Task 1--- How to start a conversation
A very common way to start a conversation in the West is to talk about the weather because it is an inoffensive way to start a conversation under any circumstances. Strangers can break the ice and warm up the atmosphere by talking about the weather. In this way, people can get to know each other naturally and continue to talk about other subjects.
Expressions
Nice day, isnāt it? Dreadful weather, donāt you think? Itās good to see the sun again. Itās freezing today. Excuse me, is anybody sitting here? Say, donāt I know you from somewhere? Sorry, I couldnāt help overhearing--- did you
mention something aboutā¦? Excuse me, could you let me have a look at
your magazine? I am fond of the film star on the cover.
Sample dialogue
(On a train) A: Going far, are you? B: No, just Beijing. A: Oh, I see. B: And you? A: Oh, Iām going all the way to Dalian. B: Sightseeing, I suppose. A: No, to see some friends, actually,
college friends.
Situations
Start a conversation with people around on the following occasions.
At a cocktail party At your best friendās birthday party In the school canteen On the sports ground In a bus station In the disco
Making up dialogue
1. You are seated on an airplane next to a girl/ boy and youād like to talk to her/ him, so you start to speak to her/ him.
2. At a party you find yourself face to face with a stranger who is getting a drink. And youād like to have a talk with him.
Task 2--- Saying Goodbye
When you want to end a conversation, itās up to you to find a acceptable structures. Often these can includes a hint for your leaving or a reason for having to leave (Like āNice talking with youā or āSorry, I must get back to workā, etc.) It is usual practice to end a conversation politely. Just walking away would be considered extremely rude.
Common Expressions
Bye and good luck. See you later. Hope to meet you soon. Itās a pleasure meeting you. Nice talking to you. I had better be off. Weāll keep in touch. Bye, have a nice day. So long. Take care (of yourself.) I had to leave.
Sample dialogue--- I guess Iād better leave
John: Itās getting late. I guess Iād better leave. Leo: Must you go so soon? Canāt you stay a little longer? John: Iām afraid I really have to go. Iāll have an important interview tomorrow morning. Leo: Well, in that case, we wonāt keep you any longer. Good luck to you tomorrow, and I hope weāll get together soon.
Situations
1. You are at a party which you arenāt enjoying very much and are waiting for an excuse to leave. After coffee, you think out a reason and go over to your host/ hostess.
2. You are seeing Linda off at the airport. She is your close friend and has been staying with you for two weeks. She is returning to England. You ask her to keep in touch.
Task 3--- Telephone Conversation
There are some common expressions in talking on the phone. Usually you can firstly greet the person on the phone, then give him your name, your workplace, and the purpose for your call. If you want to talk with somebody else, say his or her name directly, avoiding making people feel confused about your purpose. We are supposed to pay attention to two points: 1. Be polite; 2. Be brief.
Common Expressions
Hi, John speaking. Iād like to speak to Tom, please. May I ask whoās calling? Youāre wanted on the phone. Heās unavailable at the moment. I think youāve got the wrong number. Can you put me through to the Service
Department? Itās pretty hard to reach you. May I leave a message? Hold on, please.
Sample dialogue--- Is Matt There? A: Hello, 6577-8868.
B: Hello, is Matt there please? A: Iām sorry. Matt isnāt in at the moment. B: Oh. Do you know what time heāll be back? A: Sometime later this afternoon. He should be back for dinner. Can I take a message? B: Thanks. Could you tell him that Jason called? A: One moment. Iāll get a pen. Now thatās Jason. B: Yes. Iām in his seminar group( ē ē©¶å°ē» ). Could he call me tonight? My number is 9912-3344. A: Thatās 9912-3344. B: Thatās right. Thanks for your help. A: No trouble at all. Iāll make sure he gets the message. Good bye. B: Bye.
create a short telephone conversation
For each, paying attention to the cues given. A: leave a message. B: ask to have your call returned. C: tell the person you will call back later.
1. You are calling your friend Frank, but he is already asleep. (A)
2. You call the plumber to have your toilet repaired, but he is not in. (C)
3. You call a co-worker, but he is out to lunch. (B) 4. Joe calls a friend to give him information about the
camping trip he has organized for next week. The roommate tells Joe that the friend is sick and canāt talk. (A)
Background information
When you ask somebody the way, you are disturbing him or her. You should always be polite, otherwise you may not get a direction or be given a wrong one. Generally, you should say āExcuse/ Pardon meā, āI beg your pardonā, or āSorry to disturb/ trouble youā before asking somebody to point your way. Of course you can also use these sentences patterns, āPlease tell me how to get toā¦ā āCould you kindly tell me where ā¦. is?ā, āHi, do you happen to know whereā¦ is?ā etc.
