新视野大学英语视听说教程-4

听力练习录音文本和答案

Unit1

II. Basic Listening Practice

1. Script

M: I’m beside myself with joy. I’m so lucky. Guess what? I’ve won a lit of money in the lottery.

W: Yeah? Well, you do know that money is the root of all evil, right?

Q: What does the woman mean?

2. Script

W: Mary was furious. Her son wrecked up her car.

M: He shouldn’t have driven a car without a driver’s license. He‘s still taking driving lesson.

Q: What do we know about Mary’s son?

3. Script

M: Susan, I hear you’re going to marry that guy. Some people think you’ll regret it.

W: Is that so? Only time tell.

Q: What does the woman imply?

4. Script

M: Mary, I just want to say how sorry I was to learn of your mother’s passing. I know how close you two were?

W: Thank you. It was so sudden. I’M still in a state of shock I don’t know what to do.

Q: Which of following is true?

5. Script

W: I get furious at work when my opinions aren’t considered just because I’m a woman.

M: You should air your view more emphatically and demand that your vice be heard.

Q: What is the woman complaining about?

Keys: 1.C 2.B 3. D 4.A 5.D

III. Listening In

Task 1: Soft answers turn away wrath.

Mary: Dam! You’re spilled red wine on me. My new dress is ruined.

John: I’ m terrible sorry! What can I do to help? Here’s some water to wash it off.

Mary: Stop splashing water on me! Oh, this is so embarrassing! I’m a mess.

John: Well, you do look a little upset. Please don’t blow up. Don’t lose your cool.

Mary: Hmm, you’ve got the nerve talking like that! Who shouldn’t fly off the handle? This dress cost a fortune.

John: You look really cute when you’re mad. I kid you not. Some people do look attractive when they are in a rage.

Mary: This is very expensive dress. I saved for months to buy it, and now it’s ruined. Look at this stain!

John: Accidents do happen. Give me your dress, and I’ll take it to the cleaners.

Mary: Sure! You want me to take it off right here in public and give it to you? I don’t even know you!

John: This might be a really goof time to get acquainted. I’m John Owen.

Mary: Mmm, at least you’re polite. I guess I really shouldn’t have flared up. After all, it was an accident. I’m Mary Harvey.

John: Come on. I’ll take you home. You can change your clothes, and I’ll get the dress cleaned for you.

Mary: Now you’re talking. Thanks. You’re a real gentleman.

John: You’d better believe it. I’m glad to see that you’ve cooled down. Feel look a bite to eat afterward? I’m starving.

Mary: Ok. You’re pretty good. I’m not nearly as mad. If you can get this stain out, I’ll be very happy.

John: I’ll try my best. But if I can’t get the stain out, please don’t let your happiness turn to wrath.

1. Which of the following would be the best title for the dialog?

2. Why does the woman get angry?

3. What does the man say to please the woman when she looks angry?

4. Why does the woman say the man is a real gentleman?

5. What is the man’s final proposal?

Keys: 1D 2.A 3.C 4.B 5.C

Task 2: Big John is coming!

Script

A bar owner in the Old West has just hired a timid bartender. This (S1) owner of the establishment is giving his new hire some instructions on (S2) running the place. He tells the timid man, “If you ever hear that Big John is coming to town, (S3) drop everything and run for the hills! He’s the biggest, nastiest (S4) outlaw who’s ever lived!”

A few weeks pass (S5) uneventfully. But one afternoon, a local cowhand comes running through town (S6) yelling, “Big John is coming! Run for your (S7) lives!”

When the bartender leaves the bar to start running, he is knocked to the ground by several townspeople rushing out of town. (S8) As he’s picking himself up, he sees a large man, almost seven feet tall. He’s muscular, and is growing as he approaches the bar.

He steps up to the door, orders the poor barkeep inside, and demands, “I want a beer NOW!”

He strikes his heavy fist on the bar, splitting it in half. (S9) The bartender nervously hands the big man a beer, hands shaking. He takes the beer, bites the top of the bottle off, and downs the beer in one gulp.

As the terrified bartender hides behind the bar, the big man gets up to leave, “Do you want another beer?” the bartender asks in a trembling voice.

“Dang it, I don’t have time!” the big man yells, (S10) “I got to get out of town! Don’t you hear Big John is coming?”

Task3: A View of Happiness

Script

Dr. Smith has proposed a reasonable, if perhaps somewhat oversimplifies, view of happiness. According to his theory, happiness might be described as a state if balance. And when human or certain animals achieve that balance, they rend to remain in that condition in order to repeat the happy feeling.

To illustrate this, we may study two magnets. When their positive and negative poles meet, they are comfortably joined, and they remain there. In other words, they have attained a balance or state of happiness. If on the other hand, one of the poles is reversed, and positive pole is presses against positive pole, there is resistance, instability, imbalance a state of unhappiness.

Animals with some degree of intelligence seem to find happiness in reinforcement. Once they have gained one or more of their goals such as food, and water, they learn to repeat the actions that led to satisfaction of those goals. This repetition or reinforcement produces a state of balance or sense of happiness.

According to this theory, only animals with a significant capacity to learn should be able to experience happiness. But in truth learning can take place through surprisingly simple short-term action such as scratching an itch, followed by pleasure, followed by more scratching, and so on. Thus learning can occur with almost no conscious thought.

For human beings, blessed with the ability to reason, goals are not limited to the short-term satisfaction of needs. Indeed, there is a strong link between happiness and the fulfillment of long-term goals. Even if human strive for goals that are more complex and longer-term than the animals’ goals, once those goals are gained, happiness is reinforced.

1. Why does the speaker mention “magnets”?

2. According to the passage, what may animals do after they have got food?

3. Which of the following is true according to the speaker?

4. What does the speaker say is special about the goals of human beings?

5. Which of the following best captures the main idea of the passage?

Keys: 1D 2.C3. B 4.D 5.A

IV. Speaking Out

MODEL 1 Don’t let it get to you!

Susan: You look so angry. What happened?

Chris: Nothing I’d rather not talk about it. Just don’t ask.

Susan: Come on. Relax. Talk to me.

Chris: All right. This morning I took my car to the garage to check the air conditioner. They only gave it a quick look, refilled it with some Freon, and charged me 300bucks!

Susan: No wonder you’re livid. I’d be mad too if someone ripped me off like that.

Chris: Yeah. And they were rude. They said I didn’t know anything about cars, which I don’t, but they didn’t have to be blunt!

Susan: Sounds like you got a raw deal!

Chris: What’s worse, as I was leaving, I herd then saying, “Don’t trust that guy. He looks broke.” When I heard that, I almost hit the roof.

Susan: Don’t let it get to you. Better ignore them.

Chris: I agree. I did manage to keep my cool.

Susan: Well, the best thing you can do is to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Agency.

Chris: sounds like a good idea.

MODEL2 I’m too depressed.

Script

Susan: Chris, I hear you’ve been down in the dumps, so I’ve come to cheer you up.

Chris: It’s not gong o work. I’m too depressed

Susan: Come, on. Tell me what’s on your mind.

Chris: Everything. My girlfriend left me; my dog ran away; my wallet was stolen.

Susan: Don’t worry. I’ll help you solve the biggest problem: finding you a new girlfriend.

Chris: Forget it. Anyway, I’m getting bad grades, and I was told that I’d have to repeat a lot of courses next year. When I heard that, I almost lost it.

Susan: Look, relax. I’ll help you with those courses.

Chris: Yeah, but I also have three week’s laundry to do., and my room is a pigsty.

Susan: Forget it. You’re on your own.

Chris: Come, on. What are friends for?

Susan: To keep you in high spirits; not to do your laundry.

MODEL3 You seem to be on top of the world.

Script

Nora: Oh, hey, John!

John: Hey!

Nora: You seem to be on top of the world tonight. What’s up?

John: I’m so happy I’m about to burst. Guess what?

Nora: You’ve got me.

John: It might be true that misfortunes never come singly, but you can also have a “double blessing”. And that’s what I had.

Nora: You mean you’ve had two happy events in your life?

John: Exactly. You know, I was strong in all subjects except physics. Now I’ve finally passed the test--the one I needed to qualify for a Bachelor’s degree.

Nora: Congratulations! You’d failed it three times. Now wonder you’re beaming. What’s the other good news?

John: The multinational I was dong my field project at offered me a job at a good staring salary.

Nora: Wow, wonderful, simple wonderful.

John: I feel like celebrating. Shall we go to a bar?

Nora: Why not?

Now Your Turn

Task 1

SAMPLE DIALOG

A: You look furious. What happened?

B: Nothing. I’d rather not talk about it. Just don’t ask.

A: Come on. You shouldn’t keep your feeling to yourself. You need to let off some stream. So, talk tome.

B: All right. This morning I went to a shop to buy a digital camera, I only need an ordinary one. It is enough for my tours in the summer vacation. Buy they persuaded me to buy a professional camera, which cost three times as much.

A: But you were willing to buy for it. Anyway, it must work better.

B: You see, I know next to nothing about photography. So they simply tricked me into buying an expensive one.

A: No wonder you’re livid with rage. I’d be mad too if I were robbed like that. What are you going to do?

B: I already went back to them and asked to exchange it for a cheaper one.

A: What did they say?

B: Oh, they were rude. They insisted that they hadn’t encouraged me to buy a professional camera, and that I bought it myself.

A: Sounds like you got a raw deal!

B: What’s worse, as I was leaving, I heard they say, “That guy looks broke. He shouldn’t have bought any camera.”

A: Don’t let it get to you. Better ignore their rude remarks.

B: I agree. I did manage to keep my cool.

A: Well, the best thing you can do is to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Agency. If they talk to the shop, maybe they will give you a refund.

B: Sounds too good to be true.

V. Let’s Talk

Script

Hello, everyone. Today I invite you to join me in an exploration off the causes of depression. There ate many factors involved, but I believe some deserve special attention.

Heredity certainly plays a role. .The tendency to develop depression may be inherited; there is evidence that this disorder may run in families.

Physiology is another factor related to depression. There may be changes or imbalances in chemicals which transmit information in the brain called neurotransmitters. Many modern antidepressant drugs attempt to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters so as to increase brain communication. While the causal relationship is unclear; it is known that antidepressant medications do reliever certain symptoms of depression.

Researchers also study psychological factors. They include the complex development of one’s personality and how one has learned to cope with external environmental factors, such as stress. It is freeqently observed that low self-esteem and self-defeating thinking are connected with depression. While it is not clear which is the cause and which is the effect, it is known that sufferers who are able to make corrections to their thinking patterns can show improved mood and self-esteem.

Another factor causing depression is one’s early experiences. Events such as the death of a parent, the divorce of the parents, neglect, chronic illness, and severe physical abuse can also increase the likelihood of depression later in life.

Some present experiences may also lead to depression. Job loss, financial difficulties, long periods of unemployment, the loss of a spouse or other family member, or other painful events may trigger depression. Long-term stress at home, work, or school can also be involved.

It is worth nothing that those living with someone suffering from \depression experience increased anxiety which adds to the possibility of their also becoming depressed.

VI. Further Listening and Speaking

Task1: Reason and Emotion

Script

Emotion is sometimes regarded as the opposite of reason; s is suggested by phrase such as” appeal to emotions rather than reason” and “don’t let your emotions take over”. Emotional reactions sometimes produce consequences or thoughts which people may later regret or disagree with; but during an emotional state, they could not control their actions. Thus, it is generally believed that one of the most distinctive facts about human beings is a contradiction between emotion and reason.

However, recent empirical studies do not suggest there is a clear distinction between reason and emotion. Indeed, anger or fear can often be thought of as an instinctive response to observed fact. The human mind possesses many possible reactions to the external world. Those reactions can lie on a continuum, with some of them involving the extreme of pure intellectual logic, which is often called “cold”, and others involving the extremes of pure emotion not related to logical agreement, which is called “the heat of passion”. The relation logic and emotion merits careful study. Passion, emotion, or feeling can reinforce an argument, event one based primarily on reason. This is especially true in religion or ideology, which frequently demands an all-or-nothing rejection or acceptance. In such areas of thought, human beings have to adopt a comprehensive view partly backed by empirical argument and partly by feeling and passion. Moreover, several researchers have suggested that typically there is no “pure” decision or thought; that is, no thought is based “purely”” on intellectual logic or “purely” on emotion—most decisions are founded on a mixture of both.

