10 天美语突破教程~加精吧

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:33:00|来自：福建厦门

第一天 Making Friends 
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以下内容只有回复后才可以浏览 When making new friends, there are usually three parts to the conversation you will have with your new friend. The first is the greeting. In this part, you and your new friend will greet each other and tell each other your names. The second part is the conversation. Sometimes the conversation is small talk and some times the conversation is about important matters, such as business. "Small talk" is an American slang term. It means that the conversation is about matters that are not very important. When conversing with your new friend, it is customary to give information about your family, your work, or you will talk about any matter that is important to you and your new friend. The third part of the conversation is the leave-taking. In this part, you tell your new friend that you are happy to meet him and that you must end the conversation. In this conversation, Thinh will introduce himself and his wife to Jim, their new neighbor. -------------------------------------------------------------- Thinh: Hello. Jim: Oh, hi there! Thinh: Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Thinh Nguyen and this is my wife, Lan Quong. Jim: Pleased to meet you. My name is Jim Peters. Did you just move in next door? Lan: Yes, we did. Have you lived here long? Jim: Me? I guess so. I've lived here for about 6 years now. Have you lived in America very long? Thinh: No. Not really. When we left Vietnam and came to America we lived with a cousin in Dallas for 2 years. Where do you work, Jim? Jim: I teach mathematics at Willow Springs community college. What do you do? Thinh: I am a mechanic at Allied Diesel. I repair truck engines. Jim: What about you, Lan? Lan: I am a nurse's assistant at Whitfield County hospital. Jim: Well, Thinh and Lan, it was good to meet you. I have to go now. I'm teaching a class this evening and I need to get to the college. Thinh: It was good to meet you, too, Jim. Lan: Yes, it was good to meet you. Jim: See you around! Thinh and Lan: Good-bye, Jim! ------------------------------------------------------------------ New words and Expressions "Allow me to introduce myself. " - This phrase is used when you want to tell your new friend that you are going to tell him your name. "Pleased to meet you." - This phrase is used after you and your new friend have told each other your names. "Did you just move in next door?", "Where do you work?", "Have you lived here long?" - These are some phrases that people use to make "small talk." These phrases are used when you ask your friend for basic information about himself. These phrases help new friends to get to know about each other's lives. "It was good to meet you." - This phrase is usually used when you are ending the conversation. A person who uses this phrase will be considered polite by his new friend.

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:36:00|来自：福建厦门

第四天 Asking for the Way Visitor: Can you tell me how to reach the bank please? Policeman: Which bank? There are two: the Allied Irish Bank and the Bank of Ireland. Visitor: I have an AIB pass card and I want to withdraw money from the bank. Policeman: You need to go to the Allied Irish Bank which is near the local shopping centre, Dunnes Stores. Visitor: How do I get there. I have no knowledge of this area. Policeman: Cross the road and turn left at the other side. Walk along the footpath until you reach the traffic lights. You will see a shopping centre on the right hand side. Walk across the road and turn right after the shopping centre. Keep going straight for about 100m and the bank is to your left. Visitor: It sounds very complicated. How far is it from here? Policeman: It's not so complicated. It's about five minutes walk from here. I can draw a map for you if you wish. Visitor:Oh, I would really appreciate that . By the way will I be going North or South ? Policeman: You will be going northwards. You are now in the the Western part of the city and the Allied Irish Bank is situated in the North East. Here's a rough sketch of the area.