Background information II
If someone asks you to tell them the way and you can give a hand, your help should be greatly appreciated. Anyone may need help, especially when he/she is in a new place. If you can help a stranger, please try your best to be kind. Itās usual practice to point the way clearly for others in the West.
Common expressions1. Could you possibly tell me where the museum is,
please?2. I am told West Station is near this place. Do you
happen to know where it is?3. Excuse me, could you show me the way to Holiday
Inn?4. Would you mind telling me how to get to the Central
China University of Science and Technology?5. The bank is half way down the street.6. Turn left at the first corner after the crossroads.7. You are going in the wrong direction.8. This is the shortcut to the stadium.
Sample dialogue--- Iām looking for the Exhibition Center
A: Pardon me, could you do me a favor? Iām looking for the exhibition center.
B: Yes, itās that way. You go three blocks, then turn right at the traffic light. Itās on the corner opposite the zoo.
A: Thank you very much. Iāve only been in town a few days, so I really donāt know my way around yet.
B: Oh, I know how you feel. I moved here half a year ago, and I still donāt know where everything is.
A: Anyway, youāre so helpful. Thanks again.B: My pleasure.
Conversation
Ask your partner the way to:
1. The nearest McāDonald
2. New World Department Store
3. Your favorite bookstore
Situations: work out appropriate replies, using the information given below.
1. Could you please tell where a good restaurant is? Reply:________
2. Do you know where I could find a hotel? Reply: ________
3. Could you direct me to the nearest post office? Reply: ________
4. Could you give me the direct location of your professorās office? Reply: ______
5. Where would one find a place to buy a bottle of water? Reply: __________
Background Information
A conversation often depends on questions to keep it going in the direction you want it to go. The one that asks the questions usually controls the conversation. Various techniques may be necessary to get different kinds of information from different people. Most people are very polite when they ask strangers about something--- if you are more direct, you may appear to be rude. Anyway, personal questions have to be expressed very politely.
Common Expressions
1. Could you tell me some more about Shenzhou VI?
2. Would you mind telling me more about this meeting?
3. Iād like to know more about your education.4. This may sound like a stupid question, but Iād
like to know why you are still a bachelor.5. Something else I am wondering about is how
your family supported you in achieving this.
Background knowledge II
When you ask people questions, they often donāt give you enough information right away. Then you have to ask them for additional information--- you may want more details or you may not be satisfied with the answers they have given. Then you should change your question techniques for getting the extra information that you want.
Common Expressions II
6. I hope you donāt mind my asking, that is, would you tell me your age?
7. Excuse me, do you happen to know when the train to Beijing leaves?
8. Sorry, thatās not quite what I meant. What I really wanted to know was whether I could borrow your laptop.
9. Sorry to bother you again, but could you tell me how you keep in such fantastic shape?
10. Sorry, I didnāt quite follow what you said.
Sample dialogue
A: Excuse me, could you tell me something about college life? Iām new here.
B: But what would you like to know?A: What do you usually do after classes?B: Take me for example. I often go to the reading room or the
library, where I can get a good review of all kinds of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or journals.
A: What activities do you take part in?B: There are always lectures and reports. Every Friday
evening we can watch English films or video in our Department.
A: I like that. Will there be one this week?B: Yes, of course. I think Jane Eyre will be on show.
Sample dialogue IIA: What about sports and other extra-curricular
activities?
B: Oh, there are ball games nearly every week. You can also join different kinds of clubs organized by the Studentsā Union.
A: Thatās OK. Is there anything else that may be of interest to me?
B: Oh, yes. Thereās always a dance held on Saturday evenings. Are you interested in dancing?
A: Interested? I certainly am. But I really donāt know what to do. College life is quite rich and full.
Practice
This is the first time youāve studied in the Department of English. You are talking with a sophomore. Ask him/her something about the department. The following are topics of information for your reference: teachers, facilities, classroom, extra-curricular activities, etc.