1. What results does the speaker may some from emotional reactions?

2. What is the popular belief about reason and emotion?

3. What does the speaker mean by “cold “?

4. According to the passage, what should people do in religious matters?

5. What is the speaker’s conclusion?

Keys: 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.C 5.D

Task 2: Depression

Script

Pat: You look depressed. Are you feeling blue? I’ve come to cheer you up.

Ted: But there’s nothing that can cheer me up. I’m down in the dumps. Life’s miserable

Pat: You have to try to get your mind off things.

Ted: But I can’t. I just feel there’s too much pressure on me sometimes!

Pat: You can’t let things get you down. Learn to relax and stop worrying all the time. What’s your problem?

Ted: I failed my last exam, and another exam is coming, I get bored.

Pat: If I were you, I’d start working hard. If you work hard for a long time, you’re bound to get better grades. You see, “no pain, no gain”.

Ted: It’s easier said than done! If I read for fifteen minutes, I get bored.

Pat: You have to learn some self-discipline.

But how can I stay cheerful all the time?

Ted: Worse than that! If I read for half an hour, I get a headache. Then I start to worry about passing the next exam.

Pat: It’s all in your mind. If you stay cheerful like me, everything will soon be OK.

Ted: But how can I stay cheerful all the time?

Pat: Try to look on the bright side of things.

Ted: But what if there isn’t a bright side?

Pat: You know the saying: Every cloud has a silver lining. It means there’re always tow sides to everything—both the dark and the bright sides. So, try to identify your strengths and bring then into full play.

Ted: Oh, no! Your corny old sayings are making me even more depressed.

Keys: TFFTF

Task3: Anger

Script

Anger is an emotion that can be hard to control. Despite this, we should learn how to manage anger in a constructive manner. In the most intense moments of anger, we usually have two choices: to fight or to run. Some choose the option of violence, which is a negative reaction to anger; and others choose to run. Some may think running means you are a coward. But the option of walking away and claiming down is the more productive method of handling anger. It is difficult to walk away, especially when your heart is racing, and your anger is boiling over.

There are constructive ways of handling anger in any situation. First, you have to stop for a brief moment and think before you act. Take that moment and calm down id you feel yourself being pushed.

At that moment you should admit you are angry. If you refuse to admit you’re angry or hurt, or if you make it appear that everything is peaches and cream, you are not managing angry in a productive way. You should first admit you are angry and let your feelings out before you blow up. Foe example, you can stay in a quiet place by yourself and shout; or you can talk to a close friend to vent your rage. If you do not acknowledge your anger, it only builds up inside you and will eventually explode like a volcano

Then, in order to manage your angry, you can ask yourself an important question that we all must ask ourselves, “What made me angry?” When you get the answer, and then ask yourself, “Why did that made me angry?” Through such logical reasoning, one tends to calm down and move toward a sensible solution.

News Report

U.S. Roller Coaster

Script

The world’s first 4D roller coaster, “X”, took on its first passengers last week at the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park, just outside Los Angeles.

After climbing on board and properly securing their safety harnesses, “X” riders are first to a height of over 66meters. At the top, the passenger train is released and builds up enough speed to race and plummet around the track at speeds of over 130km an hour.

The rider takes the daring passengers down an incredible 66m dive and over the top of a 62m loop, in cars that spin independently of the roller coaster train. This unique design allows riders to spin360degree, both forwards and backwards, through the entire ride.

Passengers hurtle through this ride often moving in many different directions at the same time ad the cars somersault back and forth and the roller coaster twists, loops, and dives.

The complicated series of maneuvers includes two raven turn, one front flip, one twisting front flip, and two back flips.

Since passengers aren’t always facing the right direction to see what’s coming up next, the element of surprise is high. For “X” riders, this adds to the thrill of the ride.

The track of this newest roller coaster runs a total length of a little over1, 100meters. The passenger trains measure 6meters wide and 21meters long, large enough to carry 28 passengers at a time. At full capacity, the trains can take 1,600passengers for the ride of their lives each hour.

The entire ride lasts for only a total about 2minutes, but you can tell from the exhilarated faces of passengers returning to the boarding dock that they were two of the most thrilling minutes of heir lives.

Uint2

II. Basic Listening Practice

3. Script

W: Did you hear? Helen got modeling jib! She’s going to be sashaying down the catwalk.

M: Wow, that’s great! All that walking practice really paid off. And foe once she won’t be complaining about being so tall.

Q: Why did Helen get modeling job?

4. Script

M: Julia, come and see the Miss America contest on TV. All those beautiful girls are walking around in bathing suits, so the judges can decide who has the best figure.

W: Bah! That’s the worst kind of exploitation. They are treating women like toys for people to enjoy. I would never take part in this kind of contest.

Q: What do the man and the woman think about the beautify contest?

3. Script

W: What shall I do? I’m fat. I want to be slim and beauty, but I’m fat. I’ve tried all the new ideas, high carb and low carb, but nothing works.

M: Those diets are just fads, popular for a while and then forgotten. Just follow the usual diet with fruits, vegetables, fish, water, and get plenty of exercise. Before long you’ll see results.

Q: What has the woman tried?

4. Script

W1: I think Lily is really attractive. She’s half Spanish and has this really sultry look about her.

W2: That explains why she tans so well. I’ve always been jealous of her skin color in the summer.

Q: Which of following is true of Lily?

5. Script

M: Trust me, it was tight there on the Internet: “Plastic Surgery Increasing at a Faster Rate Among Men”. Apparently more and more men are trying to improve their appearance.

W: I saw it too on the news. Face-lifts, nose jobs, and box to hide wrinkle are now very popular with men. Men say it’s for business reasons, but we know it’s vanity.

Q: What does the woman think the real reason is that men have plastic surgery?

Keys: 1.B 2.A 3. C 4D 5B

III. Listening In

Task 1: A Friendly Stylist

Stylist: Morning, sir. This chair, please. What can I do for you?

Nick: A simple haircut: short on the back and sides.

Stylist: Very good. I can, of course, do something fashionable for only $60.

Nick: 60 dollars! That’s highway robbery—twice what I ordinarily pay.

Stylist: Perhaps, sir. But your haircuts haven’t been in harmony with your character. Your hair is at war with your soul.

Nick: I’ve never heard of such a thing.

Stylist: If I may say, I’m an expert at matching hairstyle to personalities. Believe me; you’re suffering a “disjunction”.

Nick: A disjunction? What the devil is a disjunction?

Stylist: Your hair does not match you.

Nick: This is utter nonsense. However, I’d like to hear how you’d solve this so-called problem.

Stylist: Your character is artistic, imaginative. But your hair is dull. I can correct that imbalance in seconds.

Nick: Okay, let me see what can you do about the…uh…disjunction, as you call it.

Stylist: We’re going to use scissors to create peaks, which we’ll keep in place with a liberal helping of gel….This tuft in the back we’ll braid into a pigtail. Now, it’s the new you!

Nick: I love it. It’s just like me: imaginative and artistic. Now what are you doing? What’s wrong? Don’t you see harmony in my new hairstyle?

Stylist: Something’s preventing your hairstyle from being a true fashionable statement.

Nick: For heaven’s sake, tell me what’s missing.

Stylist: Streaks. By putting in a few yellow streaks in your hair, it will become a work of art. Streaking will cost you more, but…

Nick: Do it. Forget the cost. But, by the way, what is the total getting to be? How much am I paying to avoid disjunction?

Stylist: That’s…$. Sir? Sir, are you all right? Oh, he fainted.

6. When the stylist mentions $60, what does the customer say?

7. What does the stylist think about the customer’s hairstyle?

8. What will the stylist do with the customer’s hair?

9. What will streaking do to the man’s hair according to the stylist?

10. What is the passage mainly about?

Keys: 1C.A 3.D4.B 5.A

For Reference:

1. It means there is no match between you and your hair.

2. That’s…$. Sir? Sir, are you all right? Oh, he fainted.

Task 2: The Voice Lift

Script

After the face-lift, the forehead tightened, and the (S1) nose job, something still might be revealing your age: your (S2) voice.

For patients who think their trembly, hoarse words don’t (S3) match their newly face and figure, there’s a procedure that claims to make them (S4) sound younger too: the voice lift.

There are two general kinds of voice lifts. In some cases, implants (S5) inserted through an incision in the (S6) neck bring the vocal cords closer together. Doctors also use injections of (S7) fat or other substances to plump up the cords, so that the voice sounds younger.

(S8) The voice lift is becoming more widely known among an aging population, who try to make themselves sound younger.

“I speak in a great deal, or I was shouting, on a particular day, at the end of the day, I would feel exhausted,” said Robert Brown, 75, (S9) a retired construction engineer who underwent the voice lift several years ago, “I don’t know if I sound younger, but the hoarseness is gone, which is such a great improvement.”

(S10) Voice lift can also benefit people like performers, lawyers, teachers, and telephone operators who need to have a strong voice and hope to shave years off the sound of their voice.

Task3: A View of Happiness

Script

Men are turning to plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures to brighten up their appearances at a faster rate than women, according to a survey released on Wednesday.

Men’s use of fat injections to soften deep wrinkles leaped 47 percent last year from the previous year. Women’s use of the injections fell 36 percent, according to a survey by the American Academy of Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons.

Men’s use of botox injections to eliminate frown lines rose 88 percent, while women’s botox use fell 8 percent.

And for smoothing skin, the use of laser resurfacing among men rose 13percent, the survey showed. Meanwhile, women’s use of laser resurfacing dropped 38 percent during the same time period.

The number of men getting nose jobs rose 47 percent, while the number of women doing so rose 5 percent.

Typically, men and women visiting plastic surgeons for cosmetic reasons were age 40 to 59.

The study said 44 percent of men and 57 percent of women tell their doctor that looking younger is the reason they are choosing cosmetic surgery.

By about 18 percent, men are more likely than women to say they want facial cosmetic surgery for work-related reasons.

The study was conducted by written questionnaires from January 20 to March 3 among more than 2,600 members of the association, who focus on treatment of the face, head, and neck.

By comparison, in the previous year, women’s use of botox rose 60 percent while men’s fell 14 percent; women’s use of laser resurfacing rose 13 percent while men’s fell 19 percent; women’s use of fat injections fell17 percent and men’s fell 54 percent.

6. What is true of men and women’s use of fat injections?

7. While of the following is true of nose jobs?

8. How much greater is the percentage of women choosing cosmetic surgery to look younger than the percentage of men?

9. What is true of men and women using botox in the previous year?

10. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?

Keys: 1C 2.C3. B 4.B 5.D

IV. Speaking Out

MODEL 1 She’s having some cosmetic surgery.

Amy: Did you hear Nora’s off to Korea?

Bill: why is she going to Korea?

Amy: She is having some cosmetic surgery.

Bill: I’m floored! I thought she was beautiful already.

Amy: I know what you mean. She’s having her nose fixed.

Bill: Was it broken?

Amy: No, stupid, she’s having it made smaller.

Bill: If she wasn’t beautiful already, I could understand getting surgery. But she already has a nice nose.

Amy: But not a fashionable one. She’s also having her teeth straighten. She wants to have a perfect smile.

Bill: What for?

Amy: She believes a better physical appearance will improve her chance of getting a good job.

Bill: We won’t even recognize her when she gets back

MODEL2 I think I need a face-lift.

Script

Susan: Hey!

Amy: Hi! Don’t you know anyone who’s had cosmetic surgery?

Susan: You mean like a liposuction? I don’t think that’s necessary. That’s not the way a woman should stay attractive.

Amy: Honestly, I won’t go as far as that. With surgery, I might look gorgeous, but it wouldn’t be the real me.

Susan: Yeah, people should be happy with the way they are.

Amy: I see your point. But I’m worried about the wrinkle around my eyes. I think I need a face-lift. Why can’t we go back to the way things were?

