PART 2：PRIMARY DIALOGUES初级对话<br/>　　下面的20段对话主要是围绕初到美国的中国学生的学习生活而展开的。有初到异乡的困惑，有学习中不可避免的障碍，有对美国花花世界的猜测，也有低头思故乡的酸涩。对话中讨论的话题，都是最基本、最实用的。如果将这20段对话连接起来，就构成了一幅中国学生在国外的生活画面。<br/><br/>　　How Long Will It Take to Learn English学会英语要多长时间<br/>　　【背景介绍】初到美国的中国学生，往往要先过语言关，然后才可以选修其他的课程。下面这段对话就是一个正在进修语言的中国学生的困惑　<br/>　　A: How long will it take to learn English? Will I be able to take other courses next semester or will English take up all of my time? 学会英语要花多长时间?我下学期可不可以选修别的课程？还是要把英语一直学下去?<br/>　　B: It’s hard to say. Language isn’t like other studies. 很难说。语言不同于其它的学问<br/>　　A: You mean I could finish this course and still not know English? You’ve got to be kidding! 你是说我修完了这门课还是不懂英文? 你在开玩笑吧！<br/>　　B: I’m not kidding. Learning a language is a question of forming language habits and that takes time. 绝无戏言。这是一个养成语言习惯的问题，得花不少时间<br/>　　A: So do we have to stay in this English class forever? 那我们一辈子都得留在英语班了吗?<br/>　　B: No. You just have to stay here long enough to get some orientation. Then you go on practicing and learning outside. A lot of learning depends on your personal motivation. 那倒不必。你要在班上待到获得一些学习的方法为止。然后你就可以在课外练习和进修了。学习很多时候是要靠你的个人动力<br/>　　A: So it’s really the same story. Practice, practice, practice and more practice is the only way to learn a language.还是那句话，操练，操练，再操练是学习一门语言的唯一办法<br/>　　B: You said it.你说对了！<br/>　　口语要素<br/>　　★ It’s hard to say. 很难说。<br/>　　★ Certainly. 当然了。<br/>　　超级短语<br/>　　be able to 能，会<br/>　　* Will you be able to come with me tomorrow? 明天你能跟我一起来吗?<br/>　　* I haven’t been able to get in touch with her.我尚未能和她取得联系<br/>　　go on 继续<br/>　　* Don’t keep me in suspense. Go on with the story!别吊我胃口，接着讲！<br/>　　* I just wanted to look for a book. You can go on with your work.我只是来找一本书，你继续工作吧。<br/>　　超级句型 You mean 你的意思是说……<br/>　　* You mean we can finish this course and still not know English? 你是说我们修完了这门课还是不懂英文?<br/>　　* You mean I don’t need to come to work tomorrow?你是说我明天不用来上班了？<br/>　　★ It’s a question of 是……的问题<br/>　　* It’s a question of forming language habits and that takes time.这是一个养成语言习惯的问题，得花不少时间。<br/>　　* It’s a question of attitude, not action.这是个态度问题，而无关行动。<br/>　　精彩句子<br/>　　★You stay here long enough to get some orientation. Then you go on practicing and learning outside.你在班上待到获得一些学习的方法为止。然后你就可以在课外练习和进修了。<br/>　　语法点滴 一般将来时：表示即将发生的动作<br/>　　* How long will it take to learn English? 学会英语要花多长时间? <br/>　　* Will I be able to take other courses next semester?我下学期能选修别的课程吗?<br/>　　* When will you finish the term paper?你什么时候能完成学期论文？<br/>　　* What are you going to do during the National Day vacation?国庆节放假期间你准备做什么？<br/>　　* We’re going to Hawaii to spend our honeymoon next week.下个星期我们要到夏威夷去度蜜月。<br/>　　2. Americans Have So Much Money 美国人好有钱 <br/>　　A: I used to think that Americans had so much money they didn’t know what to do with it. 从前我老以为美国人都好有钱，却不知道该怎么花。<br/>　　B: You did?你真这么想?<br/>　　A: Yes. But now I’ve learned differently. Now I have a more realistic opinion.<br/>　　是呀。不过我已经知道不是这么回事了。现在我的看法更实际。<br/>　　B: What do you think now? 那你现在怎么想?