Kyung is Anglela's gilefriend at school.(F ) 5.Angela agrees that culture affects personality.(T ) 6.Being expected to two different cultures is sometimes confusing.(T) 1) outside world 2) at home 3) wave hello 4) bow 5) look straight in the eyes of 6) openly 7) look at my feet 8) shy and silent Listen2_Ex1 I am a very sensitive person, and that's good to a point. I feel everyone should be able to feel or understand what others are going through. But when you hurt, cry, or are unhappy for people you don't know, or for a movie that is not real, then I think that's a little too sensitive. That's the way I am. I am a very independent person. I must do things for myself. I don't like people doing things for me, or helping me, or giving me things. It's not that I don't appreciate it, because I do. I just feel that when someone does something for you, you owe them, and if there is one thing I don't like to feel, it's that I owe anyone anything. I think I would be a good friend. I would do almost anything for someone I like, and would share or give anything I have. I'm very caring and understanding. People
Unit 4-Conversation 1 Kate: So, what did you think of the movie? Mark: It was good but I thought it was too long. Kate: Yes, me too. Kate: Hey, where's my bike? I don't believe it! It's gone! Mark: It was next to mine, you chained it up! Kate: Someone's stolen it! Oh, how could they! Mark: Oh, Kate! Kate: How could someone have done this! The creep! Mark: It's a really mean thing to do, steal a bike. Kate: It was a mountain bike and it cost a fortune —I don't have the money to buy another one. Mark: Listen, I'll go down the street and see if I can see anyone with it. Why don't you go into that shop and see if they've seen anything suspicious? I'll be back in a minute. Kate: OK. Kate: Well? Ma rk: No luck. What did they say in the shop? Kate: I asked the shopkeeper if she'd seen anything — Mark: And? Kate: She said she hadn't. I guess it was a long shot. She advised me to report it to the police. But according to her, bikes get stolen all the time around here.
Unit 6-Conversation 1 Janet: What are you reading, Kate Kate:Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. Do you know it Janet: I've heard of it, yes, but I've never read it. It's a 19th century children's story, isn't it K a te: That's right. It's very famous. It's set in Oxford. It starts with this young girl sitting on a river bank. The interesting thing is, the author, Lewis Carroll, he was an Oxford professor and he used to have tea with the girl's family on this river bank. Ja net: Oh, that's fascinating! I'll put it into my diary. Kate: Is that what you're writing I know you've been keeping a diary all the year. Janet: It's been a great year. I've had such a good time — so lucky to have Mark and Kate as friends. Feel I've been doing well with work. Much happier about asking questions in tutorials. Janet: My screen's gone dark. Mark: You're using the battery, remember. It's run out, obviously. Janet: It can't be the battery. It's still charged. Oh no it's still black. Oh dear, I hope it's nothing serious. I haven't backed anything up recently. Kate: That's not like you, Janet. Janet:I know, but I lost my memory stick. I really should have backed things up. How stupid of me not to do that! Supposing I've lost everything! Mark: Let me take a look. The power is still on. And also the operating system still seems to be working ... I think it has to be the graphics card ... But maybe that's not the problem ... Janet: If only I'd backed things up! Kate: Relax, Janet! We'll take it to the computer shop this afternoon. I'm sure it'll be OK. Janet: I hope so. Unit 6-Conversation 2 Janet: Tell me about Alice in Wonderland. Kate: I tell you what, I'll read it to you. Kate: Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank and having nothing to do: Once or twice, she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, "and what is the use of a book," thought Alice, "without pictures or conversation" So she was considering in her own mind (as well as she could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid) ... Janet: Kate, Mark, where are you going You've got my laptop! Kate: It's all right, Janet, we're taking it to the computer shop. We'll be back soon. Mark: It's not like Janet to forget to back up her work. Kate: She should have been more careful. Janet: It was stupid of me, I know! Stupid, stupid! Janet: Oh! It was a dream! What a relief! Kate: You were talking in your sleep. Janet: What was I saying Kate: "Stupid, stupid." M ark: I've sorted out your computer. Janet: Have you Oh, thank goodness! What was the problem Mark:It was the graphics card, as I predicted ... Janet: Is that what it was! I'm so relieved! Thanks, Mark. Kate: He's great, isn't he Janet: Yes. So are you, Kate. Kate: You're such a good friend. Unit 6-Outside view Computers are a very important part of our lives. They tell us about delays to transport. They drive trains, analyze evidence and control buildings. Did you know that 60 per cent of homes in Britain have got a PC (a personal computer) For many young people, playing computer games is their favorite