iShow高级班文本

第1课

A: Do you have a date for the party yet?

B: Actually, I don’t. Do you think you could help me find one?

A: Hmm, what kind of guys do you like?

B: Oh, I like guys who aren’t too serious and who have a good sense of humor. You know, like you.

A: Ok, what else?

B: Well, I’d prefer someone I have something in common with-who I can talk to easily.

A: I think I know just the guy for you. Bob Branson. Do you know him?

B: No, I don’t think so.

A: Let me arrange for you to meet him, and you can tell me what you think.

A: So, what’s the verdict? What did you think of Bob? B: Well, I was worried at first especially when I saw that he wears not one but two earrings. I thought he might turn out to be one of those guys who are into heavy rock music and stuff like that. You know what I mean?

A: But he’s just a regular kind of guy, right?

B: Yeah, we got along really well!

A: I just knew you’d like him.

B: Yeah, I do, and he’s really funny. He had me laughing hysterically during dinner. I think the people sitting next to us in the restaurant thought we were crazy.

A: So, are you two going to get together again?

B: Definitely, in fact, we’re going to a concert tomorrow night.

A: That’s great.

第2课

1.Andrea

A: So, have you seen Andrea lately?

B: Yeah, I see her pretty often. We work together at a café latté.

A: How’s she doing, I’ve been meaning to call her. B: Well, to be honest! I’ve always thought she’s a little difficult. But these days, I find her impossible.

A: What do you mean?

B: Oh, you know how she is. She has strong ideas about everything. And if you don’t agree with her, she lets you know what she thinks of you.

A: Yes, that’s true. But that’s why we love her, right? B: Yeah, I guess so. But she’s changed a lot since she started college. She talked about herself all the time and she always manages to mention how good she is at everything she does.

A: Hmm. Maybe I won’t call her after all.

2. James

A: Are you going to James’s party on Saturday?

B: Of course, James always gives the best parties. And there are always lots of interesting new people to meet. A: That’s true. I don’t know where he manages to find them all. B: Well, you know what he’s like. He makes friends really easily. He really likes talking to people, and he loves inviting people over.

A: Ur – Ur, he invited me for dinner last Saturday, what a feast!

B: Yeah, he’s a great cook too.

A: After dinner I offered to help clean up, but he told me not to worry about it. He said he’d take care of it in the morning. He was like，it’s nothing, no big deal. B: Yup, that sounds like James.

3. Mr. Johnson

A: Have you met the new apartment manager?

B: Mr. Johnson? Hmm. Yeah, I met him last week. He’s… a little strange.

A: Yeah, he is. I’m not sure I like him. He’s hard to predict. Sometimes he’s pretty cheerful and talkative, and the next day he doesn’t even say hello. I think he must have personal problems or something.

B: I think you’re right. And have you noticed that half the time when he says he’s going to do something, he never actually does it? He told me three times he’d come to fix the light in my kitchen, and he still hasn’t done it.

第3课

A: Hello?

B: Hi. My name’s Jim Hunt. I’m calling about the ad for a roommate.

A: Oh, right.

B: Are you still looking for someone?

A: Yes, we are.

B: Oh, good. I’m really interested.

A: Well, there are four of us, and it’s a fairly small house, so we want someone who’s easy to get along with.

B: I’m pretty easygoing.

A: Great! So can I ask you a few fairly straightforward questions about yourself?

B: No problem. I like it when people are direct.

A: What do you do, Jim?

A: Oh, well, I’ve had a lot of different jobs, but I’m not working right now.

B: Yeah, I got fired from my last job about six months ago, so I’ve been looking for something else. I haven’t been very lucky so far.

A: Uh-huh. Well, the rent here is $1,200 a month – uh, that’s $300 a month for each person.

B: Oh, Uh ….

A: Will you have enough money to pay the rent every month?

B: Yeah, I probably will … if I can find a job.

A: Yeah. Uh, look, where are you living now?

B: Well, I’ve been staying with a friend for the past couple of weeks.

A: Uh-huh.

B: Yeah, but he’s asked me to leave by Friday, so I really need to find a place to live. I’ve had to move four times in the past year and, well …

A: Listen, Jim. I appreciate your telling me about yourself. I like it when people are honest with me. Anyway, I have to talk to my other roommates about this, and I’ll give you a call tomorrow to let you know what we decide. Why don’t you give me your number? B: Sure, it’s two, two, three …

第4课

A: Good news! I’ve found a summer job!