<br/>　　A: There are lots of jobs, and almost everybody works. There is a high standard of living. People earn a lot, but they spend a lot to live. So there isn’t so much money after all. 美国有许多行业，而且几乎人人都工作。生活水准高，个人收入多，但生活开支也大。所以最后也没剩多少钱。<br/>　　B: But I still say Americans spend a lot more money on useless things than we Chinese do.但我还是认为美国人比我们中国人爱乱花钱。<br/>　　A: That’s true. But Americans work hard for their money like we do. I don’t know why our spending habits are so different.<br/>　　那倒是。但是美国人和我们一样努力地工作。我不知道为什么两国的消费习惯这么不同<br/>　　额外成就感 used to 过去常常<br/>　　* I used to go to English salon on Sundays. 我以前常在周日去参加英语沙龙。<br/>　　* I used to live in Beijing.我以前住在北京<br/>　　after all 毕竟；结果；虽然<br/>　　* I’m so sorry. I can’t come after all.对不起，结果我还是不能来。<br/>　　* It’s not surprising you’ve got stomachache. After all, you’ve eaten too much.<br/>　　你的胃痛并不奇怪，毕竟你吃得实在太多了。<br/>　　* I know he hasn’t finished the work, but after all, he’s done his best. <br/>　　我知道他未完成这项工作，但毕竟他尽力了。<br/>　　3. Could You Explain a Little More你能再解释一下吗<br/>　　A: What do you think is harder, reading or writing?<br/>　　你认为读和写哪个比较难?<br/>　　B: Well, they’re completely different. Reading is passive, and writing is active.<br/>　　 它们是截然不同的两码事，读是被动的，写是主动的。<br/>　　A: I don’t think I understand what you mean. Could you explain a little more?<br/>　　 我不知道你说的是什么意思，能不能再给我稍微解释一下?<br/>　　B: In reading you need to recognize language by seeing the words on the page and knowing what they are. In writing you have to produce language, you have to create your own words on a blank page. 阅读是认识纸上现有的语言文字，而写作是在白纸上用自己的话创造语言。<br/>　　A: Oh, now I see what you mean. When you’re reading, you are just looking, but when you are writing, you are actually doing something! 哦，我明白你的意思了。读只是浏览，而写却是创造。<br/>　　B: A reading knowledge of a language is larger and different from a writing knowledge. Don’t you think so? 一种语言的阅读知识要比写作知识来得广泛而且大不相同。你难道不同意吗？<br/>　　A: I think I see what you mean. I can read Shakespeare but I definitely can’t write it. 我想我懂你的意思了。我可以阅读莎士比亚的作品，但却写不出来<br/>　　B: Exactly.对极了　<br/>　　A: So I have another question for you. What do you think is harder, speaking or understanding? 我还有一个问题。你认为听和说哪个比较难?<br/>　　B: They’re both harder than reading or writing. 两个都比读和写难<br/>　　A: In what way? 在哪一方面?<br/>　　B: Because they are direct communication with another person, and there’s a time limit. This time limit is the most serious problem for foreigners, even for those who know lots of English. 因为他们直接与他人沟通，而且还有时间上的限制。时间上的限制对外国人来说是最严重的问题，甚至对那些懂得很多英文的人也是如此。<br/>　　A: You are making me feel really discouraged. 你弄得我好泄气<br/>　　B: I’m not trying to discourage you. I’m trying to help you. You have to live with these difficulties. Isn’t it better to know about them? The more you know about what you have to face, the better you’ll do. I promise!我不是在打击你，而是想帮你。你总得面对这些困难，了解了这些困难不是更好吗? 你对要面对的问题了解越多，就会做得越好，我向你保证。<br/>　　额外成就感 be different from 与……不同<br/>　　* My opinion is different from yours.我和你的意见相左。<br/>　　* City life is very different from country life.都市生活和乡村生活是非常不同的。