Cultural Background
Westerners tend to use rather roundabout ways of asking for things or favors, but use very friendly and frank words in responding to a request. If they offer you something, like a seat, they may do so only once. So if you feel you want it, just say āThank youā or āYou are so kindā, and take the offer. If you are at a Westernerās home and you need a drink, some fresh air, or even the toilet, you can ask politely and they wonāt be offended.
Common Expressions1. If you are not too busy, could you do me a
favor?2. Please oblige me by lifting this box.3. Would you be so kind as to explain the theory?4. Iād be very grateful if youād get me up at 7
tomorrow.5. Would you do me a good turn by decorating
the Christmas tree?6. Iād appreciate it if you could advise me how to
do it.7. Will you please download this program for me
at your computer?8. Could you be so kind as to ask for sick leave
for me from Professor Jones?9. Could you get me two books if you happen to
go to the bookstore?
Sample dialogue
A: It looks like I could use another pair of hands. Colin, would you help me with the box?
B: Sure.A: Iām glad you come along. This is heavy!B: Whatās in it?A: My new stereo equipment. I just bought it.B: Great! Where do you want it to be placed?A: In my dorm.A: Do you need me help to set it up?B: Thanks anyway, but I think I can manage. The
salesclerk explained how to do it in great detail.
Speaking activity---Complete the following sentences in your own words
1. May/ Can/ Could Iā¦?
2. Would/ Will/ Could you allow meā¦?
3. Would/ Do you mind if Iā¦?
4. I wonder if you couldā¦
5. Will you pleaseā¦.
6. Could I bother you toā¦
7. Would you be so kind as toā¦
8. May I trouble you toā¦
Situations
1. You donāt have time to finish the chores your mother assigned you before your friends arrive to pick you to go see a movie. Ask your father for help.
2. You have to make an important phone call but you need money. You ask a stranger for some money.
3. You are nervous in asking a person on a date, and you seek advice from a friend.
Cultural background
In the English language, āThanksā is used in informal situations or in the situations in which a person has helped you in a not very important way. āThank youā is the standard form, which is acceptable in all situations. āThank you very muchā is used only when someone has done something special to help you. The tone of voice can also add meaning to a statement of thanks. A warm, meaningful āThanksā sometimes means a lot more to the listener than a cold formal āThank youā.
Common Expressions
1. How can I ever repay your kindness?2. I really appreciate your help.3. Iād like to give my thanks to all of you.4. How can I thank you enough?5. Allow me to express my gratitude for your
support.6. It was very kind of you to give me so much of
your time.7. I owe all my achievements to your guidance
and encouragement.8. Iām grateful for all youāve done for me.9. In Western countries, it is even considered
polite to thank the person who pays you a compliment.
Sample dialogueA: Helen, Iāve finished correcting your
homework.B: Thank you. Any mistakes this time?A: Yes, everywhere.B: Oh, Iām going to kill myself!A: Come on, Helen. I was just joking.B: What do you mean then?A: Youāve made no mistakes this time. Iāve very
glad youāve made such great progress.B: Oh, really? Thanks a lot. Thank you so much
for your help!A: Youāre welcome.
Practice--- Judge which of the following can be used either as thanks or as responses to thanks and try to
use them in your conversations.
1. Iām delighted to have been of some help to you.
2. Donāt mention it.
3. Youāre most welcome.
4. Iām only too glad to have been of service to you.
5. Itās nothing.
Situations
1. You see a good friend crying in her bed. Offer help to her. And she thanks you.
2. You find a petty girl or handsome boy having difficulty in her or his studying of English. Offer help and she/he thanks you.
Cultural background
When an Englishman does something wrong, he will save a lot of trouble by apologizing first before others complain to him. In this case it may be even more essential to ābreak the bad news gentlyā( å§å©å°éé²äø儽ēę¶ęÆļ¼ . After people hear what he does, they may ask him to explain how the thing happens. They may then forgive him.
Background information
Westerners do not consider excessive modesty a great virtue as Chinese people do. Phrases such as āIām sorry to have wasted your timeā are considered very embarrassing; if, in fact, you really believe you are wasting othersā time, you should stay away from an office, not give a report to a seminar, or not give a speech at a conference.
Expressions
1. Excuse / Pardon/ Forgive me, please.2. Excuse my interrupting you.3. Iām sorry to bother/ trouble you.4. Iām very/ extremely/ terribly/ awfully sorry.5. I owe you an apology for being late.6. Iāve got to apologize to you for not keeping my
promise.7. Hope you donāt mind.8. Please forgive me for my carelessness.9. I didnāt mean to offend you.10. I think itās I, not you, that should say sorry.