B: That’s great! Anything interesting?

A: Yes, working at an amusement park. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?

B: Sure, it does.

A: So, have you found anything?

B: Nothing yet, but I’ve got a couple of leads. One is working as an intern for a record company – mostly answering phones. Or I can get a landscaping job again.

A: Being an intern sounds more interesting than landscaping. And it’s probably not as hard!

B: Yeah, but a landscaper earns more money than an intern. And you get a great tan!

B: So what will you be doing at the amusement park, exactly?

A: Actually, I’ll have two jobs. First, I’ll be working at a place called Children’s World. They have all kinds of interesting games and educational activities for young kids. I have to go to a training program for three days before I start to find out how everything works. B: Three days? Wow, the equipment must be pretty high-tech!

A: Oh, it is – a lot of computers and interesting devices. It’s just the kind of stuff that kids love.

B: Well, it sounds like the perfect job for you.

I know how much you love kids.

So what’s your other job?

A: Well. I’ll also be one of the people who walks around the park greeting people.

B: Do you mean you’ll have to dress up in a costume? A: Yes, as a cartoon character! I know, I know. It sounds silly. And it’s certainly not as rewarding as working in Children’s World, but, it’s part of the job.

第5课

A: So where are you working this summer, Carlos? B: I’m working as a tutor in a learning center for kids. A: Interesting. What kinds of things do the kids do there?

B: They work on subjects they need help in, uh, mainly .math and English.

A: Is your job hard?

B: No, not at all. The kids work on computers most of the time. We have to help them get started and when they run into problems. A: Do you enjoy it?

B: Oh, yes. Working with kids is so much more fun than working with adults. And I get to choose my own hours. As long as I work eight hours a day, I can come in at any time from 8 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

A: Lucky you!

A: Paul, did you find a summer job, yet?

B: Yeah, I’m working in a restaurant.

A: Oh, how’s it going?

B: Oh, the money’s not bad.

A: What are you doing? Are you waiting tables?

B: I wish! No. I’m working in the kitchen. I cut up stuff for the chef – vegetables and meat and things. I also wash the dishes.

A: Oh, yuck.

B: Yeah. It’s pretty hard work. I didn’t realize how hot it is in a restaurant kitchen until I took this job.

A: So why don’t you quit?

B: I’d love to, but I need the money.

A: So what kind of job did you find for the summer? B: I’m working for a marketing company. I’m doing telephone marketing.

A: Oh, so you’re one of those people who drives me crazy by calling me up and trying to persuade me to buy something that I have absolutely no need for.

B: Exactly.

A: Do you like it?

B: Believe it or not, I do. It’s mostly a bunch of students working there, and we have a lot of fun when we’re not making calls. It’s really easy, too, since we just have to read from a script.

A: Are you doing this full time?

B: Yes, but I work from two in the afternoon until eleven at night, so I get to sleep as late as I want to in the morning.

第6课

Jack: Hi, Rod. This is Jack.

Rod: Oh, hi, Jack. What’s up?

J: I’m going to my best friend’s wedding this weekend. I’d love to videotape it. Would you mind if I borrowed you video camera?

R: Um, yeah. That’s OK, I guess. I don’t think I’ll need it for anything.

J: Thanks a million.

R: Sure. Have you used a video camera before? It’s pretty easy.

J: Yeah, a couple of times. Would it be OK if I picked it up on Friday night?

R: Fine. No problem.

B Listen to two more telephone calls Jack makes. Andy: Hello.

Jack: Hi, Andy. This is Jack.

A: Oh, hi, Jack.

J: I was wondering if you could do me a favor.

A: That depends.

J: Well, I have to go to a wedding this weekend. Would it be OK if I borrowed your navy blue suit?

A: Oh, sure. No problem.

J: Thanks a lot. I’ll come by and pick it up tonight.

A: That’s fine.

Rose: Rose Rizzo.

Jack: Hi, Rose. This is Jack.

R: Oh, hello. How are you?

J: Pretty good, thanks. Listen, the reason I’m calling is I have a really big favor to ask you.

R: Yes?

J: Remember I told you about that friend of mine who’s getting married to a woman he met in Barcelona? R: Yeah, I remember. And?