<br/>　　* Chinese culture is very different from American culture.中美文化存在着很大的差异。<br/>　　can not see 不明白<br/>　　* I can not see any difference between them. They’re both handsome!我看不出他们有什么差别，他们都很英俊！<br/>　　* I can’t see why she’s so against the idea. 我不明白她为何如此反对这个意见。<br/>　　live with 接受；承认；忍受<br/>　　* Can you live with this arrangement?你能接受这样的安排吗?<br/>　　* You must learn to live with the fact that you are getting old.你必须学会接受你渐渐变老这个事实。<br/>　　* I don’t enjoy the situation, but I can live with it.我不喜欢这样的情形，但我能够忍受。<br/>　　4．Don’t Worry about Making Mistakes 不要担心犯错误　<br/>　　A: I’ve always wondered, what’s the difference between English for Chinese students and English for native students? 我一直弄不明白，中国学生学英语和美国学生学英语有什么不同?<br/>　　B: I don’t know. What do you think? 不知道，你觉得呢?<br/>　　A: I think a Chinese student concentrates on written English, and uses it as a basis for communicating. From start to finish he’s learning vocabulary and fundamentals of grammar. This is a very difficult way to learn.我认为中国学生注重书面语言，而且以此来交流。他们从始至终都在背单词和学语法基础。这是一种很困难的学习方法<br/>　　B: What do natives get?那美国人呢?<br/>　　A: They get higher level English, which is more formal than everyday spoken English. They also deal with matters of style and creativity 他们注重比口语更为正规和高级的成文英语。他们也学习文体和创作<br/>　　B: Do you mean that a native doesn’t make any mistakes in grammar? 你说美国本土人都不会犯语法错误吗?<br/>　　A: Absolutely not! Native speakers make a lot of grammar mistakes, especially if they come from a home where nonstandard English is spoken. 当然不是！他们同样犯很多错误，尤其是来自一个说不标准英语的家庭的人<br/>　　B: I suppose that only a small percentage of college students don’t know standard English in American universities. 我想在美国大学里只有极少数的大专学生不懂得标准英语<br/>　　A: Actually there are more non-native speakers than you think. That’s why it’s so important to quit worrying about making mistakes. Just talk to everyone every chance you get.实际上在美国的非英语母语者要比你想象的多。这就是为什么你不必担心犯错误。见到人就说，不放过每一个练英语的机会<br/>　　额外成就感 concentrate on 专心于，专注于<br/>　　* I must concentrate on my new task.我必需专注于我的新任务。<br/>　　* He concentrated his energies on studying. 他把精力专注于研究。<br/>　　* Many firms are concentrating on increasing their markets overseas许多公司正在集中精力开拓它们的海外市场。<br/>　　deal with 安排；处理<br/>　　 I think this problem should be dealt with quickly. 我认为这个问题应及早处理。<br/>　　 That man is easy to deal with. 那个人容易相处。<br/>　　* I just don’t know how to deal with this problem.我就是不知道该怎么处理这个问题<br/>　　due to 由于；应归于<br/>　　* His success is entirely due to hard work. 他的成功是努力工作的结果。<br/>　　* The airport was closed due to the crisis.机场由于危情而关闭。<br/>　　5．Are You New In this Class你刚到这个班上吗<br/>　　A: Hi. Are you new in this class? 你刚到这个班上吗?<br/>　　B: Yes, I am. I really don’t know anyone. 是的，我谁也不认识。<br/>　　A: Did you just arrive in this country? You look a little nervous. 你是不是刚到这个国家? 你看上去有点拘束<br/>　　B: No. I was here last semester, but I didn’t find out about this class in time. So I’m taking it this semester. 不是，我上学期就来了。不过我没赶上这班，所以这学期才上。<br/>　　A: I took this course last semester too. Now I am taking it again! 