Sample dialogue--- Iād like to apologize
A: Sorry, Lily. Iād like to apologize for breaking your glasses while tidying up your desk.
B: So it was you! You must have been careless.A: Iām on duty today. It was the first time Iād ever been
so clumsy. Iām really sorry.B: Well, in that case, donāt worry about it any more.A: Iāll pay for it and try to be more careful in the future.B: Thereās no need to pay, but be sure youāre careful
form now on.A: I will. Sorry again.
Situations
1. In a dance party, one partner treads on the otherās toes. What should one say? And how should the other respond?
2. Two friends should meet at the entrance to the cinema at the specific time. But one is late for some time.
Background knowledge There are many ways of trying to get people
to do things for their own good. But the expressions you use depend on:
1. How difficult or unpleasant the action you suggest is; and
2. Who you are and who you are talking to--- the roles you are playing.
Remember the suggestions or advice on personal matters are usually given only to close friends or when someone asks for advice. North Americans like to ādo their own thingsā and āmind their own businessā.
Avoid āYouād betterā or any other structures that are commonly for strong advice, like āI think you shouldā¦ā and ā I suppose you mustā¦ā,
Because these structures suggest the listener has done something wrong.
Use the structures that give the listener the option of declining your advice or suggestion, e.g. āPerhaps you couldā, āHow aboutā or āCouldnāt you tryā. And the tone of their advice is also sincere.
Consider: volume, texture, pitch, and speed
the volume of the voice should be low,
the texture soft,
the pitch high,
the speed normal
In a word, advice should sound understanding and open to discussion.
Common Expressions1. You should/ ought to do it at once.
2. Youād better wear a heavy coat.
3. I think it a good idea to meet him in the station.
4. How/ What about going window-shopping?
5. Why donāt you speak to her about it?
6. The doctor suggested that he stop smoking.
7. Follow my advice and take more exercise.
8. Couldnāt you try to tell her the truth?
9. If I were you, Iād tell her everything.
10. Can you give me some advice?
Dialogue--- Some advice on how to improve spoken English
A: Hi, advisor! Would you be so kind to give me some advice on how to improve my spoken English? Iāve been studying English for over ten years, and I got high scores in the TOEFL exam, but I still find it hard to express myself in English.
B: Donāt worry. Iāll be glad to help you. As I know, most Chinese students spend a lot of time reading, writing, and doing written exercises when they are in their country learning English. They seldom open their mouths to speak it.
No wonder, they find it difficult to communicate well with the native speakers when they come to America. I suggest you apply for the āOne on One Conversation Programā.
A: Whatās the āOne on One Conversation Programā.?
B: Itās one of the services provided by the International Student Centers. If you ask for help, you will soon get a conversation partner to help you practice your oral English.
A: How much do I pay?
B: Usually, itās free of charge. Most of the partner are retired professors, housewives and young students who are interested in foreign cultures.
A: Thank you for having told me so much. BYE!
Situations
You have got a letter from one of your friends, in which your friend asks for your advice on a tough problem. But you have no idea about it. So you now bring the problem to your class, try your classmates one by one until you find the best advice for your friend. Of course, you should make up a tough problem first.
Cultural background
In some cultures, it is important to arrive on time for appointments, but in some other cultures people are not expected to arrive on time. In the US, people like others to be on time for business appointments, while for private parties itās advisable to be a little late.
Background information
In western countries, generally speaking, you need to make an appointment first if you try to visit a doctor, teacher, hairdresser, etc.To go to a popular restaurant,you should also call ahead to make a dinner reservation. A visit to a doctor especially requires an appointment, since doctors are usually very busy. If you are very sick and have no time for an appointment, you must go to an emergency room of a hospital where a doctor in on duty. This might be very expensive in some countries.
Common Expressions1. What time is convenient for you?2. Iām free tomorrow, how about you?3. Iāve a dental appointment at 4pm, and I canāt
break it.4. I wonder if I could change my appointment from
Tuesday to Thursday?5. I will break up with someone if he has bad
manners.6. Youāve been dating Mary for a long time.I only
dated Susan twice.7. So what do you say about Friday evening? Iāll
take you out to dinner and then the movies.
Common Expressions
8.Interviews are by appointment only. Is Wednesday afternoon good for you?
9. Itās polite to fix an appointment with somebody before you visit him.
10.Youāve a date with your girlfriend tonight; my date is meeting me at seven.