J: Well, the wedding’s this Saturday afternoon, and it’s out in the country –about an hour’s drive from here –and I was wondering if I could borrow your car for the afternoon to get there.

R: Gee, Jack, I’d really love to help you out, but I’m going to be needing my car all weekend. I’ve got a friend coming in from out of town, and I promised to show her the sights.

J: Oh, OK. I understand. Anyway, how are things? I haven’t seen you for ages.

R: Oh, pretty good.

第7课

Amy: Hello?

Jeff: Hello. May I speak to Sophia, please?

A: I’m sorry, she’s not in right now. Would you like to leave a message?

J: Yes, please. This is Jeff. Would you tell her that Tony is having a party on Saturday?

A: Un-huh.

J: And would you ask her if she’d like to go with me? A: All right, Peter. I’ll give her the message.

J: No, this is Jeff, not Peter.

A: Oh, I’m .sorry.

J: By the way, who’s Peter?

Sophia: Hi! I’m home!

A: Oh, hi.

S: Did anyone call?

A: Uh-huh. Your old friend Peter called a few hours ago. He’s going to be in town on Saturday and wants

to get together with you Saturday night. He said to call him.

S: Oh, super! I haven’t seen Peter in almost a year.

Any other calls?

A: Uh, yeah. Jeff called. He wants to know if you want to go to Tony’s party with him.

S: Oh. When is Tony’s party?

A: On Saturday.

S: Oh, perfect. That’s the same night I’m going to get together with Peter, so I have an excuse not to go. Even if I weren’t going out with Peter, I wouldn’t go anywhere with Jeff. Oh, he’s such a pain! A: Oh, he didn’t sound so bad. He sounded kind of sweet.

S: Yeah, yeah, I guess he is. It’s just that I don’t wanna go out with him – and he just doesn’t seem to get the message. Do me a favor, Amy: If he calls again, could you just tell him I’m not home?

A: Hmm. OK.

第8课

A: What an awful story! A couple was sailing their yacht from Hawaii to Mexico. While they were crossing the Pacific, their boat hit a whale and sank! B: Is that true? What happened to the whale?

A: It doesn’t say! Oh and here’s another one. A guy in Los Angles was robbing a bank. But as he was escaping, he got caught in the revolving door.

B: I guess it was his first bank robbery!

A: Yeah. Oh and listen to this. Some guy got locked out of his house, so he tried to get in through the chimney.

B: Don’t tell me! He got stuck in the chimney!

A: Exactly. And he was still trying to get out two days later when the police rescued him.

A man who considered himself a snake charmer was strangled to death on Sunday by a

three-and-a-half-meter boa constrictor in a town in Thailand. It seems that the man rushed to see the giant snake after friends told him the serpent was seen beside one of the town’s main roads. The snake charmer put it around his neck; while he and his friends were walking home, the snake strangled him to death.

Early Tuesday morning in California, two police officers who were pursuing a car thief down Hollywood Boulevard in a high-speed chase were rescued by the thief. During the chase, the officers’ car overturned and fell into a shallow river. The officers couldn’t get out of the car, which was rapidly filling up with water. The thief went back to the scene of the accident and helped rescue the officers. The Hollywood Police Department has decided to drop charges against the thief for saving the officers’ lives.

第9课

A: Someone stole my wallet last night!

B: Oh no! What happened?

A: Well, I was working out, and I had put my stuff in my locker, just like I always do. When I came back, someone had stolen my wallet. I guess I’d forgotten to lock the locker.

B: I’m sorry. That’s terrible! Did you lose much money?

A: Only about $20. But I lost my credit card and my driver’s license. What a pain!

B: Hmm. That reminds me of when I had my purse stolen last year.

A: Really? What happened?

B: Well, it was when I was in Belgium. I was on my way to the airport, so I was standing on the side of the road with my bags, trying to figure out the bus schedule. Anyway, this bunch of guys came by and asked if they could help me. They spoke very broken English, and I couldn’t really understand what they were saying. I really just wanted them to leave me alone. Finally, they left and when I looked down, I realized my purse had disappeared. It had my wallet in it with all my traveler’s checks and my money and my credit card. Well, luckily, I had put my airline ticket and my passport in one of my carry-on bags.

A: How awful! So what did you do?

B: Well, first I screamed at the top of my lungs and tried to run after the guys – but they were long gone. Then – this sounds really corny – I did just what I had seen people do on TV: I called my credit card company.