Susan: Because…I don’t know! But, Amy, you wouldn’t do that, would you?

Amy: Darned right I would! I don’t expect my skin to be baby-smooth, but I should at least be young-looking.

Susan: Isn’t makeup enough?

Amy: Come on, Susan. Be open-minded! Look at my eyes! They’re puffy. And my lower lids are dark and loose, and full of lines and circles. I really hope surgery can wipe out the tired look.

Susan: But what would other people think?

Amy: I don’t care other people think. I’m already for a lift.

MODEL3 How did you find the plastic surgery there?

Script

Susan: How was your trip to Korea? How did you find the plastic surgery there?

Nora: It was all pretty scary at first.

Susan: As I see it, they certainly did a beautiful job for you. If I hadn’t recognized your clothes, I wouldn’t have known it was you!

Nora: Tanks, but underneath this surgery, it’s still the same old me.

Susan: Well, why did you want the surgery after all?

Nora: If I want to be competitive in the job market, I think this is indispensable.

Susan: How can you say that! You don’t need to change your looks to get a good job. Anyway, shall we get some lunch?

Nora: I’m not hungry, really I’m not.

Susan: Did you already have lunch?

Nora: I’m skipping lunch. I want to stay in good shape. I think I’m getting a bit too fat already.

Susan: Oh, Nora, don’t be so silly! You’re not fat at all, and you need to eat. If you don’t eat, you’ll get sick and wind up in hospital.

Nora: Ok, maybe I could eat a little. I do want to stay healthy.

Now Your Turn

Task 1

SAMPLE DIALOG

Sally: Hi, John, nice to see you here.

John: Hi, sorry, your name escapes me momentarily

Sally: Oh, I’m Sally. Don’t you recognize me?

John: Now I see, you’re Sally! You have changed beyond recognition!

Sally: I had cosmetic surgery.

John: I’m confuses! I thought you were good-looking before.

Sally: My nose was rather flat. The bridge of my nose wasn’t high enough. So I got my nose fixed.

John: That’s absolutely unnecessary. I can also see your eyes have changed a lot.

Sally: Yeah, my single-folded eyelids have become double-folded.

John: What else did you do?

Sally: I also have my teeth straightened. I felt uncomfortable about my uneven teeth whenever I smiled. Now I think I have a better smile.

John: Why do you have so much surgery?

Sally: I believe a better physical appearance will help me land a better job.

John: Nonsense. Most employers are more interested in your practical ability than your looks.

V. Let’s Talk

Script

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you’ll find it interesting how to be fashionable without spending too much money.

Sure, some famous stars always look stylish. They have unlimited clothing budgets that put the latest looks at their fingertips! But you can also look amazing without spending lots of money on your wardrobes. Simple try the following suggestions on for size.

First, you should make seasonal purchases; that is, you should buy winter coats, leather jackets, bathing suits, ad summer dress at the end of the season. You’ll get major discounts as you stock up for the next year.

If you want clothes to wear right now, you can go to discount stores. They may not be the place to buy an expensive evening dress, but they’re perfect for buying things like T-shirts

There is yet another cheap way of you to buy stylish clothes. Many department stores have a store brand. It means they offer current styles but are much cheaper than big-name brands.

To save money, an important principle for you to follow is to not buy “outfits”. With the exception of suits, interchangeable piece are more affordable—buying clothing in separate.

Wear-with- anything pieces are always a good buy. For example, you can almost always wear a pair of black trousers and a white dress skirt; you can wear them several times a week, paired with different accessories.

If you can’t afford expensive clothes, you can spend money on accessories such as nice shoes and fashionable bags. Such extras make even the simplest outfit look polished.

Finally, a great haircut always helps. When you hair looks fabulous, you look more stylish and fashionable.

VI. Further Listening and Speaking

Task1: Beauty Contests and Plastic Surgeries

Script

Juliana Borges, who was named “Miss Brazil” early on Tuesday, had plastic surgery four times and underwent 19 smaller operations. She was just one of many competitors who were determined to improve their appearance through surgery.

“Plastic surgery make me more beautiful and gave me confidence in myself and the perfect measurement that won me this title,” said the beauty queen in a green dress, who was representing Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Borges, 22, had liposuction and had her chin, nose, and ears worked on, as well as, had her breasts enlarged.

With the development of plastic surgery, more and more of Brazil’s would-be beauty queen are finding it easier to achieve the ideal measurements. These days, young hopefuls from the Amazon jungle to big cities in Brazil’s south are planning surgery.

A third of the 27 finalists at the beauty contest went under the scalpel after rules were changed in the 1990s.The new rules permit plastic surgery, colored contact lenses, and hair dye at beauty contests.

The organizers of the Miss Brazil contest said, “It’s a war out there, and all of the beauty tools that can be used should be used. Other countries like Venezuela paved the way, and Brazil is going to have to use those tools as well if it wants to compete in Miss University beauty contests.”

But Brazil’s love for plastic surgery is not limited to beauty contests. Most young women who undergo surgery want to find a better man or a higher-paying job.

5. How many surgical operations did the former Miss Brazil have altogether?

6. What change has plastic surgery brought, according to the passage?

7. Which of the following is allowed after the rules changed in the1990s??

4. Which of the following countries is mentioned as a pioneer in using beauty tools?

5. What is the goal of most young Brazilian women who undergo surgery?

Keys: 1.A 2.C 3.D 4.B 5.A

Task 2: Is it true beauty?

Script

John: There goes Camilla. She looks gorgeous today, doesn’t she? Her skin is as smooth as a baby’s bottom. Her lips are a perfect Cupid’s bow. She must have dozens of admirers.

Becky: I wonder what she looks like without all makeup. She must out it with a spoon. It’s like a mask. I don’t understand what men find so attractive about her.

John: Do I detect a hint of jealousy?

Becky: She has nothing for me to be jealous about.

John: I’ll be you believe in those saying like: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Becky: True beauty comes from within. Natural materials should be enough to bring it out.

John: But do you always stick to those rules? When I went past your apartment last night, I saw you in the kitchen with some green substance smeared all your face.

Becky: They were cucumbers. They’re natural healers of the skin. Haven’t you heard people say on TV that they soften the skin, wipe out the roughness, and build strength and resilience?

John: Yeah, yeah, yeah! They wipe out lines and age signs. Blah, blah, blah! See, I can even recite that advertisement.

Becky: You’ve learned a lot, haven’t you?

John: Since you can keep your skin so young-looking and maintain your figure so well, you might as well as write a book on beauty secrets.

Becky: Don’t pull my leg. Anyway, you’d do well to try the cucumber treatment on yourself. Put some cucumber slice on your head. At least they’ll keep that bald spot from shining so brightly.

Keys: FTFTF

Task3: Changing Your Hairstyle to Improve Your Appearance

Script

If you want to look better, changing your hairstyle can be a simple fix. If you’re trying to reach a weight-loss goal, a new hairstyle is a quick and easy way to freshen up your looks—and boost your confidence.

According to a popular hair stylist, clients often say, “I want to cut my hair, but I should lose weight first.” But that’s not the right sequence; it’s the other way around. You should know what hairstyle will flatter you the most, the style that will show off you particular feature to the best advantage even before you begin to lose weight.

For example, many may want to follow a tread and wear long hair. But some may look better with shorter hair if they have a round face. “When it’s too long, it can drag your face down and actually bring attention to the features you don’t want to emphasize,” says Guy Riggio, a famous hair stylist in Los Angeles. How short is too short? That depends the length of your neck. Riggio says, “The longer the neck, the shorter you can go.”

Some top stylists believe that women should stay clear of bangs. Thick bangs may be fashionable at times, but even thin bangs are hard to wear. “They change the shape of your face, making it seem shorter,” says New York hair stylist O’Connor. Instead, you should pull your hair away from your face. It will make your face look longer.

Finally, pick a stylist who’s knowledgeable and whose opinion can be trusted. Then have fun with the new style.

For Reference:

1. It is a quick and easy way to freshen up your looks—and boost your confidence

2. Clients often say, “I want to cut my hair, but I should lose weight first.” But that’s not the right sequence; it’s the other way around.

3. The speaker say if you have a round face, you may look better with short hair.

4. That depends the length of your neck. The longer the neck, the shorter you can go.

5. They change the shape of your face, making it seem shorter

News Report

Miss World

Script

The Miss World title went to first black African contestant ever in its 51-year history at the Miss World finals in Sun City, South Africa on Friday.

Organizers of the pageant said they expected about one billion people to have turned in to watch the beauty queen extravaganza. The event was hosted by American talk show host, Jerry Springer, at a glitzy resort in the heart of South Africa’s bush country.

[SOUND BITE]

The pageant was created in 1951 by a public relations executive for a small leisure and entertainment company. It was initially intended to be only a one-time event, but was continued after the United States began the rival Miss Universe contest in 1952.

In more than half a century, there have been only three Miss World winners from Africa, two of them white South Africa and the third from Egypt.

Miss World has until now been dominated by winner from Europe, the Americas, and India, the majority of them being Caucasian.

The contestants in this pageant are judges in three different categories: beauty, grace, and charm; talent, poise, and personally; and figure and deportment. After the first round of judging, the original group of 92 contestants was pared down to only ten finalists who would go on to compete for the title.

The second-runner up in this ten year’s pageant was Miss Scotland, 18-year-old Juliet-Jane Horne.

[SOUND BITE]

The People’s Republic of China was represented for the first time this year by 18-year-od Bing Li.

[SOUND BITE]

The title of first runner up went to Miss Aruba, 19-year-old Zerelda Lee.

[SOUND BITE]

The competition was fierce as each of the ten finalists took her turn in the spotlight in front of a live audience.

But out of the 92 contestants, it was Miss Nigeria, 18-year-old Agbani Darego, who took home covered title and the $100,000 prize.

[SOUND BITE]

Before being crowed, Darego took the victory walk wearing a lime-green, body hugging dress and waved to a cheering crowd.

The news of her victory sparked rapturous celebrations all over Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos.

Uint3

II. Basic Listening Practice

5. Script

W: Did you see the paper today? There was an earthquake in Brazil.

M: Yes, but it only measured 3.5 on the Richter scale. I don’t think there were any casualties.

Q: What is the result of the earthquake of 3.5 on the Richter scale according to the man?

2. Script

W: I’d a bit worried about Suzie traveling to southern India. It’s the rainy season there, and there may be landsides.

M: Suzie can take care of herself; she won’t go anywhere too risky. Besides, you can always e-mail her if it makes you feel better.

Q: What is Suzie doing?

3. Script

M: Hi, I thought you were on holiday in Asia! Back already?

W: we never got there! Our travel agent cancelled our arrangements because the whole region is flooded. We were so disappointed; we won’t get another chance to go this year.

Q: What is the woman doing?

4. Script

M: Our flight to Tokyo was delayed by twelve hours. Can you believe it? A typhoon hit the east coast and it was chaos.

W: I saw it on the news. The flooding and damage were terrible. I don’t think anyone was hurt though.

Q: What is the consequence of the typhoon?

5. Script

W: Did you see the program last night about volcanoes? It was fascinating!

M: Yes, the weird thing is the molten lava looks so beautiful, yet it’s so destructive. And I couldn’t believe how far the ash can travel. I’m glad we don’t have any volcanoes here!

Q: What does the man think the volcano is?

Keys: 1.D 2.A 3. C 4.B 5.C

III. Listening In

Task 1: Soft answers turn away wrath.

Son: Hi, mom, what are we having for dinner tonight?

Mom: I haven’t started yet. Why, have you any requires?

Son: How about tsunami for a change—I don’t know what is, but I heard some Japanese people using the word on the bus the other day. Sounds like a food. Maybe it’s similar to sushi.

Mom: Nonsense. Tsunami comes from Japanese words meaning harbor and wave. If we had a tsunami, it would be the other way around, young man.

Son: Why? What is it?

Mom: I mean it may swallow you up. A tsunami is an enormous series of very powerful waves.

Son: Could you surf on them? That could be cool.

Mom: They’re not cool. They are very destructive. When they pound the shore of populated areas, they cause tremendous damage. They destroy everything in their path.