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:35:00|来自：福建厦门

第三天 At the Library --------------------------------------------------------- Librarian: Can I help you? Natalie: Yes. I am a bit confused. My sociology class is supposed to read a chapter in a book called Sociology and the Modern Age. According to the syllabus, the book is in the library, but I haven't been able to find it. Librarian: Do you have your syllabus with you? May I see it? Natalie: Yes, uh....I put it in the front of my sociology notebook. Oh, here it is. Librarian: Let me see. Oh yes. Your professor has placed this book on reserve. That means you cannot find it on the shelves in its usual place. You need to go to a special room called the reserve room. It's down the hall and to the right. Natalie: I'm sorry - I still don't understand what you mean by on reserve. Librarian: You see, your professor wants every one in the class to read the chapter. If one student removes the book from the library, it is likely that none of the other students will have the opportunity to read it. So, your professor has insured that all students have the opportunity to read it by placing it on reserve. Natalie: So, will I be able to find this book? Librarian: Yes, when a book is on reserve, a student can go to the reserve room and ask the reserve librarian for the book. The student can have the book for a few hours, and he or she MUST read it in the library during that time. That way, the book stays in the library, and all students have a chance to read it. Natalie: Okay. Thank you. I understand now. Librarian: Will there be anything else? Natalie: No! I am on my way to the reserve room. Thanks again! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Words and Expression 1.syllabus Usually, an instructor hands out the syllabus on the first day of class. If you are not sure when an assignment is due, check the syllabus. I need to buy all the books the instructor has listed on the syllabus. According to the syllabus, we have a quiz next week. 2.on reserve All the library's books by M. Douglas White are on reserve for students in Chemistry 341. Prof: I'd like to place these books on reserve for my physics class. Librarian: Certainly. Fill out this form, and I'll inform the librarian in the reserve room. I need to spend a few hours in the library to read a textbook my instructor has placed on reserve. I'm sorry. You are not allowed to take this book from the library. It is on reserve, so you must read it here. 3.to be) on one's way (to) The incredible acting of Maya Thurston in her last three movies has caught the attention of movie lovers everywhere. Maya is on her way to becoming a star. I saw Rita on her way to school. It was raining and she was carrying an umbrella. Wife: Henry, if you don't leave now you'll be late for the train. HUSBAND: Don't worry, hon. I'm on my way! If you are on your way to the grocery store, could you stop at the pharmacy next door and buy some aspirin?

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:34:00|来自：福建厦门

第二天 Apartment Hunting 
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以下内容只有回复后才可以浏览 Bill is looking for a new apartment. He just moved to a new city in order to start studying at a university. He is at a Rental Agency in the new city. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Agent: Hi! Welcome to Rental Property Management. How may I help you? Bill: Hi, yes. I'm interested in renting a two-bedroom apartment. Agent: Okay. If you have a seat, one of our rental agents will be with you in a moment. Bill: Thank you. Associate: Hi, my name is Ann Smith. Bill: Hi, I'm Bill Harrington. Ann: Hi, Mr. Harrington. So that we will be able to match your needs better, I would like to ask you a few questions before I show you what we have available. First, what price range were you interested in? Bill: Somewhere between $400-$450 a month. Ann: Okay. Did you have a specific location in mind? Bill: Well, I would like to live somewhere near the university. Or at least on a bus line. Ann: And when would you like to move in? Bill: On the first of the month. Ann: Okay. Are there any other amenities which you would like to have? For example, a dishwasher, a balcony, a swimming pool or central air conditioning? Bill: I would definitely like to have a dishwasher, and with summers like these, central air! A balcony is not that important. Oh, yes, and two bathrooms would be nice. Ann: Okay. Here are photos of the apartments we have available which fit your preferences. Bill: Thank you. This one on Broadway Avenue looks nice. I would like to see that one. And the one on Main Street. Ann: Sure. Let me get the keys and we will go look at them. If you choose to rent one of them, we will need a damage deposit of $250. You will be responsible for all the utilities. You can sign a lease today, if you like. Bill: Great! Thank you. [em02][em02]