A: Were they helpful?

B: They were lifesavers! In no time at all, they’d given me new traveler’s checks and a new credit card, and sent me on my way.

第10课

1 Taxi drivers

A: It really upsets me when taxi drivers drive so fast. I’m always terrified of having an accident.

B: That doesn’t really bother me. I like to get where I’m going quickly. But I can’t stand it when they have their radios turned up all the way full blast. You can’t even hear yourself think!

2 People with dogs

A: I hate it when people take their dogs into a park and let them make messes all over the place. It’s so irresponsible!

B: You know what bothers me? I hate it when they go out and leave their dog at home, barking all day.

3 TV commercials

A: I can’t stand it when they show the same commercial twice in a row. Why do they do that? It drives me crazy!

B: The thing that bothers me the most is when they interrupt a ball game at the most exciting moment to show some stupid commercial.

4 Store clerks

A: It really upsets me when store clerks pretend they haven’t noticed you and just stand around chatting to each other. It’s so rude.

B: Yeah. Or on the other hand, they give you the hard sell, and try to get you to buy something you don’t really want.

第11课

Clerk: Can I help you?

A: Yes, I’d like to return this jacket.

C: Is there something the matter with it?

A: Yes. I didn’t notice when I bought it, but there are a few problems. First, it has a tear in the lining. C: Hmm, actually, it’s torn in several places.

A: And some of the buttons are very loose, this one came off, in fact. And there’s a stain on the collar.

C: I’m really sorry about this. Would you like to exchange it for another one?

A: Well, to be honest, I don’t think this jacket is very well made. I’d rather get a refund.

C: I understand. Do you have the receipt?

A: Hi.

C: Yes?

A: I wonder if you could take a look at these shoes I bought here. They’re pretty new, but they seem to be falling apart.

C: Hmm. Let me see. Yes, this doesn’t look right. The stitching is coming out. How long did you say you’ve had them?

A: Only about a month. Here’s the receipt.

C: Hmm…yes. Well, let me exchange these for you. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

A: Excuse me.

C: Yes, how can I help you?

A: You see this shirt? I bought it here a few weeks ago, but the first time I washed it, the color change. It went from bright red to light pink.

C: How did you wash it?

A: Well, I just tossed it into the washing machine with my other clothes.

C: What temperature did you use?

A: I usually wash my clothes in hot water, so I guess hot.

C: Well, did you check the washing instructions?

A: Um…maybe not.

C: Well, you see here on this label? It says, “Wash in cold water only.”

A: Um-hmm.

C: So I’m really sorry, but since you didn’t follow the washing instructions, I can’t really do anything for you.

第12课

A: Hello, Mr. Smith? I was wondering if you could, uh, change the lightbulb out front? It went out again.

B: Look, why are you bothering me now? It’s still light outside and it will be for another five hours.

A: Well, I realize that, but it was dark last night, and I was fumbling with my keys, and …I’m headed out now, and …

B: Miss, it just rained. It’s very wet. It’s dangerous to work with electricity when it’s wet outside.

A: Oh, I…I don’t want to endanger you. It’s just that I’ll be coming home late tonight and I just want to make…

B: I would love to help you miss, but somebody borrowed my ladder. I don’t have a ladder.

A: Well, you know, I have a chair! If you’d just give me a lightbulb, I wouldn’t mind doing it myself. OK?

B: Oh, oh. Oh! OK. Here. Take a lightbulb from one of my lamps…

A: Oh, no, you don’t have to do that!

B: …so you know it works. No, please. It’s my pleasure.

A: Oh! Thank you!

A: Uh, excuse me. Mr. Smith?

B: Yeah?

A: Uh, I was wondering if you could do something about my next-door neighbor’s dog?

It’s been barking and…and keeping…keeping…

B: Hey! Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, dogs gotta……

A: Dogs…

B: That’s nature’s way.

A: Dogs…yes, but they don’t have to bark all night! This is three nights in a row……

B: Oh! Wait! Wait! Have you tried earplugs?

A: I’ve tried earplugs. They don’t……

B: Have you seen the size of that dog? You want me to go in there? That dog could hurt me!

A: Well, I need my sleep! I don’t know what to tell you, I mean……

B: Look, look. I tell you what. I’ll call him on the phone, and ask if he can keep his dog quiet.

A: Thank you!