我上学期就在学这门课，现在又在学！<br/>　　B: How is it? Do you learn anything here? Why are you taking it again? 这课怎样? 你学了什么没有? 你为什么再学一遍呀？<br/>　　A: Wow, you have a lot of questions! I learned a lot. In fact, that’s why I am taking it again. I get lots of practice in speaking, and also in writing. I’m sure you’ll be glad you took this course. I’ll even help you study if you’d like.<br/>　　 哇，你问的问题真多！我学到了很多东西，实际上，这也是为什么我又学一遍的原因。在这门课上，我有很多练习会话和写作的机会。我相信你也会喜欢这门课的。如果你愿意的话，我还可以帮你。<br/>　　B: That’s just what I need. Thanks so much. You’ve been a big help already.<br/>　　 这正是我所要的。非常感谢。你已经帮了我个大忙了<br/>　　额外成就感 in time 及时；最终（经过一段时间）<br/>　　* We were just in time to catch the train. 我们正好赶上那趟火车。<br/>　　* These problems will straighten out in time. 这些问题终究会解决的<br/>　　6. Tell Me About this Campus告诉我一些这个学校的事<br/>　　A: Excuse me, I would like to know something about this campus. Right now it seems very big and confusing! I have no idea where I am going or what I am doing. 对不起，打扰一下，我想了解一些关于这个学校的事。现在我觉得它太大了，把人搞糊涂了。我连去哪和做什么都搞不清<br/>　　B: Do you have a map of the campus? 你有没有校区地图?<br/>　　A: Yes, I have, but it doesn’t help me very much. I’m not very good at reading maps. 有，不过也没多大用处。我不怎么会看地图<br/>　　B: Do you know where your classes are? 你知不知道你的教室在哪里?<br/>　　A: More or less. I go to three different buildings, and always get there late. I feel so hopeless. I don’t know why I am late all the time. No one else seems to be.多少知道一点。我要到三栋不同的大楼上课，老是迟到，真是没没希望。我也不知道为什么总是迟到，别人怎么就不迟到<br/>　　B: That’s because you don’t know the short cuts. You’ll learn them after a while. I can show you the ropes 那是因为你不会抄小路。不久以后你就会知道了。我可以告诉你这窍门<br/>　　额外成就感 right now 立刻，马上<br/>　　* You must leave right now or you’ll miss your flight.你必须马上出发否则就误了航班<br/>　　* I have no time right now to discuss your problems. 我现在没时间讨论你的问题<br/>　　more or less 或多或少；差不多<br/>　　* He is more or less a jerk.他或多或少是个混球<br/>　　* They’ve more or less finished their work. 他们已差不多完成了工作<br/>　　show you the ropes 指点窍门<br/>　　*This is a new member of our organization, Show him the ropes, will you?<br/>　　这是我们单位新来的人。你向他指点一下工作好吗？<br/>　　7． I’m Afraid To Speak English我怕说英语　<br/>　　A: Can I ask you a question?我能问你个问题吗？<br/>　　B: Sure, go ahead.当然了，问吧。<br/>　　A: How do you get along with the American students in your classes?<br/>　　 你跟班上的美国同学相处得怎样?<br/>　　B: I don’t have much contact with them. 没什么来往<br/>　　A: Really? Why not? Don’t you go up and talk to them? 真的? 为什么？你不跟他们攀谈吗?<br/>　　B: No, I don’t. I’m too afraid of making mistakes in English. I don’t want to be laughed at.不，我怕说错，怕别人笑话我<br/>　　A: You won’t get anywhere that way. You’re the one who needs to practice English, so you should make the first move. Besides, most American students are really friendly and outgoing. They will be glad to talk to you.你这样子不行。是你需要练习英语，所以你要主动地找别人讲话。再说，大多数美国同学都很友好而且很外向，他们会很乐意跟你说英语的<br/>　　B: Thanks for the advice. I guess you’re right. It’s just hard to overcome my shyness. I really will try from now on. I promise.谢谢你的建议。我想你说得对。我就是克服不了胆怯。