Son: What causes them?

Mom: I think they are caused by some sort of shock, like an earthquake, volcano, or landside that starts a chain reaction in the ocean.

Son: Do the waves get to big that they crush buildings?

Mom: Easily. They can be dozens of meters high. They toss cars and houses around as though they were children’s toys.

Son: Can you see them coming?

Mom: You can see them at quite a distance. But there’s not much you can do. In the open ocean they move at up to 800km per hour, but when it reaches the shore, the system slows down and the waves get bigger.

Son: How big?

Mom: They can reach 30 meters. Big enough to finish you off in one gulp.

11. What the son think a tsunami is?

12. What does Mom imply by saying, “If we had a tsunami, it would be the other way around”?

13. What does the son think surfing on tsunami waves would be like?

14. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as the cause of a tsunami?

15. How high can tsunami waves reach?

Keys: 1B 2.C 3.A 4.D 5.C

For Reference

1. In the open ocean they move at up to 800km per hour, but when it reaches the shore, the system slows down and the waves get bigger.

2. They can reach 30 meters. Big enough to finish you off in one gulp.

Task 2: Flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Script

The death too continues to (S1) climb from last week’s flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The U.S. Agency for International Development (S2) reports that at least1,068 people are dead, 1,600 are (S3) missing, and 25,000 are in need of emergency food and other forms of (S4)assistance. In Dominican Republic, 414 are dead and 274 are missing, all from the town of Jimani.

A key(S5) factor in the widespread destruction is the extensive deforestation and the (S6) presence of settlements along the floodplains of rivers.

The flooding was driven by intense rainfall. A low-pressure system (S7) originating in Central America brought exceptionally heavy rain and thunderstorms to Haiti and the Dominican Republic from May 18 t o25. (S8) Rainfall exceeded 500 mm (or 19.7 inches) along the border areas of Haiti and the Dominican Republic during that period. At the town of Jimani, Dominican Republic, 250mm (or 10 inches) of rain fell in just 24 hours, causing the Solie River to overflow its banks from May24 to 25.The heavy rainfall resulted in flash flooding and extensive debris flowed over the entire region. Swollen rivers and debris cut off many of the roads traversing the area along the base of the mountains. (S9) This made it difficult for humanitarian relief worker to rescue stranded people and deliver badly. Now people want to know: How often do floods and related landmass movement also caused landsides in a few places.

(S10)Analysis of the past date shows that major floods in the Dominican Republic and Haiti are now a near-annual event. Since 1986, twelve lethal events have occurred on the island.

Task3: A Blizzard

Script

A blizzard is a sever weather condition characterized by low temperatures and strong winds, greater than 15 miles per hour, bearing a great amount of snow.

Because the factors for classifying winter storms are complex, there are many different definitions of what a blizzard truly is. But it is generally agreed that in order to be classified as a blizzard, as opposed to merely a winter storm, the weather must meet several conditions. The storm must decrease visibility to a quarter of a mile for three hours running. Include snow or ice as precipitation, and have wind speed of at least 32 miles per hour, which means Force 7 or more on the Wind Scale.

Another standard, according to Environment Canada, is that the winter storm must have winds of 40 kilometers per hour or mi=ore, plenty of snow, visibility less than 1 kilometer, a temperature of less than -25 degrees Celsius, and all of these conditions must last for 4 hours or more, before the storm can properly be called a blizzard.

When all these conditions continue after snow has stopped falling, the storm is referred t o as a ground blizzard.

An extensive form of blizzard is a whiteout, when the downdrafts, together with snowfall, become so sever that it is impossible to distinguish the ground from the air. People caught in a whiteout can quickly become disoriented, losing their sense of up and down as well as their sense of direction. Severe blizzard can also occur along with arctic cyclones.

11. What is the passage mainly about?

12. Which of the following is true of a blizzard according to the first standard?

13. Which of the following is true of a blizzard according to the second standard?

14. What is a ground blizzard?

5. Which of the following is in the order of increasing force?

Keys: 1A 2.B3. C 4.D 5.C

For Reference

They can quickly become disoriented, losing their sense of up and down as well as their sense of direction.

IV. Speaking Out

MODEL 1 It was a strong earthquake

Amy: Bill, it was a strong earthquake! The house was shaking, the window breaking! Terrible.

Bill: I know, it was terrible. I saw your face turn whit as you ran and got under the table.

Amy: I admit I panicked. But it wasn’t an occasion for us to be careless. It’s better to be cautious. There might be aftershocks.

Bill: Or an even bigger quake!

Amy: To play it safe, let’s turn off the gas and electricity.

Bill: Right. Let’s get the emergency earthquake kit already. It’s in the kitchen. It has food, flashlights, and a first-aid kit.

Amy: Let’s turn on the radio for news. I guess the quake measures at least 5 on the Richter Scale.

Bill: Who know what might happen tomorrow, next month or next year? After all, this city is said to be located in an earthquake zone

Amy: There hasn’t been much activity for dozens of years

Bill: But a major quake may hit at any time.

Amy: I think we’d better move to an earthquake-proof house.

Bill: Smart thinking!

MODEL2 Things are a bit out of balance.

Script

John: The seventh straight day of rain. It’s too much. Things are a bit out of balance.

Susan: Yeah, too much rain here, too little there. Last summer firestorms destroyed many parts of the globe.

John: Firestorms are a pretty interesting phenomenon. They generate so much heat that they create their own weather. Nothing you can do about it.

Susan: Once a fire developed into a firestorm, there’s no stopping it. Some people think we shouldn’t try.

John: You mean, just let the forests burn? How can we watch people’s homes on fire with folded arms?

Susan: Some experts argue that forest fires are part of nature, and that we shouldn’t try to interfere, except, of course, to save homes and lives.

John: It seems wrong to let all good timber burn. What a waste that would be!

Susan: But that’s nature’s way of cleaning up the debris that collects on the forest floor and creating new kind of growth.

John: Maybe so, but it still seems wrong to just let fires burn.

Susan: After all, there have been verdant forests for millions of years without man’s help fighting the fires.

John: That may be true, but I still think it’s wrong to not put out forest fires

MODEL3 This is the island that disappeared

Script

Susan: Just look at that sky. Aren’t the twilight colors beautiful?

John: Um. Even heard of the famous sunsets that followed the Krakatoa volcano eruption?

Susan: Do you mean the Pacific island that blew up in the eighteen hundreds?

John: Yeah. Deep red sunsets appeared on the horizon for the three years after the explosion.

Susan: They were caused by the fine dust that spread through the earth’s atmosphere.

John: People 5,000 kilometers away from Krakatoa reported hearing the enormous blast.

Susan: And ashes even fell on Singapore, more than 500 kilometers to the north.

John: As I remember, two thirds of the island simply disappeared, blown to bits.

Susan: And then giant sea waves followed, killing more than 40,000 people who lived there.

John: Apparently the biggest of those waves traveled 4,000 kilometers in just 12 hours.

Susan: I don’t think there’s ever been another natural disaster quite like it, do you?

John: A mountain called Vesuvius erupted, burying the nearby town of Pompeii in ashes; but that was in a smaller scale.

Now Your Turn

Task 1

SAMPLE DIALOG

Josh: Maggie, I’ve just read a fire destroyed much of the forest on Day Mountain in Hong Kong the other day.

Maggie: I’ve heard that too. The local government sent firefighters and even helicopters to try to put out the fire. But I think they shouldn’t have tried.

Josh: You mean, they should just let the forests burn? How can they stand by and watch people’s homes go up in flames?

Maggie: Some experts argue that forest fires are a phase in the cycle of nature, and we shouldn’t interfere. Except, of course, to save lives.

Josh: It seems wrong to allow fires to burn up good timber. What a waste that would be! You see, the fire-hit area extends nearly 4,00 square meters.

Maggie: But that’s nature’s way of cleaning up the debris that collects on the forest floor and creating space for new growth.

Josh: That may be true, but it still seems wrong to just let fires burn. They destroyed not only timber, but many rare butterflies living there

Maggie: Anyway, there have been verdant forests for millions of years without man’s help in combating fires.

Josh: You may be correct, but I still think it’s wrong to not put out forest fires. If too many trees are destroyed, the very existence of human beings is threatened

V. Let’s Talk

Script

A natural disaster is the consequence of a hazardous event, occurring when human activities are affected by adverse natural phenomena such as flood, drought, hailstorm, heat wave, forest fore, hurricanes or typhoons, tornado, tsunami, landsides and mudslides, or volcanic eruption. The resulting deaths or property damages depend on the human ability to resist the disasters.

Sometimes two seemingly different disasters may be related to each other. For example, an undersea earthquake may result in a tsunami. While there is a long dry spell in one area, there may be a great flood in another. It is necessary for human beings to understand and combat natural disasters.

A drought is a long-lasting weather pattern consisting of dry conditions with very little or no precipitation. During this period, food and water supplies can run low, and other condition, such as famine, can result. Drought can last for several years and are particularly damaging in areas in which the residents depend on agriculture for survival.

A flood follows too much rain or water in a location, and could be the result of many different conditions. Floods can be caused by heavy rainfall from a storm, including thunderstorms, rapid melting of a large amounts of snow, or rivers which swell from too much precipitation upstream, causing widespread damage to areas downstream. Another possible cause of a flood is the bursting of man-made dams.

VI. Further Listening and Speaking

Task1: Description of a Tsunami

Script

A strange hissing noise filled the air, said witnesses to the disaster, and that was followed by an ear-shattering roar. Racing toward the shore at speed of 450 kilometers per hour was a vast black wall of water more than 20 meters high.

For sunbathers on the beaches and diners at outdoor beachfront cafes there was no escape. Along with fishing boats, automobiles, trams, trains, early-morning shoppers and beach bungalows they were smashed to the ground and swept as far as two kilometers inland by the force of the tsunami that came after a force 9 earthquake deep under the sea off the coast of Sumatra.

Many local residents, including numerous children, rushed onto the beach to pick up fish thrown ashore by the first giant wave. Before they could return to safety, a second powerful wave struck and swept them to their deaths at sea.

When the worst of the waters finally retreated back into the ocean, bodies lay everywhere, and many hung from trees. At least 140,000 people died in the flooding around the rim of the Indian Ocean and as far away as Kenya and Somalia. Still missing are more than a thousand people, among then 200 Indonesian fishmen.

Hundreds of fishing village in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand are cut off from supplies of clean water, food and medicines. Relief efforts from across the globe are rushing towards the disaster area. Whether they will be able to prevent further deaths from disease remain to be seen.

8. What happened after shoppers were smashed to the ground?

9. According to the passage, what happened after the first giant wave?

10. How many people are missing in the disaster?

11. What may follow immediately after the disaster, according to the passage?

12. What id the passage mainly about?

Keys: 1.A 2.C 3.B 4.D 5.A

Task 2: Drought in South Africa

Script

South Africa is heading for a disaster in the new year because of a drought. The water level at some dams have dropped below 20% while the ground water table has dropped by as much s 30 meters

Emergency measure have been introduced ensure that millions of people have enough water to survive. In rural areas without dams, the government has to send water by truck and sink new, deeper wells to provide drinking water. Tanked water is provided about 3.5 million South Africans. People here normally use barely 30 liters a day, and is impossible to further limit their usage. That is why agricultural use has to be restricted.

More than 100,000 farm workers might lose their jobs if it does not rain soon. Water restrictions, which have a negative influence on the agricultural sector in particular, have already been imposed in several districts. Farmers have been forced to stop irrigating their crops to ensure that enough water is available for domestic use. Maize farmers in the eastern parts of the country have almost no hope of planting their crop in time. They need rain within the next two weeks to be able to start planting. Where farmers did sow, the seedlings have been scorched under the sun.

An estimated 40,000 head of livestock have died because of the dry spell. Thousands of stock farmers will have to slaughter their livestock on a large scale because there is no grass left.

The parts suffering the most were rural areas without dams. If it does not rain, the people there will face a huge crisis.