way of spending spare time. Computers are a very important part of most areas of life in Britain-libraries, the police and in school. But they are becoming more important in our homes as well. They’ll even control the way we live-in “smart homes” or computer-controlled houses. The smart home is now a real possibility. It will become very common. A central computer will adjust the temperature, act as a burglar alarm and switch on lights, ready for you to come back home. And of course you will be able to give new instructions to the computer from your mobile phone. So if your plans change, your home will react to match. Many homes have got lots of televisions and several computers. The smart home will provide TV and Internet sockets in every room, so you’ll be able to do what you want whenever you want. If the temperature outside changes, the smart home will adjust the temperature levels inside. The computer will also close the blinds when it gets dark or to stop so much sun from entering a room. And if you want to eat when you get home, the computer will turn the oven on for you! Are computers taking over our lives In a survey, 44 per cent of young people between 11 and 16 said their PC was a trusted friend. Twenty per cent said they were happier at their computer than spending time with family or friends. Another survey found that people in Britain spend so much time on the phone, texting and reading emails that they no longer have time for conversation. What do you think about that Unit 6-Listening in
Unit 1 Part 1 Listening I 1．1-5 FTFTT 2. 1-5 776-2235，65, 11，loud, quieter Listening II 1. 1-5 ABBDA 2. 1-5 old, torn/ blue, by the hand, holiday, children Listening III 1.1-5 181st，very tired, take hold of; for her trouble, never/ again Listening IV 1.1-5 CDBDB 2.. R: fulfills my every need./stay home, cook, clean, and watch the kids. E: open-minded/ something interesting to say. Part 2 1. ACDEGIJ 2. 1-8 in a mess, my turn, a hand, work on, expectations of, how about, too much, what we have Part 3 1. 1)-15) nicer, excited, promises, married, first, lasted, kids, enough, changes, loves, mad, care about, boy friend, get better, help Part 4 Listening I 1. CEFGKL 2. 1-5 personality/ background, good sense of humor, terrible, different environments, looks Listening II 1. 1-5 FTFTT 2. 1-5 gone by, no sign, taken over, enough, limits Listening III 1. 1-5 TFFTT 2. 1-5 seventies, selfish, unnatural, husband, surrounded Listening IV 1.1-5 ABDCD 2.c: done his part of the housework h: high priority with w: responsibility Unit 2 Part 1 Listening I 1. 1-5 TFTFT 2. 1 He moved to Newton. 2 She wrote down the new address on it. 3 It was thrown away. / The professor threw it away.
New Standard English Book 4 Unit 1 Inside view Conversation 1 2. Janet : go back to China,do my master’s (which means going back to university),live in London,become a teacher,work in publishing,apply for a job at London Time Off,update my CV and look for jobs together. Andy: leave London,go to China,look for jobs together. 3. the true statements are 2 and 8. Conversation 2 5. 1.Joe was a gofer before he became a researcher for Lift Off UK. 2.Andy wants Joe’s job as a producer. 6. 1(d) 2(d) 3(a) 4(c) 7. 1 It’s not always very easy working with 2.How did he end up in London 3.the least experienced person 4.He’s good at his job 5.He’s confident and very competent 6.I get on with him quite well Everyday English 8. 1(b) 2(b) 3(a) 4(a) 5(b) Outside view 2. the true statements Samantha agrees with are:1,2,3 and 4. 4. 1.She needs to improve her interview techniques to help her to get a job 2.She doesn’t know how to answer the questions and give answers that might lead her failure in a job interview. 3.She doesn’t understand what the interviewer is actually looking for. 4.That you need to be well prepared for an interview. It boils down to preparation,presentation and understanding what the interviewer is looking for. 5. 1.professional job coach 2.research on the position and the company 3.having not practised with some of the questions 4.how you present yourself 5.what the interviewer is actually looking for 6.preparation,presentation and understanding 7.in relationship to the job 8.some examples in your life 9.dealing with problems 7. the pieces of advice the speakers give are:1,3,5,7,8,9,10 and 11. Listening in Passage 1
Directions: In this section, you will hear several conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversations and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. A: How are you getting along, Julie B: After the vacation Much refreshed. A．It is interesting. B．It is tiring. C．It is exciting. D．It is refreshing. A: Why are you so cheerful while I'm so stressed all day B: Well, you should work off your stress. A．work not so hard B．work on easier problems C．eat healthy D．