A: Mr. Smith.

B: Mrs. Taylor.

A: I have a bone to pick with you.

B: What is it?

A: My mail keeps arriving every day later and later. B: Mrs. Taylor, that’s the government’s fault-not mine……

A: Well, I think……

B: Well, complain to the post office.

A: Mr. Smith! I think that it’s your job to take care of this!

B: Mrs. Taylor, why do you need your mail early? Take my advice.

Just relax, put your feet up, and watch a little TV, OK? A: I’m sorry, Mr. Smith. I think that you should do something about this. Now!

B: OK, Mrs. Taylor. I’ll go down to the post office and speak to someone……tomorrow.

第13课

One thing that I never really got used to when I was traveling in Asia was the way people make noise when they drink soup. I think it’s because they want to show that they’re really enjoying their food so they make a loud slurping noise. It always bothered me. I guess it’s because my parents spent years when I was a kid telling me not to make noise while I was eating.

When I lived in Spain, I was surprised at how late people eat in the evening. When you’re invited to dinner, you are asked to come arou nd nine o’clock and you usually don’t start dinner until ten. And people stay terribly late – sometimes until two in the morning or even later. I found it difficult. How does one get up and go to work or school the next day after eating and drinking until three in the morning?

I lived in the Middle East for a while, and when I went out, I had to obey the local custom of wearing something over my head and wearing a dress that covered my whole body. At first, I found it a real nuisance, but after a while, I got used to it and even started to like it. You feel really secure, and also you don’t have to worry about what to wear all the time.

第14课

A: Excuse me. Would you like to make a contribution to Greener World?

B: Sure. What are you working on right now?

A: Well, we’re developing educational programs for schools. We want to show children how the oceans are being polluted by industrial waste. And we want to tell them about how fish supplies have been depleted through overfishing.

B: I think what you’re doing is terrific. I wish I could do more to help.

A: So, have you ever thought about becoming a member of Greener World?

B: No, but tell me a little more about it.

A: We’ve been active in this area for almost five years now. Are you aware of some of our other local projects?

B: No, I don’t think I am.

A: Well, one of the things we’ve been doing is planting trees. We have a group of volunteers involved in several tree-planting projects in different parts of the city. We’re trying to get as many trees planted as possible to help clean the air and also to help lower the temperature during the summer.

B: That sounds smart.

A: Uh-huh. We’ve also placed over 50 recycling bins around the city so that people can drop off things for recycling – cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers. Last year we raised over $100,000 through recycling. B: That’s fantastic. I’d love to get involved in Greener World. Where do I sign?

第15课

A: You know, I’ve been reading a lot about the problem of landfills – and it really has me worried. B: Why?

A: Well, it seems that the easiest way of disposing of trash is by burying it in landfills. The problem is that in many countries the landfills have already been filled up, and it’s hard to find places to start new ones. No one wants a huge landfill anywhere near their neighborhood.

B: So what’s the solution?

A: Well, there is no easy solution. But many cities are trying to do more recycling so that they can reduce the amount of stuff that goes into the landfills.

B: I can’t believe it’s become dangerous to get a suntan. What is this world coming to?

A: Well, the sun has never been good for you, but it’s really dangerous now. You see, the ozonosphere, which helps protect us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, has been damaged by pollution in the air. When the ozone layer gets too thin, it can cause an increase in skin cancer and other problems.

B: But is there anything we can do to solve the problem?

A: Sure. One of the biggest threats to the ozone layer

is cars – the exhaust gases from cars. The best way to save the ozone layer is to drive less. So in many places, people are being asked to carpool.

A: You know, you always hear about air pollution, but not many people are aware of the problem of water pollution.

B: You mean in the oceans?

A: No. I mean polluted drinking water. It’s a problem in almost every major city in the world. Almost all our rivers and lakes – where we get our drinking water from – are being polluted in some way by businesses farms, homes, industries, and other sources. And even though the water most of us drink is treated, it’s still not 100 percent pure.

B: So what’s the solution?

A: Well, it’s a complicated problem to solve, but basically what’s involved is treating all waste products more carefully so that dangerous chemicals and bacteria don’t get into our water supply.

第16课

A: You know, there’s a factory outside town that’s pumping chemicals into the river.

B: How can they do that? Isn’t that against the law? A: Yes, it is. But a lot of companies ignore those laws. B: That’s terrible! What can Greener World do?