Sample dialogue--- Iād like to make an appointment to see Dr. Fox.
A: Hello, this is Dr.Foxās Clinic. May I help you?B: Yes, this is Mr. Clark.Iād like to make an
appointment to see Dr.Fox.A: Certainly. When would you like to come?B: Iāve a terrible pain in my back, so I need an
appointment as soon as possible.A: Iām afraid he is not free until 4 oāclock this
afternoon.B: Oh, dear! Iām meeting a friend at 4.
A: Dr. Fox is very busy at the moment.He wonāt be able to see you unless you come after 4.
B: Well, all right. Iāll come at 4.
A: That would be fine. Now, could you please give me your full name, address, phone number and insurance details?
B: OK.
Discuss the following questions with a partner
1.A young fellow will go out with a beautiful girl for the first time by appointment.What preparations should he make?
2. Some teens like to make friends on the Internet. They do not know each other, but sometimes they would make appointments or dates with each other. Whatāre good and bad points in this situation respectively?
3. Whatās the difference between a western appointment and an eastern one?
Cultural background
When you invite a westerner to dinner, itās necessary to extend the invitation a week or so in advance as he may have other plans. It would be considered inappropriate to give a last minute call to invite somebody over to dinner. The invitation may be given directly or over the telephone. For informal invitation a letter or an invitation card is sent. In this case the receiver should reply to confirm whether he comes or not.
Expressions
1. Letās have lunch together at McDonaldās. Itās on me. / My treat.
2. When can we expect you for a picnic?3. How about coming over for Christmas?4. Would you do me a favor by attending
my graduation ceremony?5. Would you like to go to the movies with
us?
Background information
In the US, it is polite to accept or refuse an invitation the first time it is offered. And Americans usually give a reason when they have to say no to an invitation. Itās also common for them to bring a small gift to someoneās house for dinner to show appreciation. A bottle of wine, some flowers, or a box of candy are the most common gift.
Expressions
6. Heās been invited to give a talk at the conference.
7. Admission is by invitation only.8. Are you interested in coming to the party?9. It would be very nice if you could attend
our Christmas party.10. Weāre invited out to dinner tonight.
Did you invite his wife?
A: By the way, I meant to tell you just now Iād invited Prof. Roberta for tea on Saturday afternoon.
B: Good.Did you invite his wife?A: No. Should I have?B: Yes. When you invite a husband or wife to a
social occasion, you should invite the spouse as well.
A: And the kids?B: No. Thatās not necessary unless you choose to.A: OK. Iāll call him up and invite his wife.
Situations
Pair work: One invites the other to do the following things.
1. Have dinner with you next Friday evening.
2. Come over to your home tomorrow afternoon.
3. Go shopping with you after school4. Go camping
Cultural background
There are many holidays and festivals in America. These holidays often fall on a Monday or Sunday to produce a āthree-day weekendā. During the national holidays, schools and government offices close but private businesses are sometimes still open.
The national holidays include:
New Yearās Day, Martin Luther Kingās Birthday (Jan 13th),Lincolnās Birthday (Feb. 12th), Memorial Day (May 24th, éµäŗ”å°å£«ēŗŖåæµę„Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day (Sept. 6th å³å·„č ) ļ¼ Columbus Day (Oct. 12th), Thanksgiving Day (last Thurs. in Nov.), etc.Christmas
Some holidays with no day off include:
St. Valentineās Day Easter (the first Sunday after the first full moon
after March 21st)April Foolās DayMotherās Day (the second Sunday in May)Fatherās Day (the third Sunday in June)Halloweāen (October 31st) Veteranās Day (Nov. 11th éä¼åäŗŗč )
Common Expressions
1. With best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New year!
2. Independence Day, 4 July, is celebrated in the US as the nationās birthday.
3. Hallowe āen refers to 31 October, the eve of All Saintsā Day.
4. In England and Wales, Boxing Day ( čē¤¼ę„ )is the first weekday after Christmas Day.
Dialogue--- A Valentine
A: Morning, Bill.B: Morning, Albert.A: You look a little down. Whatās wrong?B: I didnāt sleep well last night. I promised to give Mary a
satisfying gift on Valentineās Day. But she got angry when I gave it to her.
A: What was the gift?B: A red dress.A: Thatās romantic.B: What Mary likes is not only romantic but also expensive.
She wants a diamond ring!