get rid of her stress I see you laughing all the time. B: Oh Eric. I'm ... reading a comic book. A: Comic book I didn't know you are interested in it. B: Well, it's a recent interest. When I was low in spirit three months ago, a friend gave me a comic book to read. And I became instantly addicted to such books. You know ... the pictures are so funny ... now I feel much better. A: I didn't know that. No wonder you are always in good spirits these days. B: Yes, and maybe you should read them, too, Eric. A: I ... I don't know. I'm just too busy with my thesis. It's for my master's degree and time is running out ... Ah, pretty much stress on me. B: Now you see Eric That's why you need to give yourself a break to read something amusing. It helps, I promise. A: Really Can reading comic books reduce your stress B: Of course. I'm a living example. Actually I'm having stress too ... you know, the tests, the job, things like that. But when reading the fun stuff, I just forgot all my worries. Later I find myself more powerful to deal with the issues in my life. A: That sounds magical. I'd like to try. Er ... what are you reading now B: Garfields, the cat. It's good. There's another one and you can borrow it. A: Oh, thank you, Penny. You're very helpful. Questions 3 to 5 are based on the conversation you have just heard. months ago, a friend gave Penny _____ when she was in low spirits. （岭师分享群4发布） A．a flower B．a comic book C．a comic DVD
大学英语新标准视听说教程4 答案 we learn 全新版大学进阶英语视听说教程4答案（最全最新） Unit 2 Consumerism Warm Up Answer the questions: last thing I bought was a packet of instant noodles. This bag of instant noodles is made in China. 2. I think it is mostly good. Listening and Speaking/Lesson A Listening: A. Listening for gist: 1. A scientist who is calling for a change in our shopping habits. 2. Some of the ways that our purchasing preferences are hurting the environment. B. Listening for details: away 2% trash. Repair reuse recycle. billion 95 80. bike walk. 250 twentyfive thousand disease. eat meat. Listening and Speaking/Lesson B Listening1:
A. New words andexxxxxpressions: B. Pre-listening task: C. Listening comprehension1: our stuff comes from. of the products we buy are made or grown somewhere else. C. Listening comprehension2: statistics designed electronics resources African diamonds Listening2: A. Listening for gist: 一二四 B. Listening for details: twelve fires a dollar % million Video Before You Watch About the video: Vocabulary matching: Global warming fossil fuels greenhouse gases carbon footprint
新标准大学英语视听说教程3答案 Unit 1 Outside view: Activity 1 Correct order: 3, 5, 4, 1, 2 Unit 1 Outside view: Activity 2 Question 1 Key: b Question 2 Key: c Question 3 Key: c Question 4 Key: a Question 5 Key: a Unit 1 Outside view: Activity 3 Row 1: 2 Row 2: 1 Row 3: 4 Row 4: 1 Row 5: 2 Row 6: 1 Row 7: 3 Unit 1 Outside view: Activity 4 Correct order: h, c, b, f, d, a, e, g Unit 1 Listening in: Passage 1 Activity 1 Question 1 Key: c Question 2 Key: d Question 3 Key: a Question 4 Key: b Unit 1 Listening in: Passage 1 Activity 2 Question 1 Key(s): (1) tolerant (2) rounded Question 2 Key(s): (1) close to (2) stand up Question 3 Key(s): (1) beauty (2) generosity Question 4 Key(s): (1) an opportunity (2) beyond the one Question 5 Key(s): (1) behaved (2) selfish Question 6 Key(s): (1) pretend (2) see through Question 7 Key(s): (1) arrived in (2) had to help Ques Key((1) time (2) amou Unit 1 Listening in: Passage 2 Activity 1
Unit6Culture Part 1 listening Ⅰ 1： 1-5：FFTTT 6-8:FFF 2： 1、cold open outgoing 2、overpowering friendly 3、long time for life 4、accent country loud behavior language 5、closer distance Listening Ⅱ1： 1-5：CADCC 2： 1、lost 2、India 3、settle/stay 4、compare
5、water 6、spoil 7、sugar 8、stay Listening Ⅲ1： EBGADFC 2: 1、European 2、1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3、Brown 4、Party 5、stand Listen Ⅳ1： 4,7,6,1,3,8,2,5 2: 1-5:FTTFF
Part 2 1: 1-5:TTFTF 6-8:TTF 2： 1、stupid mistakes 2、lovely ones make 3、entirely 4、finished fixes 5、symbol of death 6、on time alone 7、remind in front of 8、what we do right away Part 3 1: 1-6:ACBDCB 2： 1、culture 2、nation
3、mix 4、ceremonies 5、celebrations 6、recognized 7、worn 8、distinctive 9、everyday wear 10、varies Part 4 Listening Ⅰ 1： 1、walk 2、matter 3、both 4、leave 5、share 6、shake 7、offer 8、Promptness is important both in Britain and in America 9、There is an old story about a man who gave a normal
Unit 5Careers and Professions Think ahead/Warm up What kind of career would you like to follow after your graduation? /what would you like to do after your graduation? What characteristics and skills do you need to be successful in that job? /what characteristics and skills do you think are the prerequisite for a job? Part 1 Task 2 Exercise 1 1. F 2.T 3.F 4.T Exercise 2 1.find assignments on the company’s core project/ work on core project 2.build a relationship with the boss 3.Be prepared. Part 2 Task 1 Exercise 1 English level: fluent, got the certificate of the Secondary English Training Health condition: in top condition Working experience: two years of nursing experience, and now
working as a nurse in a hospital Height: one meter and sixty-eight centimeters/168cm Eyesight: never had any vision problems Strengths: friendliness, open-minded attitude, a warm personality Weak points: hard to tell others when she does n’t like what they are doing Exercise 2 flying into the blue sky working with people quite fluent make the passenger relaxed and happy in top condition any vision problem speak in another language use gestures and draw pictures