从现在起我一定要试着开口，我保证<br/>　　额外成就感 contact with 接触；联系<br/>　　* They have many contacts with undergraduates. 他们和大学生有许多接触。<br/>　　* We have a lot of contact with local people. 我们与当地人交往密切。<br/>　　8． What Does The Paper Say报上说些什么<br/>　　A: Good morning.早上好<br/>　　B: Good morning.早上好<br/>　　A: What does the paper say? 报上说些什么? <br/>　　B: Nothing much—the same old stuff. A lot of bad news as usual.<br/>　　没什么------还不是老一套，坏消息连篇 <br/>　　A: Well, what’s the weather report? 天气预报说什么? <br/>　　B: Sunny and mild today, cloudy and rainy tomorrow. 今天晴朗温和，明天多云有雨<br/>　　A: Did they find those bank robbers? 抢银行的歹徒找到没有?<br/>　　B: Not yet. They were holding two men in Ohio, but they let them go. They weren’t the criminals after all. 还没有。他们在俄亥俄州抓到两个人，可是又放走了。他们毕竟不是罪犯<br/>　　A: What about the sports page? What were the scores of last night’s games?<br/>　　体育版说了些什么？昨天晚上的比赛结果是什么？<br/>　　B: Here’s the paper; you can read them yourself. 给你报纸，自己看。<br/>　　额外成就感 let go 放；释放；放开<br/>　　The police had to let the suspect go because they had no evidence由于没有证据，警方只得释放疑犯。<br/>　　“Let me go.” She cried angrily“放开我！”她生气地叫喊道。<br/>　　

9．I Worry about Everything我无事不愁<br/>　　A: I really want to take a nap. I feel very sleepy today真想睡一下，我今天觉得好困<br/>　　B: What’s the matter? Didn’t you get enough sleep last night?怎么了? 你昨天晚上没睡好吗?<br/>　　A: I fell asleep very late. It was almost two o’clock in the morning when I finally fell asleep.我很晚才睡着。那时都快两点了<br/>　　B: Are you worried about something? Why couldn’t you sleep? 你在发愁吧? 为什么睡不着觉呢？<br/>　　A: You know how it is when you’re in a strange country. Everything is new, and you get tired and nervous sometimes. Then you worry about your family, about conditions back home, about your courses, about your money, about everything. I tried to fall asleep but I just had too much on my mind.<br/>　　你知道身在异乡的滋味。凡事都不习惯，有时把人搞得既疲倦又紧张。担心家里的人，担心国内的情况，担心自己的功课，担心钱，总之，无事不愁。我想睡觉，但脑子里装的事太多了。<br/>　　B: Well, take it easy. Things will look better tomorrow. Maybe you should try exercising or a hot bath to help you relax.唉，想开一点。明天就好了。你试着做点锻炼或是洗个热水澡，或许能有助睡眠<br/>　　A: Anything is worth a try. But right now I really just want to find a quiet place to take a nap任何办法都值得一试。但是现在我真得找个安静的地方去小睡一会儿<br/>　　额外成就感 worry about 担心<br/>　　* I have nothing to worry about in this life. 我这一生没有什么烦恼的事。<br/>　　* He is always worrying about his personal gains. 他总是计较个人得失。<br/>　　10. All Americans Look Alike美国人长得都一个样<br/>　　A: I really think all Americans look alike.我真的觉得美国人长得都一个样<br/>　　B: You’re crazy!You haven’t been here long enough. 你瞎说！你在美国住的时间还不长吧<br/>　　A: But they do 他们长得确实是一个样啊<br/>　　B: What makes you say that? 何以见得?<br/>　　A: They wear the same clothes, they’re all blond, they all drive cars, they all own Parker fountain pens; they all drink Coca Cola, and they all chew gum.他们穿一样的衣服，都是金发碧眼；都开着车子；都有派克钢笔；都喝可口可乐，而且都嚼口香糖<br/>　　B: I disagree with you. They don’t all wear the same clothes; they’re definitely not all blond; they don’t all own Parker fountain pens; they don’t all drink Coca Cola, and they don’t all chew gum. I do think they all drive cars though! But that doesn’t have anything to do with how they look！