Dialogue II--- Asking for Halloweāen
A: Hi, Alice. What are you busy with?B: Oh look! Iām preparing my dress for Halloweāen. Itās
coming.A: Halloweāen? When? And what is it?B: Itās the last night of October. It was said that it was
the night when witches and evil spirits came back on earth. Superstitious people kept up many strange old customs to keep these evil influences away. For example, farmers would hang a few rowan leaves( č±ę„øę å¶ ) over each of the stable and shed doors. For witches and evil spirits would not go anywhere near the rowan tree.
A: Nowadays, how do you usually celebrate the festival?
B: In recent times, Halloweāen has become a time for fancy dress parties. Children will dress up as witches and play games such as āTrick or Treatā.
A: āTrick or Treatā? What do you mean by this?
B: Itās a phrase said by children who call at houses on Halloweāen to receive sweets, etc. and threaten mischief if they do not receive them.
A: Oh, I see.
Situational Dialogue
Situation: A Chinese businessman arrived in New York just a few days before Christmas Day. He asked one of his American friends about Christmas and the celebration of it. And the American friend asked him about the information of the Chinese Spring Festival. You should focus on the origins, significance and customs of the holidays.
Answer the following questions
1. Do you think Christmas Day still carries a strong religious flavor nowadays in the West? Why or why not?
2. Do you believe it is Santa Claus that brings presents to children?
3. Why do you think that the Americans donāt celebrate May Day?
4. What does new life have to do with Easter? What is the symbolic meaning of Easter Eggs?
Common expressions
1. May you be happy and prosperous! ęååč“¢ć2. The 7th day of the 7th lunar month is sometimes called
the Chinese St. Valentineās Day. In a Chinese legend, the Cowherd and the Girl Weaver, once a happy couple, become stars separated by the Milky Way. They can meet only once a year when magpies fly together to form a bridge over the Milky Way on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month.
3. The Mid-autumn Festival is on the 15th of the 8th lunar month; itās not a statutory holiday. ļ¼ę³å®åę„ļ¼
Speaking Activity
Discuss the following questions:
1. How would you explain the word āspringā in the Spring Festival?
2. Who would you think likes the Spring Festival best? Why?
3. Do you know the origin of the Chinese word nian?
Cultural Background
In English, direct complaint can be impolite. There are many kinds of complaints. In order to be polite and appropriate, we can express our complaints by asking a question. Then the question is followed by the reason why something should be stopped. Here is an example: āDo you mind turning off the radio? You see, Iāve got a test tomorrow and I really need some sleep.ā
Common Expressions
1. What a miserable day it is!2. Iāve got a complaint to make.3. Iād like to file a complaint with the
manager.4. I donāt want to embarrass you, but I
really think you ought to have spoken to him.
5. I came here to tell you that our working conditions are extremely poor.
More expressions
6. You shouldnāt have said that, Linda.7. Wouldnāt it be a good idea to leave the bed
made clean?8. I hate to say this, but Iām really fed up of your
carelessness.9. Look, Iām sorry to disturb you, but I wish you
wouldnāt have your TV on so loud.10. Would you be kind enough not to bother me
any more?
You were playing it very late last night.
A: Hello, Cecily! Could I talk with you for a minute?B: Please, Robert.A: Oh, Cecily. I.. I hate to bring this up, butā¦ but that new
stereo system you gotā¦B: Yeah?A: You were playing it very late last night.B: Yeah?A: It kept me awake a couple of hours.B: Oh, Iām sorry. I didnāt realize it was that loud.A: It was loud, and it was pretty late, you know.B: Iā m very sorry. I promise Iāll turn it down in the future.
A: Itās OK. Thank you, then.
Pair work
Tell your disappointment, resentment, etc. to your partner about the following situations:
1. You had planned to climb a mountain this weekend, but the weather turned windy and rainy.
2. Your roommate always uses your things without asking for your permission.
3. Your friend borrowed your favorite book and lost it.
Background information
At times saying what you like or dislike before others can be quite difficult. The skill of being tactful needs the firsthand experience of a culture as well as good study.
Common Expressions
1. Thereās juice or sour milk. Which do you prefer?2. I prefer fish to beef.3. Iād rather have a walk than stay at home all day.4. Iām more interested in modern jazz.5. Hamburgers do appeal to me.6. I donāt care for them at all.7. Do you go for modern music?8. There is nothing in the world more enjoyable than taking a
shower after work.9. What would you say to their suggestion of having a break
now?10. I donāt know what can be a better entertainment.