Keys: FFTFT

Task3: Brave firemen

Script

A fire started on some grassland near a farm in Alberta, Canada. The fire department from the nearby town was called to put the fire out. The fire proved to be more than the small town fire department could handle, so someone suggested that a rural volunteer fire company be called. Since the company was composed entirely of men over65, there was doubt that they would be of assistance. But with no other help available, the farmer called the fire company away.

The volunteer fire company’s men arrived in a dilapidated old fire truck. The truck drove straight toward the fire and, instead of stopping in front of the fire, drove right onto the middle of the flames. The volunteer firemen jumped off the truck and started spraying water in all directions. Soon they had put out the center of the fire, breaking the blaze into two easily controllable parts. After an hour of intense fighting, they had extinguished the fire.

The farmer was impressed by the brave volunteer firemen and their work. He was so grateful that his farm had been spared that he presented the volunteer company wit ha check for $10,000.

A local news reporter asked the volunteer fire captain what the company planned to do with the funds. The fireman looked him right in the eye and said, “That should be obvious. The first thing we’re going to do is to get the brakes fixed on that stupid fire truck.”

For Reference

1. Since the company was composed entirely of men over65, there was doubt that they would be of assistance. But the farmer called the fire company away because the fire proved to be more than the small town fire department could handle, and there was no other help available.

2. The truck drove straight toward the fire and, instead of stopping in front of the fire, drove right onto the middle of the flames.

3. After an hour of intense fighting, they had extinguished the fire.

4. He presented the volunteer company wit ha check for $10,000.

The captain said, “The first thing we’re going to do is to get the brakes fixed on that stupid fire truck.” That suggests that they drove right into the middle of the flames because of useless brakes rather bravery.

News Report

Australian Waterspout

Script

A big twister struck the Sydney to Hobart yacht race late on Wednesday, nearly knocking out the team highly favored to win, Nicorette.

Disaster struck the Swedish maxi yacht off the east coast of Australia, tearing its mainsail and nearly carrying away skipper Ludde Ingvall.

When asked about his encounter with the waterspout, Ingvall described the experience as “surreal”.

Ingvall, a seasoned sailor, said that he’s seen twisters before but had always managed to avoid them. This one, however, seemed to be following them and they had no choice but to go right through the middle of it.

The encounter with the twister forced Nicorette to drop into fifteenth place overnight.

Crew member valiantly battled extreme weather while attempting to keep the yacht o course.

Skipper Ingvall reported that the team was now in sixth place and making up ground with the use of its backup mainsail.

Nicorette managed to get back on track on Thursday, closing the gap on team Illbruck of Germany, the current leader.

This footage from video taken aboard the Nicorette shows the terrible conditions they experienced as they struggled to stay in the race.

It took real teamwork to get the unlucky yacht back into this position. Even under these harshest of conditions, the Nicorette team managed to work together to make a miraculous recovery. But the team has a history of successful teamwork.

Last year, Nicorette achieved the second-fastest line honors victory in the 57-year history of the 630 nautical mile Sydney to Hobart race. The only yacht to surpass Nicorette’s time was the 60-foot Danish Nokia, setting the record of 1day, 19 hours, 48 minutes, and 2 seconds in 1999.

Earlier on Thursday, 8 of the 75 entrants dropped out of the race after a night of thunderstorm activity and winds of up to 30 knots.

Team Illbruck is the overall winner so far after two legs o the race, but there is still more race to go.

Boat are currently en route to Auckland, New Zealand as they begin the third leg of the around the world race.

Nicorette still has a chance to finish in one of the top spots despite the incredible obstacle that almost stopped them.

Uint4

II. Basic Listening Practice

6. Script

M: Do you see yourself as a leader or more of a team player?

W: Well, it depends on the circumstances. I usually enjoy working as part of a team and helping everyone work together. But if the leadership is weak, I’m not afraid to take over in order to achieve the goal at hand.

Q: What does the woman want to be?

7. Script

W: Good morning, I have an appointment with Mr. Davies at 11o’ clock.

M: Yes, he left a message for you saying he’s terribly sorry but he’s stuck in traffic and is running 15 minutes late. Please take a seat and he’ll be here as soon as possible. Would you like tea or coffee?

Q: Where is the conversation probably taking place?

3. Script

W: You don’t happy. Did you get that promotion?

M: No, they brought in some new guy. I’m not going to hang around for much longer, I can’t assure you.

Q: Why is the man unhappy?

4. Script

W: Mr. Jones is a self-made millionaire, and I’m honored to have worked for him for the past thirty years as his accountant.

M: He must be pleased to have a loyal and faithful employee such as yourself.

Q: What is true of the woman?

5. Script

W: Jane, we’re considering you for the new office manager’s position. We’ve been very pleased with your work.

M: Thank you very much. I’ve always enjoyed working here, and I would welcome an opportunity for more responsibility.

Q: Which of the following is true?

Keys: 1.C 2.B 3. A 4.B 5.D

III. Listening In

Task 1: You’re fired!

Joan: Come in, come in. Have a seat. Ah…uh…I want you to know this is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.

Carl: Yes, ma’am. But I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about.

Joan: You’re fired. That’s what I’m talking about.

Carl: I find that surprising, Miss Jackson. After all, I sold twenty-five percent more of our products than any other salesperson.

Joan: Look, I’m not here to argue. You’re fired. Understand?

Carl: I understand perfectly. I just wonder what’s going to happen to the contract I’ve been arranging. It would be a shame to lose it; it could mean a lot of our company. And I’m the only one who knows the details.

Joan: No one is indispensable. Just clear out your desk, and that’s the end of it. Do I make myself clear, Mr. Westlake?

Carl: Crystal clear—apart from one small detail.

Joan: And what, pray tell, is that detail?

Carl: I’m not Mr. Westlake. I’m Carl Smith.

Joan: Well then, that’s a different kettle of fish, Mr. Smith. I know you’ve bee n working late almost every night and coming in on Saturdays to get work done. The company is very happy with your progress.

Carl: That’s good to know. I was beginning to think that I wasn’t appreciated.

Joan: You’re doing well. We have approved your first salary increase.

Carl: That’s great! Thank you! I’ll certainly try to live up to the trust you have demonstrated in me with this raise in pay.

16. Why is the man surprised at the being fired?

17. What is the second reason mentioned of the man to object to his being fired?

18. What mistake did the woman make?

19. What do you know about the man’s work performance?

20. What does the man finally get?

Keys: 1C 2.B 3.D 4.A 5.A

For Reference

1. I want you to know this is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you.

2. That’s great! Thank you! I’ll certainly try to live up to the trust you have demonstrated in me with this raise in pay.

Task 2: SOHO

Script

The modern concept of small office and home office, or small and home office, often (S1) shorted to SOHO, is concerned with business that employ from one to ten workers. Also (S2) known as a virtual business, the SOHO has not evolved beyond the idea of an (S3) independent business person who has a few support stall members.

Business (S4) enterprises that are large are often called Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

Before the19th century and the (S5) spread of the industrial revolution around the globe, (S6) nearly all offices were small offices or home offices, with only a few exceptions. Most businesses were small, and (S7) so was the amount of paperwork that went with their business activities.

At the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st, the term “Small or Home Office” and (S8) the acronym SOHO have been used t to great extent by companies that sell products to large number of small business with a small-sized office.

Some products are often designed specifically for the SOHO market. (S9) Many books are written and sold specifically for this type of office to tell people how to equip a small office.

Nowadays many consultants, lawyers, and real estate agents in small and medium- sized towns operate from such home offices.

(S10) In the field of software development, engineers often have to work 20 hours or more at a stretch, so they can hardly adapt to normal office hours. They often work in small offices to have more freedom.

Task3: The Role of Job Descriptions

Script

People who don’t understand what their employers expect them to do may be headed for one of the most common and yet most avoidable career traps. If your boss doesn’t take the time to explain properly what you are expected to do in your position. Then keep asking questions until you know precisely what it is. Don’t limit your questions to matter of everyday routine. Lee Colby, a management consultant based in Minneapolis, offers his advice. He says you can ask more significant questions like, “What are our departmwnt’s goals? How does my work fit in with the overall objective of the company?”

That method helped Lisa James, an assistant manager at an electronics company. When James was transferred to a new department seven years ago, she found herself not only working for the manager of quality control, but assisting three other managers. Because the job was both demanding and ill-defined, James had to put in ten-hour days as well as take work home. To clarify what was expected of her and what she hoped to get from her job in terms of career department, she drafted a list of goals in collaboration with her principal boss. The list proved so well though out that her boss used it as the basis for her annual performance reviews. Shortly afterwards, she was given a raise for her efficient work.

If your boss is vague about what your goals should be, try this technique suggested by Atkin Simon, director of a Boston-based management-consulting firm: Read your position description, which most large firms provide, and identify the two or three most important tasks it mentions. Then meet with your boss, point out the tasks you’ve chosen and ask if they accurately reflect what your boss considers important.

15. If your boss does not describe your job responsibility clearly, what can you do?

16. What kind of questions can you ask about your job?

17. When James was transferred to a new department, how many managers did she have to work for?

18. With whom did James draft a list of goals?

5. How was her list of goals received?

Keys: 1B 2.D3. D 4.A 5.C

For Reference

Read your position description and identify the two or three most important tasks it mentions. Then meet with your boss, point out the tasks you’ve chosen and ask if they accurately reflect what your boss considers important.

IV. Speaking Out

MODEL 1 I’ve got to talk to Mrs. Parker.

Susan: Parker Electronics Susan speaking. How may I help you?

Mrs. Jones: This is William Jones of Sea-land Limited. I’m calling from Australia. Would you please transfer me to Helen Parker, extension513?

Susan: Please hold, Mr. Jones. I’ll see if Mrs. Parker id available to take your call…I’m sorry, Mrs. Parker is out of the office. Can anyone else assist you?

Mrs. Jones: No. I’ve got to talk to Mrs. Parker. It’s urgent. When will she be back?

Susan: I’m afraid she is out for the whole day. May I take a message?

Mrs. Jones: Tell her I must talk to her right away. Your last shipment was damaged.

Susan: Oh, what a pity. Is there a particular time you want her to call you?

Mrs. Jones: She can get in touch with me any time tomorrow at 613-2775-2940.

Susan: Let me repeat that back: Mr. Jones of Sea-land, 613-2775-2940; call as soon as possible regarding the damaged cargo. You can be reached all day tomorrow.

Mrs. Jones: The sooner the better. Those missing parts are holding up our production.

Susan: I’ll give her the message, Mr. Jones. She’ll get back to you as soon as she can.

Mrs. Jones: Thank you. Good-bye.

MODEL2 Something unexpected has come up.

Script

Bob: Hello.

Susan: Hello, it’s Susan Smith from Parker Electronics.

Bob: Hi, Sue, Bob here. How is it going? What’s on your mind day?

Susan: I’m calling on behalf of my boss, Mrs. Helen Parker. She wants some of your in expensive late-model DVD player.

Bob: We have a good selection that should be right up your alley. Do you suppose we could arrange a meeting?

Susan: She was hoping to get together with you this week, if possible. She wants to get going on this right away.

Bob: Let me check my schedule. Yes, I’m free as the breeze on Friday.

Susan: Why not meet at about ten in the morning at your office?

Bob: Sound good. Let’s confirm that. I’ll look forward to seeing her at ten on Friday.

Susan: I’m sure it’ll be a rewarding meeting. Thank you. Good-bye.

[Later]

Bob: Hello, Bob Smith speaking.

Susan: Hello, Bob, this is Susan. Something unexpected has come up. I’m afraid we have to cancel the meeting with you on Friday.

Bob: That’s disappointing. Shall we meet some other time?

Susan: She’d like to postpone the meeting until Monday afternoon. Would that be convenient for you?

Bob: Well, I’ve got a full schedule on Monday, but I’d be free after five.

Susan: Could we make it five thirty then?

Bob: Five thirty’s perfect. I’ll see Helen at five thirty on Monday.

Susan: Ok. Great! Thanks. Bye.

MODEL3 It’s much more than just satisfactory.

Script

Helen: You know, Susan, I’ve been looking over the review of your performance in the past three moths.

Susan: Is everything satisfactory?