A: Well, one thing to do about it is to talk to the management.

B: What if that doesn’t work?

A: Well, then another way to stop them is to get a TV station to run a story on it.

B: Yes! Companies hate bad publicity. By the way, what’s the name of this company?

A: It’s called Apex Industries.

B: Oh no! My uncle is one of their top executives! Carla: Wait a minute, Before Greener World does anything, shouldn’t we make sure that we’ve got our facts straight?

Andy: Absolutely. The best thing to do is to monitor the situation over the next several weeks to see what exactly is happening.

B: How do we do that? A: Well, we can take pictures of the river and even take water samples to see how bad the situation is.

B: OK. And maybe I could talk to my uncle about it. A: Oh, no, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Not yet, anyway.

B: Why not?

A: I don’t think we want to say anything to anyone until we have a clearer picture of what is going on. After we’ve monitored the situation for a while, then we can decide whether we need to have a meeting with a representative of the company to tell them what we’ve discovered. OK, Carla?

B: OK.

第17课

A: you know, I’ve always wanted to have my fortune told.

B: Really? Do you know where you can get it done? A: I’m not sure. But maybe there are some fortunetellers listed in the phone book. Let’s take a look.

B: Hmm. Here’s one. You could have your palm read by Madame Zara for $70.

A: That’s really expensive.

B: What about this one? You can get your fortune told over the phone for only $3.75a minute.

A: That’s reasonable. Come on. Try it with me!

F: Fortune-Tellers international. This is Madame Ines. Let me tell you what the future will bring. What’s you sign?

A: I’m a Leo.

F: Hmm…let’s see. Well, this is going to be an interesting week for you.

A: Why is that?

F: It seems that you’re waiting to hear about something important, and you should have good news toward the end of the week.

A: Hmm…I wonder what that’s about.

F: But your situation at work or at school will become more difficult in the coming days. You may find things boring for a while, but you should be patient. A: OK.

F: Now, on the personal side, you will have some lively and interesting discussions with someone you know well. Pay attention to this friend’s advice because it will turn out to be good for you in the long run.

A: OK. That doesn’t sound too bad.

F: If, you would like to hear more, I’ll need your credit card number, please.

A: Oh. It’s 8997-9670072……

第18课

1. How to overcome shyness

M: Well, I think if you’re really shy it might be a good idea to see a therapist or someone like that – you know, to get some profes sional help. You can’t always change by yourself.

W: Or how about getting one of those self-help books from the library? I’m sure there are books around with lots of good suggestions that you can try.

M: I think the best thing is to join a club and do activities where you have to meet and talk to different people. Like, if you join a theater group and work on putting on a play, you’ll probably be able to overcome your shyness.

2. Become a good conversationalist

I had always been really shy. I was the sort of person who could go to a party and never talk to anybody, and when you don’t talk to anybody, it’s hard to make friends. Anyway, my sister suggested I take an acting class. She said it might help me become more outgoing. So, I did. I was really frightened in that first acting class. But you know it really helped. The teacher was very kind, and taught me that I could talk to anybody just by pretending to be someone else.

3. How to get in shape for summer

M: Getting in shape for summer can be easy. Just take a fairly fast walk for at least an hour a day. You’ll be surprised at how much fat you can burn off just by walking every day.

W: I recommend getting a personal trainer at a gym. It’s expensive, but a personal trainer can help you focus on what you really need to do and show you the best kinds of exercises to do to tighter up your tummy or whatever it is you want to tighten up.

M: I think the best way to get in shape is by riding a bicycle to work or school. And on the weekends, go out for longer rides. It sounds easy, but actually, a good long bike ride can be even better for you than a workout at the gym.

第19课

A: So, Linda, what have you been doing with yourself?

B: Not much. Oh, wait! That’s not true. I took this great dancing course last semester.

A: Oh, yeah! What kind of dancing?

B: We learned tap dancing and square dancing.

A: Wait……why on earth would you want to learn tap dancing and square dancing? It sounds exhausting. B: Oh, just for fun. You should try taking the course. You’ll see t hat you learn more than just dancing, you also learn how to be more confident and how to interact better with other people.

A: Hmm. I think with all that hopping around I’d be too exhausted to interact with anyone.

G: I just got my grade in the mail. I got an A!

A: Wow! That’s terrific. Congratulations. What kind of course was it?