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:37:00|来自：福建厦门

第六天 Shopping in America INTRODUCTION Conversation A is a typical conversation about shopping in the United States. Masahiro is an international student who has just arrived from Japan, and Anna and Will are introducing him to the shopping scenario in America. Conversation A Anna: As I was telling you, Masa, where you shop depends largely on what you need. So, if you want to buy an answering machine or a CD-player, your best bet would probably be an appliance store such as Radio Shack.. Will: Yup! Or Circuit City. I like Best Buy the best, though. Masahiro: Why? Will: Coz they usually have the best deals. They have sales on their TVs and CD-players every once in a while. Anna: Hum. I'll bet they send you their glossy ads loaded with so-called "SALES"! Masahiro: (laughs) Anna: Well, I still think the CD-player I bought from them was a rip off. Will: I'll admit some of their items are high-priced, but at least the shopper's guaranteed quality. There are very few places that have such a wide selection. Masahiro: I need to buy disks, at least two disk holders, note cards, transparencies, and that kind of stuff. Will: For office supplies, I suggest Office Max. Anna: Or Comp USA. One good thing about living in a campus town, though, is that you can easily get that stuff at any of the bookstores. No doubt they do overcharge. I try to get around that by shopping around. Masahiro: Shopping around? Anna: Yes. That simply means you go to different stores, check out the prices of items you need and purchase them from the store(s) with the lowest price or prices. Masahiro: I see. Sounds very practical. Will: And time-consuming, too! Masahiro: Where is Office Max located? Anna: There's one in the mall, so we can stop by there this afternoon. Masahiro: Great! Thanks. Will: Hey, Masa. Just so you know, you can always run to the discount stores whenever you're out of something you need right away. There are several around campus. Anna: That's right. And they carry pretty much everything a student needs. Pop, pasta, eggs, hair spray . . . you name it! Will: They don't usually carry milk, though, so you might want to walk down to White Hen (Pantry), Walgreens, or some other convenience stores close by. Anna: I wouldn't advise you to buy things in bulk from such stores, though. I mean, do your major shopping at the specialized stores. It's much cheaper, and more convenient in the long run. Masahiro: Good advice! Will: Sort of like Mom's! Anna: Hey, watch it! Will: Just kiddin'! Masahiro (laughs). Life sounds great in this town! Oh! Before I forget, guys, where can I rent movies? I love watching movies in my spare time. Anna: Me too! Let's see. There are two video stores close to your apartment. Lucky you! One's Blockbuster, and the other's That's Rentertainment. I believe they both have specials on weekdays, right Will? Will: Yup. But not for the new releases. It's usually a buck each for the older movies. Anna: Are you guys ready to go to the mall? Masahiro & Will: Sure. Anna: Masa, don't forget to take your shopping list with you. Masahiro: Thanks for reminding me. Anna: You're welcome. What are we waiting for? let's go. ------------------------------------------------ New Words and Expression 1 Your best bet is a commonly used idiom which refers to the best possible choice or option available. In Conversation A, it refers to the most suitable store for appliances, in Anna's opinion. 2 The best deals is a frequently used shopping-related expression that refers to items for sale at bargain prices (i.e., cheap). Sometimes, "good deals" or "a real steal/What a steal" are used instead. 3 Glossy ads are colorful advertisement pamphlets or catalogs (on rich/glossy paper) that entice shoppers and usually encourage them to be "smart shoppers" or people who look for "good deals" or "sales."