Helen: We should say it’s more than just satisfactory. According to the review given by your supervisors, you are doing excellent work during this internship.

Susan: Thank you, Helen.

Helen: Well, your attendance record is perfect, and you’re very diligent. And on top of all that, you went out of your way to bring in new customers.

Susan: I enjoy working here, so I try to do my very best.

Helen: Well, wonderful! Our company could use more hardworking employees like you. In fact, the board of directors is unanimous in deciding to offer you a job.

Susan: I’m so glad to hear that. I’ll graduate in less than a month. By then I can devote more time to the company. I’ll work heart and soul to promote its business.

Helen: And I also think you are ready to take on some new responsibilities.

Susan: What do you mean, Helen?

Helen: I’m promoting you to assistant marketing manager, but you might have to travel around the country at short notice. Is that OK with you?

Susan: Of course. Thank you. I’m honored that you have so much confidence in me.

Helen: Well, Susan, you did great work. Your promotion is effective immediately.

Susan: Thank you. I look forward to the new challenge of the job.

Now Your Turn

Task 1

SAMPLE DIALOG

Jenny: Hell, Jenny of Mokia Mobile.

Dick: Hello, this is Dick, your mobile phone battery supplier.

Jenny: Hi, Dick. Glad to hear from you again. What’s on your mind?

Dick: We’ve produced a new battery that is inexpensive, but powerful. It can last a long time.

Jenny: We’ve already got a goof selection. What’s so special about your new product?

Dick: Well, could you arrange for me to meet your boss Linda? Then I’ll go into details.

Jenny: OK, when can you come?

Dick: I was hoping to get together with Linda this week, if possible. I want to get going on this right away.

Jenny: Let me check her timetable…Yes, she’s completely free Thursday

Dick: Why not meet at about ten in the morning at your office?

Jenny: Sound good. Let me say it again: We’ll look forward to seeing you at ten on Thursday.

Dick: I’m sure it’ll be a rewarding meeting. Thank you. Good-bye.

[Later]

Jenny: Hello. Is Dick there, please?

Dick: Hello. Dick speaking.

Jenny: Hi, Dick, this is Jenny. Something unexpected has come up. I’m afraid we have to postpone the meeting with you on Thursday.

Dick: That’s disappointing. When can we meet?

Jenny: Linda has to put the meeting off until sometime on Friday. Will that suit you?

Dick: I’m afraid I can’t go on Friday. I’ll be flying to another city on business.

Jenny: Then could you come after five on Thursday?

Dick: Certainly, Can we make it five thirty then?

Jenny: Five thirty’s perfect. Linda will be waiting for you at five thirty on Thursday.

Dick: Ok. Great! Thanks. Bye.

V. Let’s Talk

Script

Lillian: Mr. Baxter, you have worked in the company for five years, and you manage everything here smoothly, like a clock. Could you tell us the secret of your successful career?

Baxter: Just as the golden rule of real estate is location, location, location, the golden rule of work is relationships, relationships, relationships. Unfortunately, many workers focus so hard on the job at hand that they never develop useful relationships with people in other parts of their organization. Worse, when they do interact with colleagues in other departments, they may not treat then with respect.

Lillian: Could you give more details?

Baxter: Let’s take Wendy as an example. She switched jobs several months ago in the company. In her first position, as a marketing manager, she frequently found herself in conflict with the financial department over her staff’s expenses. Her argument for more funds usually ended in vain.

Then in her new job as training administrator, she wanted to launch an on-the-job training project. She needed the financial department to support her request for a budget. How did she convince them this time?

Although the financial department’s offices were located in another city, Wendy decided to visit them in their offices and try to establish closer relationships. She believed she must first of all understand their mission and their own training needs. Then she found an ally in the company’s chief financial officer, who saw how her group could help develop his staff. So the two forged a long-tern=m alliance, which led to a training program so successful that it has since been picked up by the company’s offices in Germany and Japan.

Winning allies throughout your organization has an additional benefit. These days, it’s far too risky to expect your work to speak for itself. Having allies who speak well of you increases your reputation with the top management.

VI. Further Listening and Speaking

Task1: A small misstep can become a big career trap.

Script

George Adams, a market researcher at a Midwestern firm, finally printed his marketing report. After months of research, hundreds of surveys, and several boring drafts, his report was complete, and just in time. He was going away for the weekend, and he wanted to relax knowing his report was a success. He carefully proofread his document and then delivered copies to all the executives on his distribution list.

When he returned to his desk, he discovered his boss, the department manager, was livid. At first he did not realize he had accidentally gone over his head. Anyway, she had given him the contribution list in the first place. So he thought he was just following orders. But the boss was furious that she hadn’t seen the final document.

The boss asked Adams to get back the copies, but it was too late. When Adams got to the CEO’s office, he was already reading the report.

Adams had felt friction with his boss before. She was overbearing and tended to find fault with his work after he’d broken his back to meet deadlines. In this instance, however, he realized he had made a serious error. His boss was extremely upset, for his mistake made her look as though she wasn’t in control of her department.

From the boss’s point of view, Adams was usurping her authority. The result was simple and natural: Adams left his job soon afterward.

Adams’s story illustrates a fundamental truth about the workplace: small, seemingly innocent missteps can sometimes become a big career trap.

13. To whom did Adams deliver copies of the report?

14. What did Adams discover after he delivered the copies?

15. What happened when the boss asked Adams to get back the copies of the report?

16. According to the passage, why was his boss extremely upset?

5. What conclusion can we draw from the passage?

Keys: 1.B 2.B 3.C 4.A 5.C

Task 2: The boss is angry!

Script

Sam: Tell me: Does this place look like a nursing home?

Sally: No. Why?

Sam: Do I look like a male nurse?

Sally: Not at all.

Sam: Then why do my employees act as though this were a nursing home instead of a work place?

Sally: You’re obviously upset. What’s wrong? Tell me.

Sam: You’re right. I’m upset about a lot of things.

Sally: Can you tell me what the problems are?

Sam: First of all I’m upset because so many of the staff have been showing up late for work.

Sally: It’s true. A lot of people have been coming in late. They probably think you don’t mind. You know there’s a pretty relaxed atmosphere here.

Sam: Maybe it’s because I hang out with a lot of them outside the office.

Sally: They must see you more as a buddy than a boss. It’s because you’re so friendly.

Sam: You’re right. They don’t view me as an authority figure anymore. I’m afraid they don’t respect me as a boss

Sally: So what are you going to do about it?

Sam: I’m going to change. No more Mr. Nice Guy. I’m going to start cracking the whip.

Sally: When do you want this change to take place?

Sam: Starting today, I’m going to lay down the law. From now on, everyone in the company must follow regulations to the latter.

Sally: I’ll post a notice as soon as possible. What should it say?

Sam: No more punching in late. No more clocking out early. No more calling in sick without a goof reason or without a doctor’s note.

Sally: Anything else?

Sam: No more personal phone calls or e-mails on company time!

Sally: All right, I’ll get right on it!

Keys: FTFTF

Task3: Three Envelopes

Script

After a high –level firing at Supertech, the top executives gathered for lunch to welcome the new Chief Executive Officer, Carl Martin, and say good-bye to the departing CEO, Dick Jackson.

Lunch was pretty well over when Jackson took his replacement aside and said: “Carl, it’s a jungle out there in the business world. If we graduate of Harvard Business School don’t stick up for one anther, who will? Nobody, that’s who.”

Jackson explained that a tradition the company’s CEOs had. The departing CEO left three numbered envelopes for the new CEO. He handed Martin three envelopes. “Open one if there’s a problem you can’t solve.”

Things went smoothly for Martin at first, but six months later sales took a downturn, and he was catching a lot of heat. At his wit’s end, he remembered the envelopes. He took from his desk the first envelope. The message read, “Blame your predecessor.”

Martin held a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO. The press—and Wall Street—reacted positively, sales picked up, and the problem was soon behind him.

A year later, the company was again experiencing a dip in sales, combined with serious product problems. The CEO opened the second envelope. The message read, “Recognize.”

This he did, and the company quickly rebounded.

After several consecutive profitable quarters, the company once again fell on difficult times. The CEO went to his office, closed the door and opened the third envelope. The meager read, “Prepare three envelopes.”

For Reference

1. They gathered for lunch to welcome the new Chief Executive Officer, Carl Martin, and say good-bye to the departing CEO, Dick Jackson.

2. The departing CEO left three numbered envelopes for the new CEO

3. The message read, “Blame your predecessor.” So, the new CEO held a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO.

4. The message read, “Recognize.” The new CEO did it, and the company quickly rebounded.

5. The meager said, “Prepare three envelopes.” It implied that it was time for Martin to leave and give three similar envelopes to the next CEO.

News Report

A Wearable Translator

Script

The inability to communicate in a foreign language is a problem that many international travelers face. But now, a Minnesota company is developing a system that would make this a problem of the past.

Minneapolis-based Via is the company behind the “Mobile Language Translation System”, or MLTS. But they are not the only company trying to develop real-time computer translation. IBM is promoting a new high-speed text translation system, and NEC is working on software that provides rapid voice translations from English to Japanese and vice versa.

But Via CEO Ed McConaghay says that the biggest difficulty in developing MLTS hs been to combine existing technology with bidirectional capability and portable packaging.

[SOUND BITE]

A translator demonstrates just how MLTS works.

The translations take about five seconds and are not always perfect. However, the text translation on the screen can help users get the general idea of a conversation.

[SOUND BITE]

In the future, MLTS may be able to assist military personnel in communicating with foreign language speakers in the field.

This system may also be of help to border patrol officers, airport personnel, and local law enforcement.

Eventually, though, the device will be available to travelers or anyone in the general public who would like to communicate with a foreign friend.

Uint5

II. Basic Listening Practice

8. Script

W: Why do some people stay in one job for life while others switch jobs from time to time?

M: Some people want a fixed routine so that they don’t have to adapt tot new circumstances over and over again, while others think variety is the spice of life.

Q: According to the dialog, why do some people stick to one job for life?

9. Script

M: Kathleen, you’ve been late for work so many times lately that I have to warn you that any repetition will result in your dismissal.

W: I’m sorry. I’ll try my best to get here earlier in the future. Perhaps I could work later to make up the time I’ve lost.

Q: What does the woman say?

3. Script

M: Mr. Brown, my time here has been frustrating for me. I have a better opportunity with another firm, and I’m taking it.

W: We won’t be sorry to see you leave, Richard. You’ve done your best to make everyone here as miserable as you are.

Q: How does the woman feel about the man’s leaving?

4. Script

W: Mr. Armes, I wanted to tell you in person that at the end of this month I’ll be leaving the company.

M: Well, Sylvia, we are certainly going to miss you here, but I wish you the best of luck.

Q: What does the woman want?

5. Script

W: Time, I hate to tell you this, but we’re caught in a budget crunch, and we must lay you off. I’m sorry.

M: I understand. I’ve enjoyed my time here, and I’m confident I can find something else.

Q: What is the man’s response?

Keys: 1.B2.D3. A 4.C 5.D

III. Listening In

Task 1: How to Avoid Bankruptcy

Manager: Adam! Have you any suggestions about how we can avoid bankruptcy?

Adam: Downsizing would certainly reduce our operating costs. You know, make us lean and mean, the way you have to be in today’s market.

Manager: Where do you suggest we start making these staff cuts?

Adam: The logical place to start would be in administration. They usually overstaffed.

Manager: That’s not going to go over very well with our employees. Some of them have been with the company for years.

Adam: It’s painful process, but there’s no choice. They’ll just have to get used to the idea.

Manager: We can give them a fairly decent severance package when they’re fired.

Adam: I know. And I think that if we computerize the office, we could reduce office staff by about 20 percent just by eliminating a lot of paperwork.

Manager: OK. If we lay off 20 percent of the administrative staff, will that be enough to get the company back on its feet?

Adam: Unfortunately not. We’ll also need to make some cuts in the service department.

Manager: How can we do that and maintain the level of service that we offer our passengers?

Adam: Well, we’ll have to retrain the service staff and streamline our operations, so we won’t need as many people to run things smoothly.