G: Oh, it was one of those business courses. They just taught us how to open a small business.

A: Oh, did it help?

G: Oh, absolutely. We learned a lot of general principles, and then they taught us about how to run a small retail business. I got a lot of great information that I could use if ever I decide to open……oh, let’s say a plumbing supply store.

A: A plumbing supply store?

第20课

A: So what were you like as a kid?

B: When I was a kid, I was kind of rebellious.

A: You? Really? What was the turning point?

B: When I graduated from high school.

A: What do you mean?

B: Until you graduate, you don’t understand that life is just Beginning. After I finished high school, I realized that I still had a lot to learn.

A: I know what you mean. I was really immature when I was a kid.

B: What changed?

A: I think I became more mature after I got my first job. Once you have a job, you learn to be more independent.

B: That’s true. Where did you work?

A: In my father’s bank.

B: Another turning point for me was when I got my dog, Pepper. I know that sounds silly, but it was really important to me.

A: Why was that so important?

B: Well, I was about 11. I remember that having a dog – you know, he was mine – made me feel really responsible in a funny kind of way. He would follow me everywhere and was always waiting for me when I came home from school.

A: Actually, that sounds kind of nice. I never got to have a dog, but I remember when I got my first bicycle. That was a very important day for me. For the first time, I could go out on my own and go as far as I wanted to. I used to polish the bicycle every day and take really good care of it. Of course, that only lasted a few months, and then I lost interest in it!

第21课

One thing that was really a turning point for me was when I learned Spanish. I was always kind of scared of learning a foreign language, yet I was really envious of kids who could speak another language. But when I started learning Spanish, I found I was actually pretty good at it, and the moment I reached that breakthrough stage – you know, when you discover you can actually speak and communicate with people in the language – I felt really proud of myself. I realized that learning a foreign language wasn’t an impossible thing after all. Now I can speak three, Spanish, Italian, and German. And I’m taking Korean this year.

I’m a twin, and my twin brother and I have always been very close. We always did everything together, and we were never apart for any time at all – until we were 18. Then we went to different colleges in different towns, and that was the first time we had ever

really had to cope on our own. I think it was good in a way, because we both became more confident and independent. Until then, I had always had my brother to depend on whenever I ran into a problem. But once I went away to college, I realized I was actually capable of working things out on my own.

I guess I was always pretty shy in school, and I didn’t share a lot of things with people – not even with my parents. Then one time it was Awards Day at school. I didn’t think I was getting any prizes or anything and neither did my parents. So we were all pretty surprised when the principal announced that I was the top student in my class. Afterward, I didn’t think too much about it, but then people suddenly started treating me differently. You know, I think some of the kids in school started looking up to me, and I became a lot more outgoing after that.

第22课

A: I’m thinking of going back to school to get another degree. It’s so hard to find a job with a degree in literature.

B: Yeah, I know what you mean.

A: I should have studied something more practical. If I’d been more sensible, I would have majored in economics.

B: Why did you major in literature?

A: I don’t know! I should have listened to my mother. She wanted me to major in business.

B: Oh? What does she do?

A: Mom? She’s a literature professor.

B: I guess I could have made better use of my time in college, too.

A: How do you mean?

B: Oh, I spent too much time studying. I should have taken part in more extracurricular activities – you know, like joining the drama club or the swimming team or some thing like that. If I’d enjoyed myself more, I would have made a lot more friends.

A: Yeah, but didn’t you get incredible grades in college? You might not have done so well if you’d spent your time doing a lot of other things.

B: Oh, I know lots of people who studied hard and did well – but played hard too – and left college with four years of terrific memories. I really regret that I didn’t do that. I missed out entirely.

第23课

Jackie: You asked Beth to be here around seven

o’clock, didn’t you?

Bill: Yes. What time is it now?

Jackie: It’s nearly a quarter to eight. I wonder what happened.

Bill: Hmm. She might have forgotten the time. Why don’t I call and see if she’s on h er way?

Bill: I got her answering machine, so I guess she must have left already. Jackie: I hope she didn’t have a problem on the road. Her car could have broken down or something.

Bill: Of course she may have simply forgotten our invitation and done something else today.

Jackie: No, she couldn’t have forgotten. I talked to her only yesterday. Let’s just start without her.

Bill: Oh, here comes Beth now.