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:36:00|来自：福建厦门

第五天 A VISIT TO THE ADVISOR In this conversation, an international student has been asked to see her advisor. The advisor has something very important to discuss with the student. ------------------------------------------------------ Student: You wanted to see me? Advisor: That's right. We need to have a serious talk. Student: About what? Advisor: Your attendance--or rather, lack of it. Student: OK, so I've ditched class a few times . . . Advisor: A few times? I've been told you've missed six out of eight times in two different classes! That's really setting yourself up to fail. Student: Oh, come on. Those classes are really boring! Advisor: But they're also required, so that doesn't matter. You're about to be in big trouble. Student: What's the big deal about missing some classes? Advisor: The big deal is that you're here on a student visa. Student: So? Advisor: So if you don't attend class regularly, you won't be a full-time student--which your visa requires. You'll be out of status. Student: What are you gonna do? Turn me in to the Immigration Police? Advisor: Oh, of course I'll have to report you if you continue missing your class, but I'm going to do something else first. Student: Like what? Advisor: Like faxing your father. ----------------------------------------------------------- Notes on Vocabulary 1. ditched class: intentionally missed class 2. setting yourself up to fail: doing (yourself) what is necessary to cause failure 3. . . . so that doesn't matter: . . . so that isn't important. 4. What's the big deal about missing some classes?: What's so important about missing some classes? 5. out of status: not meeting the requirements to keep your visa status ----------------------------------------------- Notes on Usage 1. You wanted to see me? The student changes a statement to a question by using question (rising) intonation, not by using an auxiliary verb (did). People often use this kind of question in conversational language to suggest that they think a statement may not be true or accurate. (The student means something like "Is it true that you wanted to see me?" By using this kind of question, the student also suggests that she thinks there's no real reason for the advisor to want to see her.) 2. About what? "Reduced" questions are also very common in conversational language. The full form would be something like "What do we need to have a serious talk about?" or "About what do we need to have a serious talk?" 3. Your attendance--or rather lack of it "Reduced" answers are much more common than full answers in conversational language. The advisor means "We need to have a serious talk about your attendance--or rather, your lack of attendance." 4. OK, so . . . Both OK and so are used very frequently in conversational language. Here, the student uses "OK, so . . ." to show that she admits that she's missed class a few times. 5. A few times? A "reduced" answer; the advisor means something like "What do you mean by a few times?" By using "a few times," the student suggests that she hasn't missed class enough times to cause a problem. By questioning "a few times" (shown by the advisor's emphasis on "few"), the advisor is saying that there have been many absences, not just a few. 6. Oh, come on. This expression is used to show that what has just been said is unreasonable or illogical. The student doesn't understand why missing some boring classes is setting herself up to fail. 7. So? This one-word question is used when one doesn't understand the relationship or consequence that follows from what has just been said. (The student means she doesn't understand the relationship between missing classes and her student visa.) 8. gonna There are many "relaxed" pronunciations of commonly used phrases (for example, "hasta" or "hafta" for has to or have to, "wanna" for want to, "woulda/coulda/shoulda/mighta" for would've/could've/should've/might've). These forms are very common in spoken English, but they're not acceptable in most written work. 9. Turn me in to . . . ? A "reduced" question: "Are you going to turn me in to . . . ?" 10. Like what? A "reduced" question: "What will the 'something else' be like?" ("What kind of thing are you going to do?" 11. Like faxing your father A "reduced" answer: "[I'm going to do something] like faxing your father." (The advisor plans to send a fax to the student's father to tell the father that the student hasn't been attending class.)