Dialogue---Hamburgers there do appeal to me
A: Hi, Anne. Whereāre you going?B: Hi, Kent. Iām going to McDonaldās. Hamburgers
there do appeal to me.A: You like them? I donāt care for them at all. On the
contrary, I prefer Chinese food.B: Do you? I think it pretty unpleasant having a meal
in a smoke-filled Chinese restaurant. At McDonaldās, you can enjoy its pleasant hamburgers, tasty fried chips, refreshing soft drinks and lots of other foods. Whatās more, you have all these in a clean and comfortable environment. Thereās nothing in the world more enjoyable than having a meal there.
A: Anne, you are exaggerating! Hamburgers and the like never arouse my interest. Chinese food is rich, various and colorful. In a Chinese restaurant, you enjoy its food and culture at the same time. I donāt know what can be a better entertainment.
Speaking Activity
Ask your partner which of the following items in each pair he/she prefers, and request him/her to give reasons.
1. An English film & a Chinese film2. Riding a bicycle & taking a bus3. Winter & summer4. Talking with friends & chatting with strangers
on Internet5. American English & British English
Background information
People often have different viewpoints on the same thing, perhaps partly because they were brought up with different cultures and subcultures or partly because they are in different social positions. So it is very important for you to keep it in your mind that there are different ways to express yourself for different occasions and to agree or disagree with otherās ideas and opinions in a proper way.
Expressions: 1. I couldnāt agree more. 2. Thatās just what I was thinking about. 3. We approached the problem from different
angles. 4. They are right, to a certain degree. 5. Thatās a good point. 6. I strongly object to making students do
homework all day. 7. I hope you donāt mind my saying so. 8. I am not sure if I agree with you there. 9. I know what you mean, but you should also
listen to the opinions of others.
Dialogue--- Women belong in the home
A: Many people think women belong in the home. Going out to work is menās business.
B: Thatās not necessarily true. Housework is important, of course, but it should be shred by the wife and husband. What I am saying is women should work both in and out of the home.
A: Youāre right in a sense, but children want looking after and husbands need wives to keep house.
B: I know what you mean. But women will see too little of the outside world and fall behind the time if they are tied hard to housework all the time.
A: Nonsense! Women are women and masters of the house, just as men are better cut out for physical work.B: I donāt agree with you.A: Thatās the way itās always been and should be.B: I hope you donāt mind my saying that some things should be changed.
Situational dialogues: respond to the given situations below in three ways: positive,
indecisive, and negative. 1. I had enough money to return you the amount
I borrowed last week. On the way to pay you back I bought a new music album. So I can pay you back next week. Is that all right?
2. Iāve decided to ask the prettiest girl in school to go to the dance with me, who is someoneās girlfriend. Do you think itās a good idea?
3. Well son, your mother and I are moving to another city. This means that you will have to change another elementary school as well. Is this all right with you?
Cultural Background
People experience similar emotions all over the world, but some of them are expressed differently. In some parts of the world, people express emotions very freely and you can read their faces like a book. In other parts of the world, however, it is not always as easy to know what another person is feeling. People from certain parts of the world are said to be āhot-bloodedā or āhot-temperedā. This means that they express their anger easily and quickly. In some parts of the world, however, people are taught that expressing anger is wrong and it shows a lack of control.
Common expressions1. Let me tell you how Iām feeling.2. I am uncomfortable about what she said.3. My sonās in a mood today.4. Itās not easy for me to say this, but Iām a bit upset
about what happened.5. Iām fed up with all this nonsense.6. Iām not keen on that sort of entertainment.7. Thatās the best thing Iāve heard in this year.8. What a nuisance!9. Sheās always in a bad mood on Mondays.10. That fellowās manner really turns me off ā¦. 让ęåē¦
Dialogue-How was the dancing party last night?
A: How was the dancing party last night, Jason?Did you enjoy it?
B: Oh, donāt talk to me about last night! It was the most awful evening Iāve ever had.
A: Why? What happened?B: Well, Mary had promised to be my dancing partner, but she
couldnāt get away from the good-looking new-comer, Ellis, and she seemed not to know I was there.
A: What about the party, anyway?B: It was boring. The music was too slow and the drink was
lousy (very bad).A: SO how long did you stay there?B: I left after the opening dance. I couldnāt wait to get out of
there.