Manager: Well, this is serious, but I really don’t think we have any other choice. If we keep losing money like this, we’ll have to shut everything down.

21. What is the dialog mainly concerned with?

22. What does the man mean by “make us lean and mean”?

23. What is the difficulty in cutting the administrative staff?

24. What will happen as a result of firing the administrators?

25. What does the man think will happen after they cut 20 percent of the administrators?

Keys: 1B 2.D 3.A 4.C 5.C

For Reference

1. He suggests retaining the service staff and streaming their operations, so they won’t need as many people to run things smoothly.

2. That is a serious step, but she thinks they haven’t any other choice. If they keep losing money, they will have to shut everything down.

Task 2: A Hard-nosed Boss

Script

Mr. Stone was known far and wide as a hard-nosed boss who (S1) watched his employees like a hawk. He was making one of his regular tours of the factory (S2) when he spotted a young man leaning against a (S3) pile of boxes just outside the foreman’s office. Since George, the foreman, wasn’t around. Stone stood off to the side and watched to see just how ling the young men would stand (S4) around doing nothing.

The young man yawned, scratched his head, looked at his watch, and sat on the floor. After ten minutes or so he yawned again and (S5) leaned back on the pile of boxes.

Stone stepped from his (S6) hiding place and walked up to the young man. “You!” he yelled, “How much do you make a week?”

The young man looked up (S7) indifferently. “Two hundred and fifty dollars,” He said.

(S8) Stone rushed into the cashier’s office, took$250 from the cash box, and returned. “Take it,” he said, “and get out! Don’t let me see you around here again!”

The young man took the cash, put it in his pocket, and left. (S9) Seeing the young man showed no sign of embarrassment, Stone got furious. Then he went looking for George. When he found him, Stone was red with anger. “That lazy boy in front of your office,” Stone said, “I just gave him a week’s pay and fired him. What’s the matter with you, letting him stand around as though he has nothing to do?”

“You mean the kid in the red shirt?” George asked.

“Yes! The kid in the red shirt!”

George said, “(S10) He was waiting for the 20 dollars we owe him for lunch. He works for the coffee shop around the corner.”

Task3: Layoffs can be predicted.

Script

In some cases companies inform their employees in advance that layoffs are coming. In other cases, they come without warning: You arrive on time for work on a Friday, but you are told not to come next week. Ouch!

In either case, you may be able to sense some bad signs in advance. Maybe the company has tried very hard to avoid layoffs; maybe it has been preparing for the worst for quite some time. If you think about the bad omens carefully, you might know as much or more than some of the employees in managerial positions with management responsibilities.

For example, if you work in sales, you might know that quotas have not been met. If you work in field engineering, you might notice far fewer customer installations. If your company’s competitors, suppliers or customers are laying off employees, it’s likely your company will too, especially if economic conditions are affecting your industry. Check the layoff statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Search the Net and your local newspaper too for articles concerning layoffs in your industry.

Do things like bad sales always mean that layoffs are coming to your company? Not necessarily. Companies have seasonal and economic sales dips all the time, and are always looking for ways to improve their performance. So, if you see only one or two bad signs, don’t jump to a hasty conclusion. But if you see more, especially along the lines of earnings warnings, budget cuts, hiring freezes, restructuring, and massive layoffs in your industry, it might just be time to get your resume up to date and start looking for a new job. Also, it might e a good idea to cancel your vacation, implement money-saving measures, and become more useful on your job. You should prepare in advance if you think you might get the axe soon.

19. What is the passage mainly about?

20. According to the passage, when can one sense layoffs are coming?

21. What is mentioned as a bad sign for the field engineering department?

22. According to the passage, what do bad sales signal?

5. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a sign for you to update your resume?

Keys: 1D 2.C3. B 4.C 5A

For Reference

You may get your resume up to date and start looking for a new job. Also, it might e a good idea to cancel your vacation, implement money-saving measures, and become more useful on your job.

IV. Speaking Out

MODEL 1 We’re going to miss you.

Susan: Excuse me, Helen, do you have a minute to talk?

Helen: That question always carries some weight, Sue. What’s up?

Susan: Well, uh…Here goes…My university wants me to go back to update the university website.

Helen: So what? You can go back on the weekend, or in the evening.

Susan: But it’s a large project. So I’m afraid I have to terminate my work here before my internship is over. I have to go back next Thursday.

Helen: Oh? This is quite a surprise, Sue. I’m sad that you’ll be leaving us. You run this place with clockwork efficiency, you know. We’re going to miss you.

Susan: I hope this one-week notice will give you time to hire and train a replacement.

Helen: Thanks for the notices, Sue. Assistants like you are one in a million. I guess we’d better start looking as soon as possible.

Susan: With your approval, I’ll put out notice today and screen the application myself.

Helen: That would be great. Schedule them in as you see fit. Oh, Sue, things certainly won’t be the same without you around here.

Susan: Thank you for your kind words. If you have any problem, please feel free to call me.

MODEL2 We have to let you go.

Script

Helen: Tom, the reason I called you into my office is your work.

Tom: Really?

Helen: The truth is ..I’m not satisfied with your job performance.

Tom: Are you sure I haven’t been doing a good job?

Helen: Tom, you’ve been reprimanded a number of times for being late and for using company time for personal matters. What’s more, you use the company phone to talk with your friends for hours.

Tom: I know I’ve been late a couple of times; my motorcycle has been breaking down. I’m really sorry. I promise to do better in the future.

Helen: I’m afraid it’s too late. Right now, your tardiness is the least of my problems.

Tom: What do you mean?

Helen: My secretary has proof that you have misappropriated company funds on several occasions. We won’t be prosecuting, but this simply can’t be allowed.

Tom:: I didn’t steal any money! Your secretary is lying!

Helen: I’m sorry, we have to let you go.

Tom: You’re firing me? You are giving me my pink slip?

Helen: Exactly. I’m sorry it had to turn out this way. Your termination is effective immediately.

MODEL3 I’m the one you’ve been looking for.

Script

Helen: So, Bill, tell me about your last job. What kinds of work did you do?

Bill: Market investigation, sales promotion, after-sale services, risk analysis, investment planning –to name just a few.

Helen: Why did you leave?

Bill: Downsizing. The company wasn’t performing efficiently. It’s been operating at a loss. So the only way out was to lay off redundant employees.

Helen: Why do you think our corporation makes a good career move for you?

Bill: My experience at the last company is completely transferable to your company, since you deal in the same products.

Helen: Go on.

Bill: What’s even better, your corporation is a well-known multinational, and it’s working to become an industry leaser. I like that.

Helen: And that would be a real boost to your career?

Bill: Definitely. My last employer dealt with only small investments. But your company is handling large projects. That will help me grow professionally.

Now Your Turn

Task 1

SAMPLE DIALOG

Pamela: Excuse me, Mr. Atkin, do you have a minute to spare?

Atkin: The question suggests something serious, Pamela. What’s up?

Pamela: Well, uh…Thank you very much for offering me a permanent job. But now I’ve received a notice of admission to a Master’s degree program in my university. I’m afraid I have to leave.

Atkin: Oh, what a pity. You did an excellent job here, and everyone likes you.

Pamela: I really enjoyed working here. But further studies will give me more opportunities to grow professionally.

Atkin: Your skills in software development are almost irreplaceable here. Would you stay if I promote you to the department head and give you a raise in pay?

Pamela: Thank you very much indeed, and I do appreciate the golden opportunity. But I really need to acquire more knowledge while I’m young. With a Master’s degree in my hands, I’ll be more competitive in the future.

Atkin: In that case, I won’t keep you, Pamela. I just want to tell you that I’m sad you’ll be leaving us. You run this place with clockwork efficiency, you know. We’ll all miss you a lot.

Pamela: I hope this one-month notice will give you time to hire and train a replacement.

Atkin: Thanks for the notice, Pamela. Assistant like you are rare. I guess we’d better start looking as soon as possible.

Pamela: With your approval, I’ll post notice today and interview applicants for you.

Atkin: That would be great. Schedule them in as you see fit. Pamela, without you, things here will be different.

Pamela: Thank you for your kind words. If you have any problem, please feel free call me.

V. Let’s Talk

Script

Kathy: Well, now that everybody I here, let’s call the meeting to order. Today we have to discuss the operation of our software development department. We’re all aware that nowadays market competition is becoming more intense than ever before. If we want to keep our competitive edge, the only way is to offer excellent and considerate service to our customer and, at the same time, lower our prices. So, what I’m thinking is, maybe we could outsource the software side of out business to another company. But what impact will it have on our engineers? It’s a big problem. Mm, I’d be interested to know your thoughts, Warton.

Warton: I totally agree with you.

Kathy: Could you go into more detail about your opinion?

Warton: I think that outsourcing this part of our operation to another company certainly makes a lot sense. Our software engineers ate getting a bit too old, and their technology is a bit out of date. Worse still, their salaries are quite high. Many professional software-designing companies are offering better products at lower rates. With outsourcing, we can give some of the engineers the sack.

Jennifer: Sorry to interrupt you. Coming from the PR department, I look at this issue from a different perspective. I think we should consider all sides of this issue before we make a decision.

Kathy: Jennifer, I’d be interested t o knot your view too.

Jennifer: I think as a large company we should consider not only customers and prices, but also our employees. Our workers have contributed a lot to our company. Some of them even started working here when our company opened. I hope we can find a solution that won’t require us t o lay off our loyal and trust employees.

Kathy: I’m very much impressed by what you said. We’d better give this issue more careful consideration.

VI. Further Listening and Speaking

Task1: Problems of Joblessness

Script

Joblessness can lead to a series of problem, and it is not easy to solve them.

First of all, being without a job often means lacking social contract wit h fellow employees, and lacking a purpose for many hours of the day,. Also, it obviously affects your ability to pay bills and t o purchase the necessities of life, Lack of this ability is especially serious for those wit family obligations, debts, or medical costs, and it is especially true id in a country like the United States, where the availability of medical insurance is often linked to holding a job.

Some maintain that jobless people can rely on unemployment insurance, but this is no true. Unemployment insurance in the U.S. typically does not even replace50 percent of the income one received on the job, and one cannot receive it forever. Therefore, the unemployed often end up aping welfare programs such as Food Stamps—or accumulating debt: both formal debt to banks and informal debt to friends and relatives.

Some hold that low-income jobs provide solution to joblessness, but this is not true. Since it is difficult or impossible to get unemployment insurance benefits without having worked in the past, job-seekers have to accept low-income jobs. Thus, unemployment insurance keeps a ready supply of low-paid workers. To make things worse, many employers take advantage of this. When they resort to such management techniques as low wages and benefits, as well ad few chances for advancement, they bear the unemployment insurance option in mind.

Under increasing unemployment pressure, jobless people suffer from a variety of financial, psychological and social problems. Increase unemployment encourages bad health and raises both crime and suicide rates.

17. What is the first problem mentioned concerning joblessness?

18. Which of the following is true of American unemployment insurance?

19. Why do people accept low-income jobs?

20. According to the passage, what problems might unemployment cause?

21. Which of the following would be the most suitable title for the passage?

Keys: 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D5.A

Task 2: Before the cutback

Script

Barbara: I’ve really got to think about my future. You’ve heard of the cutbacks the management’s making, right?

Alan: Oh, yes. I’ve heard it. But you haven’t anything to be concerned about.

Barbara: Around here you never know from one day to the next whether you can keep your job

.Alan: Come on, they won’t let you go. You’ve been for so long. Besides, you’re good at your job.

Barbara: That might be, but I feel that I’ve reached the glass ceiling in this company.

Alan: Glass ceiling? What do you mean by that?

Barbara: I’ve been working here for ten years. I haven’t gotten a promotion in three years. I thought I should be Vice President by now. If I were a man, I’m sure I would be Vice President.

Alan: There’s no official company policy, but it’s true that they don’t promote women to management positions here.

Barbara: I can see the writing on the wall. I think it’s time to change job, and maybe even careers, if I want to get ahead.

Alan: Change career? That’s a big jump. If you change careers, what will you do?