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:39:00|来自：福建厦门

4 A rip off is another frequently employed shopping-related expression used by shoppers who feel that they have been cheated. It is generally the case that the item purchased was overpriced (i.e., too costly) when it was bought. 5 Items that are high-priced are very expensive. 6 A wide selection refers to a wide array of items (e.g., models of VCRs, TVs, microwaves, walkmans, etc., depending on the store in question). 7 Stuff is a "safe" word that can be used to refer to anything the speaker intends it to refer to. Often, it is used when a speaker cannot recall the names of things s/he wants to refer to, and when s/he wishes to avoid having to mention what may appear to be an endless list. 8 Stores are known to carry items. In other words, they have the items they "carry." However, stores could be "out" of certain items (when their supplies have been exhausted). 9 Convenience stores, as the name suggests, are stores that carry basic necessities such as bread, milk, eggs, soft drinks, tooth paste, newspapers, magazines, and so on. They are usually conveniently located (in small towns, suburbs, and big cities) which also accounts for the name. 10 In bulk is a shopping-related idiom that is used to refer to items purchased in large quantities. Such supplies are cheaper and last longer. Generally, families shop in bulk for items such as sugar, rice, candy, canned products, etc. However, perishable products (such as vegetables) are rarely purchased in bulk. Instead, they are usually purchased on a daily or weekly basis. Specialized stores are stores that sell particular things. In other words, they specialize in the sale of particular products (e.g., grocery stores sell groceries, hardware stores sell hardware products such as nuts and bolts, paint, nails, hammers, etc.) 11 Specials refer to discount deals/prices. In Conversation A, they refer to discount video rental rates. 12 A buck each refers to a dollar per item in question (video tapes in Conversation A) 13 A shopping list is a handy list of items a shopper intends to buy. Most Americans draw up shopping lists before they go shopping. Such a list makes shopping easier, as the shopper consults it while shopping, and that way, does not forget to buy what s/he needs. --------------------------------------------- Exercises Exercise A: Practicing Useful Shopping-Related Expressions ---------------------------------------------------- Instructions: Carefully read the following mini-conversations and, for each, construct a sentence that restates the speaker's words, using any of the shopping-related words or expressions used in Conversation A and defined above. Suggested answers are provided at the end of this lesson. However, you are advised not to consult them until you have attempted the exercise. -------------------------------------------------- 1. Tom: If I had shopped around first before I bought my VCR, perhaps I wouldn't have been cheated. 2. Nancy: Jewel's got a buy-one-get-one-free sale on Florida oranges and cantaloupes. Isn't that great? We need to stock up. 3. Greg: Don't you think the prices at Saks Fifth Avenue are somewhat unreasonable? Imagine buying an ordinary T-shirt for 50 bucks! I'd prefer to keep it at a museum. 4. Anna: I always buy my cheese at Strawberry fields. You can find any kind of cheese there. Yup. You name it and it's there. 5. Kim: I'll go in and ask them whether they have milk in the store. 6. Shiho: It's time to go shopping, Dan. Don't forget the list on which you wrote what you'd like to buy. Exercise B: What Kind of Store? --------------------------------------------------------- Instructions:Read each mini-dialog and specify where it is taking place. In other words, is it in a department store, a bookstore, a supermarket or grocery store, an appliance store, a shoe store, a drive-in fast food restaurant, or a movie theater box office? --------------------------------------------------------- 1. Sean: Two for A Walk in the Clouds, please. Agent: Eleven dollars. Okay. Here are your tickets, and here's your change. Sean: Thank you. 2.Cashier: Can I take your order? John: Yes, please. Could I have a cheese burger, a small order of fries, and a large Diet Pepsi. Cashier: Will that be all, Sir? John: Actually, make that a large order of fries. Cashier: Okay, coming right up. Anything else? John: No. Thanks. Cashier: Ketchup? John: Yes, please. Cashier: That will be $ 5:30. Your order will be ready at the next window. John: Thanks. 3. Anna: Excuse me, please. I'd like to know whether a book that I'd ordered has come in. Agent: One moment please. Let me move over to a computer. What's your last name? Anna: Brown. Agent: Okay. Yes, it's in. It arrived this morning, and it should be on the shelf, under Psychology. That's in aisle 10 downstairs. Anna: Thanks. Agent: You're welcome. All books with red dots on them are on sale today. Anna: Great! Perhaps I'll buy some. Agent: do so. We don't have such sales that often. 4. Salesperson: How are you today, Ma'am? Lydia: Fine, thank you. I'm looking for a pair of white shoes. Do you have any others apart from those on display? Salesperson: Let me check? In what size? Lydia: Seven and a half, please. Salesperson: I'll be right back. Lydia: Thanks. 5. Mark: Excuse me, please. Just a quick question. Where's the men's department? Salesperson: On the fourth floor, Sir. Mark: And Customer Service? Salesperson: In the basement. Mark: Thank you. 6. Cashier: Hello. I'll ring these up for you in a minute. I just need to do a quick price check on the Pepperidge crackers. Bella: It's a buy-one-get-one free sale but I don't remember the exact price. Cashier: We'll know soon. Ah! Here comes Rich. Rich: They're two-for-one at $2:50. Cashier: Thanks, Rich. How would you like to pay for these Ma'am? Cash, check, or charge? Bella: I'll use my Discover card. Cashier: Okay. Would you like a cash advance? Anna: What's that? Cashier: Well, it simply allows you to withdraw money, like an ATM card, except that you don't have to pay any interest for it. Cashier: Could you please hit the green button once you agree with the total price. Anna: Okay, Rich:How would you like them bagged, Ma'am? Plastic or paper ? Anna: Paper, please. The paper bags make handy trash bags. Cashier: That's right! Sign next to the "X", please. Anna: Thanks.
[em02][em02]