Beth: Hey, guys. Sorry I’m late. I had an emergency. Jackie: Oh. Nothing serious I hope.

Beth: Well, kind of. It was Sally.

Jackie: Sally, your dog? What happened?

Beth: Well, I was just about to leave when she started acting strange. Then she just passed out.

Jackie: Oh, my gosh.

Beth: I panicked. I thought she had died at first. I had to rush her to the vet.

Jackie: But is she OK? She’s so cute. I hope she’s all right.

Beth: Yeah, she’s going to be fine. The vet said it was some kind of virus. So he gave her an injection, and I had to leave her with him. I’ll go by later and pick her up. Oh, but guess what!

Jackie: What?

Beth: She’s going to have puppies?

Bill: Congratulations! You’re going to be a grandmother!

Jackie: Very funny, Bill!

Beth: Yeah, Bill. Very funny!

第24课

Well, as far as I’m concerned, Princess Diana has to be one of the most important public figures in recent history. Her death was such a tragedy. While she was living, she used her status to make the world a better place. I mean, she could have just sat back and had a fabulous life, but she tackled problems like AIDS and la nd mines and really brought them to people’s attention. That’s why I feel she was such an important figure.

Well, I think Bill Gates is probably the most important person I can think of His company Microsoft has changed the way computers work and made computers available to everybody. And the Windows software that Microsoft developed was really a turning point in the development of computers in the twentieth century.

第25课

1.Work

A: Work? In the future? Well, I think unemployment is going to keep getting worse.

B: I agree. As companies get more efficient and more computerized, they’re finding ways of using less staff. A: So I guess people will find it hard to get a good job unless they have excellent qualifications.

B: Hmm, yeah. I think that’s probably true.

But I also think that because of computers, more and more people will be working at home instead of going into an office.

A: Wow, I’d really love that. Can you

imagine-spending most of your work week in the comfort of your own home?

B: Personally, I would get so much more done. And with e-mail, faxes, and conference calls you can still keep in touch with everyone you need to. A: Well, I’d certainly enjoy it, but I don’t know if I’d get more done or not. I’m afraid I might just turn on the TV and zone out!

2.Transportation

A: As far as transportation is concerned, I think there’re going to be huge changes in the way people use cars.

They’ll probably have made laws about what kind of car you can own and when you can use it.

B: And I bet it’ll be impossible for people to use cars whenever they like. There’ll just be too many of them on the roads.

A: Exactly. People will have to rely on other modes of transportation – especially trains.

B: Why do you say that?

A: Well, we won’t be able to use cars, and airports take up too much space. With the supply of land for airports shrinking around the world, there are going to be fewer airports and fewer plane flights. That leaves trains.

B: Huh. So you think there will be more efficient train systems between cities.

A: Sure. There may even be trains going under the oceans to connect the major continents.

B: Under the oceans? Get out of here! I get nervous enough flying on a plane.

3.Health

A: Every day you hear about some new medical breakthrough on the news.

B: Yeah. Who knows what they’ll have done in the next 50 years?

A: I hope that in the next 50 years new drugs will have been discovered that will enable people to stop smoking permanently, or to lose weight permanently –without dieting!

B: And hopefully they will have found cures for many of the diseases that are around today, so people will live longer.

A: how much longer do you think?

B: I bet that within the next 50 years, most people will live to be over 100.

第26课

1. Psychologist

Maybe the biggest challenge for me is listening to people talk about their problems all day. At the end of the day, I’m usually pretty worn out. At times, it can be depressing as well. On the other hand, I do see patients making real progress. It’s great to see someone really turn their life around and get on top of

a problem that they never thought they could deal with.

2. Camp counselor

As a camp counselor, it’s difficult to find a way to get through to kids with problems and win their trust. Sometimes kids are very suspicious and find it hard to trust an adult – even a young adult. So getting them to open up is the hardest part. Once you’ve done that, they almost become different people. One of the things I find most rewarding is seeing kids develop confidence and a sense of self-worth. It’s especially great to see that happen in a kid who started out the summer with low self-esteem.

3. Firefighter

It sounds pretty obvious, but in my job, the biggest challenge is going into a burning building that’s full of smoke when you can barely see a few inches in front of you. It’s really difficult – especially when you know there are people in there, and it’s your job to get them out. Once you do get someone out safely, then you feel really great and you forget about how dangerous the work is.