Barbara: I’m doing market research here, but I studies public relations in college. I’d like to do PR for a large multinational company.

Alan: That sounds exciting, and the pay would be better, too. Yeah, if I would keep an eye on the job positing on the Internet.

Barbara: Sooner or later something good is bound to turn up in the job market.

Keys: TTFFF

Task3: Career Transitions

Script

In July of 2001, my husband, a professional in the information technology consulting industry, lost his job. Despite my experience as a career counselor who had counseled hundreds of people about career changes, when the bad news finally arrived, we were both caught unprepared. Unprepared to tell our children, unprepared for the mix of emotions and most dramatically, unprepared for the sudden loss of routine in our lives. The reality was that thought we both knew well how to find jobs, we had never been in this awkward unemployment situation together before. I remember watching my husband sitting in our office as he patted his forehead and muttered to himself, “ Now what am I supposed to do?”

Being laid-off created a whole new set of questions and challenge. We turned to the bookstore for assistance and found lots of books about job search, but not a single book on the day-to-day challenges you face when you get laid-off.

Over time we learned what to do. We discovered terrific resources, identified shortcuts, and learned from others going through the same process. I spoke with my colleagues and clients and collected their best tips. Before we knew it, we had gathered enough interesting material for a book on career transitions –the book we needed but couldn’t find last July

Now we want to share this goldmine of information with you.

For Reference

5. She had experience as a career counselor who had counseled hundreds of people about career changes. But when her husband’s lost job, they both were caught unprepared.

6. They were unprepared to tell our children, unprepared for the mix of emotions and most dramatically, unprepared for the sudden loss of routine in our lives.

3. She saw her husband sitting in our office as he patted his forehead and muttered to himself, “Now what am I supposed to do?”

4. In the bookstore they found lots of books about job search, but not a single book on the day-to-day challenges people face when they get laid-off.

5. They had gathered enough interesting material for a book on career transitions –the book we needed but couldn’t find last July

News Report

U.S. Ford Plants to Be Closed

Script

Ford Motor Company has announced plans to close plants ns cut more than 35,000 jobs as part of massive restricting

[SOUND BITE]

The announcement didn’t seem to come as a surprise to many Ford employees.

.[SOUND BITE]

Ford Chief Executive, Bill Ford, Jr., called the cuts painful, but necessary to rescue the world’s number two carmaker from going under.

The planned cuts include22, 000 jobs in the U.S. and Canada.

Certain U.S. models, such as the Cougar, Escort, Villager, and Lincoln Continental will be discontinued due to plant closings.

Ford, Jr. said he would receive no salary until the company recovered.

[SOUND BITE]

Ford’s recent financial troubles reflect a complete turnaround from last year, when the company reported a profit of more than $6 billion for the year2000.

The company was hit hard in 2001, when they spent $3 billion during a safety recall.

When news of the plant closings and job cuts the workers, many reacted with emotion.

[SOUND BITE]

Chairman Ford, Jr. says that recovery will be based on getting back to basics in product development and on improving quality and productivity.

Uint6

II. Basic Listening Practice

10. Script

W: What’s that? Is it a toy? Did it get chewed by a dog?

M: Hey, that’s my mascot! My uncle gave it to me when I was five, and it’s been with me ever since. It brought me luck in all my college exams. I can’t bring myself to part with it.

Q: What does the man say about his lucky charm?

11. Script

W: Wish me luck; I’ve got a job interview this afternoon. I’m really nervous.

M: Stay calm, best of luck! I’ve got my finger crossed for you.

Q: What does the woman say he has crossed his fingers for the woman?

3. Script

W: Oh no! Did you see that black cat walk right in front of me? That’s unlucky!

M: Really? I guess it depends on where you come from. In my hometown it’s the opposite: It’s lucky to see a black cat cross your path. So no need to worry!

Q: What do the man and the woman think about a black cat crossing their path?

4. Script

M: Guess what I did this morning? I smashed my mirror. A great way to start the day!

W: Oh no, seven years’ bad luck, isn’t it?

Q: What happened in the morning?

5. Script

M: I can’t believe this rain; it’s been pouring for hours! Where can I dry my umbrella?

W: Not in here please! It’s unlucky to open an umbrella indoors. You can put it on the porch.

Q: Where does the woman ask the man do to open his umbrella?

Keys: 1.C2.C3. A 4.D 5.B

III. Listening In

Task 1: David Copperfield is coming.

W: My brother is going to pick up some tickers for the David Copperfield show. You interested in coming with us?

M: I don’t know. I’ve been card tricks before, and rabbits from hats. I even do tricks myself—watch me change this coin into an ice cream cone.

W: Very funny. David Copperfield is the world’s greatest magician; he’s certainly worth a look.

M: Actually, I have seen him on television. He pulls off some pretty amazing stunts. I wish I knew how he performed his tricks. Then I could also make a person float in the air. I could pull a rabbit out of my hat. I could escape from a straitjacket and handcuffs—all underwater. And I could saw a woman in half.

W: A magician never tells his secrets. David attempts the impossible and no one has any idea how he does it. I saw him on TV when he walked through the Great Wall of China.

M: How could he do that?

W: I have no idea, but I know what I saw: He entered a canvas shelter on one side of the wall, and he came out of a canvas shelter on the other side.

M: yes, bur was he always in full view of the camera, or did they cut to a commercial or something else?

W: Not only was the camera running all the time, but he was hooked up a heart monitor, and you could track his progress as he moved through the wall.

M: It’s difficult to know what to believe. I know it’s not possible for him to do that, but…

W: It sounds to me like it’s a show worth watching.

M: Count me in. Instead of an ice cream cone, I’ll turn my money into a ticket.

26. What is the dialog mainly about?

27. Which of the following DOESN’T the man mention?

28. What did David Copperfield do at the Great Wall of China, according to the woman?

29. Under what condition did David Copperfield go through the Great Wall?

30. What does the man finally decide to do?

Keys: 1C 2.B 3.A 4.D 5.C

For Reference

1. He could make a person float in the air, pull a rabbit out of his hat, escape from a straitjacket and handcuffs—all underwater, and saw a woman in half.

2. She thinks Davis Copperfield in the world’s greatest magician and he’s certainly worth a look.

Task 2: Is it really bad luck?

Script

Are you worried because you have just broken a mirror? Some people believe that breaking a mirror is a (S1) terrible thing to do. They say it will bring you seven years of (S2) misfortune. The reason behind this belief stems the old idea that a person’s soul is in their (S3) reflection, so that if you smash your mirror, you soul will be (S4) damaged too, dooming you do an early death, and not giving you entry to (S5) heaven. Is there any way to reverse this bad luck? Yes—if you very carefully (S6) pick up all the broken pieces of the mirror and throw them into a river or stream, then the bad luck will be”(S7) washed away”..

Of all number, 13 is the most associated with bad luck. (S8) Some people claim that the number is bad luck because thirteen people sat down for the Last Supper before Jesus was crucified, and with this in mind few hosts will serve dinner with thirteen at the table. And according to an ancient Norwegian tale, twelve gods had gathered for a feast when a thirteenth, Loke, entered. After the meal, Loke killed Balder, who was the most beloved of all the gods.

(S9) Friday the thirteenth of any month is considered especially bad or unlucky, and Friday the thirteenth of March is the worst of the all.

The number seven also has some superstition connected to it. It is said that God created the world in seven days, and any association with the number is luck. The seventh son of the seventh son is said to be the luckiest of men, and (S10) When people talk about the “seven-year itch” they mean that every seven years a person undergoes a complete change in personality.

Task3: The Status on Easter Island

Script

One of the greatest mysteries on Earth is the statues on Easter Island. The island is one of the most remote places on Earth, located in the southern Pacific Ocean. It was almost uninhabited when it was discovered on Easter Day in 1722 by a Dutch captain, but it is covered with hundreds of giant statues, each weighing several tons and some standing more than 30 feet tall.

Who carved these statures, and how and why were they put there?

Nobody knows the answer for sure, but many ate trying to find out. There are many theories to explain this mystery. It has even been suggested the space aliens may have played a role regarding these giant statues. Another theory relates to the fact that Easter Island was inhabited by Polynesian seafarers, who traveled thousand of miles in their canoes, guided by the stars, the color of sky and the sun , the shapes of clouds, and the presence of birds making flights out to sea seeking food. The Polynesians first arrived on the island in 499A.D.However, the ocean currents which carried them there would mot take them back. They were trapped and, having arrived there, could not leave. The Polynesians probable cared the statues themselves, perhaps as religious symbols.

To date, 887 statues have been discovered on the island. However, only a few statues were carried intended destination. The rest were abandoned along the way.

The statues appear to have been carved out of the top edge of walls of a volcano on the island. After a statue was carved, it may have been rolled or dragged down to the base of the volcano. Then it was put upright, and ropes were tied around it. Using a pulley system, the statue was moves to its intended destination.

At its peak, the population of Eater Island is believed to have reached 11,000. Eventually, the resources of the island were exhausted, and the people resorted to cannibalism, eating one another. Work on the statues stopped and the statues were knocked over. When the first Europeans finally arrived on the island, most of the people lad died out.

23. When and by whom was the island discovered?

24. Who are mentioned in the passage as possible builders of the statues?

25. What is true of the Polynesians on the island according to the passage?

26. How many statues ere carried to their intended destination?

5. Which of the following would be the most suitable title for the passage?

Keys: 1A 2.B3. D 4.D 5B

For Reference

The resources of the island were exhausted, and the people resorted to cannibalism, eating each other. When the first Europeans finally arrived on the island, most of the people lad died out.

IV. Speaking Out

MODEL 1

This is a custom that dates back to the ancient Celts.

Chris: Sue, do you know why people say, “knock on wood” when they want to avoid bad luck?

Susan: It sounds a bit funny. As far as I know, it has a lot to do with ancient Celtic people. They worshipped trees.

Chris: Sounds interesting.

Susan: They thoughts trees would suck demons back into the ground.

Chris: Well, when you think about the deep roots, their belief seems to make some senses.

Susan: What’s more, knocking on wood was a way to brag without being punished. People once thought that evil spirits would become jealous if good fortune was pointed out to them

Chris: Uh, yes, go on.

Susan: well, by knocking on wood three times, the noise could frightened away the evil spirits, and they couldn’t have to rob the braggart of that good fortune

Chris: I’m afraid those who don’t know this superstition might be frightened away as well.

Susan: Now here’s a test. Do you know how the custom of kissing under the mistletoe originated?

Chris: I haven’t the slightest idea, but I’m all ears.

Susan: Again this is a custom that dates back to the ancient Celts. Since they worshipped trees, they conducted many of their ceremonies in the woods in the shade of trees.

Chris: Now I see. Probably it’s under these mistletoe trees that weddings took place.

Susan: I wish you were standing under some mistletoe right now.

Chris: Luckily I’m not. Touch wood.

MODEL2 Is there any relationship between superstitions and real life?

Script

Chris: It’s strange that so many people are superstitious. There must be some relationship between superstitions and real life.

Susan: You know, Richard Wiseman, a British psychologist researched the relationship between superstition and luck.

Chris: What did he find? Most people would be interested. At least I would

Susan: He polled ,000 people and fond that people who believe themselves to be lucky tend to go for positive superstitions .They may wear a ring as a talisman or often say,” touch wood” for good luck.

Chris: Then, what about the unlucky people? Do you mean if they think they ate unlucky, they tend to believe in superstitions abut bad luck.

Susan: Yeah. They worry a lot about a broken mirror, a black cat running across their path, and so on.

Chris: So what is his point?

Susan: His point is that people make their own luck by their attitude to life. So, 49 percent of lucky people regularly cross their fingers, compared to 30 percent of unlucky people. And only 18 percent of lucky people are anxious if they break a mirror.

Chris: So, our fate is linked to our attitude rather than to our superstitions.

Susan: I think that’s what he is suggesting.

Chris: This research seems too complicates. If I were a psychologist, I would conduct a survey to find whether 13 really is an unlucky number. I f there ere traffic accidents or murders on the 13th than on other days, then we have to believe in superstitions.

Susan: What if there weren’t?