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:44:00|来自：福建厦门

第十天 Dating Dialogue 1 John likes Jenny, but he's afraid to ask her out. His friend Jack is trying to encourage him. John: Hey, Jack, is Jenny coming with us? Jack: Yes. Why? John: Nothing. I'm just asking. Jack: Just asking? But why is your face burning like mad? Ah-huh, someone has a crush on Jenny, doesn't he? John: Who has a crush?! Jack: Come on, John, don't be such a chicken. If you like her, you've got to tell her. Maybe she likes you. John: But I don't have the guts to ask her out. Jack: What're you so afraid of? John: I'd totally die if she turned me down. Jack: But that's better than keeping everything to yourself. You've got to let her know. Come on! You've got to take a chance! John: I don't know....Well, maybe, you're right, but how am I going to tell her? Dialogue 2 John has a new girlfriend. His friend Jack is envious.... John: Hi, Jack, long time, no see! Jack: Yeah! How's everything going? John: Not bad! At least I'm still alive. Jack: Just alive? I heard you're going out with Jane. John: Where did you get that idea? Jack: Oh, come on. Jane is a very nice girl, someone you meet only once in a lifetime. John: Yeah, you're right. I'm not boasting, but she's really as beautiful as she is intelligent. Jack: Well, I really envy you for finding such a girl. Dialogue 3 Jane's friend Michelle tells Jane that she's lucky to have Jack as her boyfriend because.... Michelle: I heard you're going out with Jack. Jane: Yes. To be frank, I really love him to death. Michelle: You're so lucky! Jane: Why do you say that? Michelle: Why? Are you kidding me? A boy like him is so hard to find. So caring, so patient, and, did I mention, so handsome? Jane: It's very nice of you to say so. Michelle: Well, it's not a compliment. I'm saying it from the bottom of my heart! It's obvious that he's head over heels in love with you. Jane: I sure hope so. Dialogue 4 Jenny's boyfriend is a very nice person, but her friend Katie is concerned about his age.... Katie: Jenny, I know you like John a lot, but what do you like about him? Jenny: Well, there's just something about him. Don't you think so? Katie: Really? What's this something? Jenny: Well, he's mature, handsome, gentle, and successful. I think he's my Mr. Right! Katie: He's certainly mature, but don't you think he's a little old for you? He's almost twice as old as you are! Jenny: Well, age shouldn't be something that comes in the way of a person's marriage. As long as we love each other, age is not an issue. It never has been! Katie: But what will others think about it? Jenny: I don't care what others will think about us. I just know I love him and he loves me. And that's all that matters. Dialogue 5 Tom wants to settle down and start a family, but his girlfriend Monica is not ready yet. Therefore, they have to break up.... Jack: Hi, Tom, how have you been? Tom: Not very well. Jack: Why? What happened? You look so down! Tom: Nothing. Jack: Come on. For a man who's so down, there're usually two reasons. Either his career is going downhill, or he has a broken heart. You're so successful, so.... Tom: Well, you're right. I just broke up with Monica. Jack: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you two were made for each other. Tom: Well, you never know. I'm ready for a commitment and want to settle down, but she says she wants to pursue her career while she's still young. Jack: Well, it's always difficult to choose between career and family. Tom: Maybe you're right. Jack: John, I don't know what to say to comfort you, but cheer up! There's plenty of fish out there and you'll find your perfect match! Tom: Yeah, but it's hard to forget her at the moment. You know, we were together for almost five years. It's really hard.... Dialogue 6 Mike has recently broken up with his girlfriend because.... John: Hi, Mike, we're having a party tonight, wanna come join us? You can bring your girlfriend. Mike: Well...er...I'm breaking up with Cathy. John: What happened? Did you have a big fight? Mike: No. She's really a very nice girl.... John: Yeah, she's pretty and caring. Mike: Well, she's really caring, but sometimes it's too much...and uh...I kind of want a break, you know...some room for myself. John: Did you talk with her about it? Mike: I've tried, but...it didn't work. John: Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that. When are you going to tell her? Mike: Maybe tonight, I don't know. I don't know how to tell her. John: I know she's head over heels in love with you and she'll really be hurt. Mike: I know....