我不同意你的看法。他们并不都穿一样的衣服；也不全是金发碧眼；不是每个人都有派克钢笔；也不全喝可口可乐，更不都嚼口香糖，而且也不是所有的人都开车！但这和他们的长相也没关呀！<br/>　　A：Maybe I am just homesick. I know you’re right. I just miss China, that’s all.<br/>　　可能是我想家吧。我知道你是对的。只是因为我想家，想中国<br/>　　额外成就感 enough 足够的，够用的<br/>　　* Do you have enough money for the taxi fare? 你有足够的钱支付出租汽车的车费吗?<br/>　　I can’t thank you enough for helping me with my English.你帮我学英语真让我感激不尽<br/>　　* I don’t know him well enough to ask him for help.我和他不够熟，不便向他求助<br/>　　11．I Never Know When to Shake Hands我该什么时候握手<br/>　　A: I have a real problem when I meet people.我在和人会面的时候有个问题。<br/>　　B: What is it? Maybe I can help.什么疑问？或许我能帮你<br/>　　A: I never know when to shake hands and when not to. Can you tell me something about it?我不知道该在什么时候握手，什么时候不握手。你能不能告诉我有关这方面的事?<br/>　　B: Do you come from a country where they shake hands? 你们国家的人握手吗?<br/>　　A: Oh yes. Men, women, and children shake hands all the time.握呀。男人、女人、小孩、时时刻刻都在握手。<br/>　　B: It’s very simple. Men shake hands, women and children don’t 那很简单。男人握手，女人和小孩不握。<br/>　　A: But some women do shake hands. And now a lot of children have such good manners, they shake hands too. 可是有些女人也握手呀。而且现在很多有礼貌的孩子也握手。<br/>　　B: Well, a good rule to follow is, for men you hold out your hand, for women and children, you wait and see what they do.你就遵循这条原则：对男人你先伸手，对女人和孩子就看他们怎么做。<br/>　　A: That sounds easy enough. 这听上去再简单不过了。<br/>　　B: Sure. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a piece of cake! It’s nothing to worry about.可不是嘛。你一旦掌握了窍门，那就成了小菜一碟！没什么可担心的。<br/>　　额外成就感 all the time 总是，一直<br/>　　* They were laughing all the time.他们一直笑个不停。<br/>　　hold out 维持; 伸出<br/>　　* Our food supplies won’t hold out long. 我们的食品供应维持不了多久<br/>　　get the hang of 掌握窍门<br/>　　* I’ll get the hang of it pretty soon.我很快就能掌握它的窍门。<br/>　　12．Have You Got a Scholarship你有奖学金吗<br/>　　A: Do you mind if I ask you a question？If it’s too personal you can forget it.<br/>　　我想问个问题你介意吗？如果涉及到隐私那就不用回答。<br/>　　B: I don’t mind at all. You can ask me anything. We’re friends.一点也不介意。你可以问任何问题。我们是朋友嘛。<br/>　　A: Have you got a scholarship, or are you on your own? 你有奖学金还是自费?<br/>　　B: I have a scholarship from my government for four years. How about you?我们政府给我四年奖学金，你呢?<br/>　　A: I have a tuition scholarship from the university. Otherwise I’m on my own.<br/>　　学校只让我免缴学费，其余还是自掏腰包<br/>　　B: Do you mean that you’re self-supporting? I didn’t even know you had a job!<br/>　　 　这么说你是自己维持了？我都不知道你还有份工作！<br/>　　A: Oh no. My family supports me. And believe me, changing foreign money into dollars is heart breaking. You seem to get so little in return. 喔，不是。我靠我家里。说真的，用外币换美元真是件伤感情的事，一换就没多少钱了<br/>　　B: Yeah, I really know the feeling. I can’t wait to graduate so I can get a good job and earn my own money.是呀，这种感觉我太清楚了。我恨不得马上毕业找个好工作，那我就可以花自己的钱了。<br/>　　额外成就感 on one’s own 靠自己，独自<br/>　　* He got the job on his own. 他靠自己的力量得到了那份工作<br/>　　* She would always sit in a corner on her own. 她总是独自一人坐在一个角落里<br/>　　in return 作为回报<br/>　　* He didn’t expect anything in return for his help. 