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:43:00|来自：福建厦门

第八天 Ordering Lunch -------------------------------------------- Karl: Do you have time to stop for lunch? Ann: Yes, I'm hungry. This restaurant has a good selection and the prices are moderate. Karl: That sounds fine with me. Let's try it. Ann: Where do you want to sit, the smoking or the nonsmoking section? Karl: I prefer nonsmoking, but the sign says to wait to be seated. Hostess: Good afternoon. How many are in your party? Ann: Just two and we'd like a booth in the nonsmoking section, if you have one. Hostess: Right this way. Follow me. Will this booth be all right? Karl: The one by the window would be better, thanks. Ann: No problem. Here are your menus. Your server will be right with you. Server: Hello, my name is Chris, and I'm your server today. May I bring you something to begin with, a drink or some appetizers perhaps? Karl: No appetizer for me. I'll have a glass of water for now. Ann: I'd like an iced tea, decaffeinated or herbal. What flavors do you have? Server: We have mint, peach, or raspberry. Ann: Bring me a large mint, please. Server: Will that be all, or are you ready to order? Karl: I'm ready. I'll have the veggie sandwich on whole wheat. Hold the mayonnaise, please. Server: That comes with your choice of soup or a salad. Karl: What soups do you have? Server: We have potato, bean, vegetable beef, or cream of broccoli. Karl: Does the potato soup have pork in it? Server: Yes, it has pieces of ham. Karl: Well, then I'll have the cream of broccoli. Ann: I'd like a hamburger on a sour dough bun with plenty of onions, please. Sever: How do you want your burger cooked, medium, or well done? Ann: Medium will be fine, thanks. Server: The burger comes with your choice of cole slaw or fries. Ann: Make it fries, and please bring ketchup with them. Server: Will that be all? Karl: I think so. Please bring us the check when you return with our food. We're pressed for time.[em02]

jery20462 · 发表于 22-2-2006 23:43:00|来自：福建厦门

第九天 GOING TO A MOVIE I George: Hi, Heather, I was wondering if you're free tomorrow night. Heather: Well, George, I guess I am. Why do you ask? George: I have just gotten a pair of pre-sale "Star Wars" movie tickets from a friend and was thinking of inviting you along for the opening premier. Are you interested? Heather: Yeah, definitely! Thanks for inviting me! George: No problem. Heather: I really wanted to watch "Star wars" on the opening day but the pre-sale tickets were sold out. How did you manage to get hold of 'em? George: A friend of mine works at the corporate headquarters of "Pepsi", which is a major sponsor of the movie. He was able to get the tickets for free, and then he sold 2 to me for $50 a piece. Heather: You paid $50 for each ticket? That's a huge premium over the regular price! George: Not really, considering the fact that other people are paying as high as $200 each on the "black market". Besides, I knew you were really looking forward to watching "Star Wars" on the opening day. Heather: Wow, I'm really honored you went through all this trouble just for my sake. I really appreciate that. So, what time are we going? George: Well, let's see. The movie starts at 10 PM. We should get there at least 1 hour earlier because there'll be a big line. I could pick you up at your house at 8, if that's OK with you. Heather: 8 o'clock? That's fine with me. George: Okay good. Heather: So I'll see you tomorrow at 8 then? George: Yeah. That's great. I'll see you tomorrow night, Heather. Heather: Okay, George. Bye! George: Bye, Heather. II George: Wow, look at the line! It's worse than I expected. We're lucky we got here an hour early. Or else we would definitely have had problems getting good seats. I'm glad we made the effort to come early. Heather: Me too. I learned my lesson the last time I went to a premier opening. I didn't arrive early enough and ended up with a terrible seat all the way in the front row! Believe me, it was one of the worst movie experiences ever. George: Yeah! I hate sitting in the first row. Heather: By the way, it was really thoughtful of you to get this ticket for me. Why don't I show you a bit of appreciation by getting you some popcorn and a drink? George: That would be great! Heather: OK. What kind of soda do you want? George: Let me see... I'll take a large Coke. As for the popcorn, medium size will do. Thanks a lot. Heather: I better get going. You hold my place and I'll be back real quick. Oh... I almost forgot. I better hold on to my ticket stub in case you get let in before I get back. If that happens, just save me a seat and I'll meet you inside. George: Okay. It's a plan. (Ten minutes later... inside the theater.) George: Over here Heather, on your left! Heather: There you are! George: Here you go! I saved this seat just for you. Heather: Thanks. Here's your popcorn and Coke. Sorry it took me so long. There was a huge line at the counter. George: That's OK. Thank you so much. I love popcorn. Did you add butter? Heather: Yes I did. I thought you might like butter on your popcorn. I'm glad I made it back before the trailers started. I like trailers. They're part of the whole movie-going experience. George: I think so too. Even though they're just previews, they tend to be quite entertaining. You know movie trailers are a fundamental marketing tool for production companies. They greatly affect the initial appeal and overall gross profits of a film. Heather: Speaking of which, I think the trailers are about to begin. Let's sit back and enjoy. III George: So... what did you think about the movie? Heather: Well... I think this "Star Wars" episode is an excellent piece of work. But not as good as the previous ones. George: Really? I don't agree. This "Star Wars" episode was incredible! Heather: Why do you think so? George: Well, one of the most spectacular things about it are the special effects. State of the art special effects are the main reason for the success of the previous episodes, so audiences bear high expectations on this one. And I don't think they'll be disappointed. Heather: You're right. The special effects were amazing! And I like that fact that they created so many fantastic settings and other-worldly costumes, weapons and creatures. George: It's kind of cool that they still use the same "Star Wars" theme song for this movie. Heather: Yeah! It reminds me of the previous "Star Wars" scenes. George: I know exactly what you mean! Hearing that song gives me a nostalgic feeling. Heather: I thought the overall plot of the movie was very interesting. But I don't think the character development was that strong. George: Do you think that had anything to do with the casting of the movie? Heather: No, the casting is great, the actors were excellent. They just didn't have a lot of funny or meaningful dialogue. The writing was a little weak. George: Well, maybe, but I like the little kid who played young "Anakin Skywalker". I can't imagine anyone else playing that role. Heather: I liked him too. He's soooo cute! You know, even though I was slightly disappointed, I can't wait for the next episode. I wonder when they're going to start making it and when it's scheduled for release? George: I have no idea. But looking at the success of this "Star Wars" episode, I have a strong feeling production for the following episode will begin pretty soon. I hope it'll be even better than this one. Heather: I hope so, too. George: Well, I think we should go now. It's getting pretty late. Heather: OK. Let's go.

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