他帮助人并不期待任何回报。<br/>　　* If you give me your photo, I’ll give you mine in return.你若送我一张照片，我便回赠一张给你<br/>　　13．How Do You Improve Your English 你怎样提高英语<br/>　　A: Do you mind if I ask you a question?我问你个问题你介意吗？<br/>　　B: No, not at all. Go ahead.不介意。问吧。<br/>　　A: What do you do in order to improve your English?你怎样提高你的英语？<br/>　　B: I go to movies; I go to lectures; I listen to the radio; I do lots of things. Most importantly, I practice every chance I get.我看电影，听演讲，听广播，方法很多。最重要的是，我抓住每一个可以练英语的机会。<br/>　　A: It’s a good idea to have a radio, isn’t it?有收音机倒是学英语的好办法，对不对？<br/>　　B: Sure. It’s like understanding on the telephone——you can’t see the speaker! It’s great for improving listening comprehension.对。就好像是接电话一样，你看不到对方！这对提高听力很有帮助。<br/>　　A: It takes a long time to learn a language, doesn’t it?学语言要很长的时间，对不对？<br/>　　B: It certainly does. But if you practice speaking every spare minute and learn useful sentences every day you can make big progress.当然是了。但如果你每天都利用零碎时间苦练说，而且说实用的句子，那你会进步很快<br/>　　额外成就感 in order to 为了；以便<br/>　　* I decide to go to England in order to improve my English.<br/>　　为了提高我的英语，我决定去英国。<br/>　　14．What Words Do I Need to Know 我该了解些什么<br/>　　A:I was wondering if you could help me with something.我想知道你可不可以帮我个忙<br/>　　B: Sure, anything you say说吧。<br/>　　A: Actually, it’s a little bit silly.实际上，这个问题有点可笑<br/>　　B: Don’t worry about it, just ask.别担心，说吧<br/>　　A: What words do I need to know to buy a pair of shoes?我买双鞋子该说些什么?<br/>　　B: You need to know the type of shoe you want.你只要知道你要的式样就行了<br/>　　A: Don’t worry about that. I can point it out in the store.这个不用担心，我在店里可以指给他们看<br/>　　B: The shoes can be comfortable or not comfortable, too wide, too narrow, or just right; and long or short. In girls shoes, the heel can be high or low.鞋子可能会舒服或不舒服;可能会太大、太小，或正好合脚;也可能会长或短,女鞋的跟也许会高或矮<br/>　　A: Let me write all that down. I’m going shopping this afternoon. 我把这些话写下来好了，我今天下午就去买。<br/>　　额外成就感 point out 指出<br/>　　* I pointed out to him where I used to live.我指给他看我以前住过的地方。<br/>　　* May I point out that if we don’t leave now we’ll miss the movie.我想提醒大家，如果现在还不动身，我们就赶不上看电影了。<br/>　　* He pointed out that the project lacked one important thing.他指出，那项计划有个严重的缺陷。<br/>　　write down 写下；记下<br/>　　* Write the address down before you forget it.把这地址写下来，免得忘了。<br/>　　* I write down her telephone number in my notebook. 我在笔记簿上记下了她的电话号码。<br/>　　15．Are Americans Romantic美国人浪漫吗<br/>　　A: You know, I really don’t think Americans are very romantic.我认为美国人并不很浪漫。<br/>　　B: Where did you get that idea? 　你怎么会有这种想法?<br/>　　A: That’s the impression I get from the movies, and from looking around. Men and women seem very businesslike in their relations with each other. 我是从看电影和对周围事物的观察而得到这个结论的。男女间的关系似乎很实际。<br/>　　B: Well, I’m still not sure what you’re asking me. 我还是不太明白你说的是什么<br/>　　A: Is it true or isn’t it?你说是对还是不对呢？<br/>　　B: Do you want to know something about the American character? 你想不想了解一下美国人的性格?<br/>　　A: I just think you’re trying to change the subject. But go ahead. 我看你是想改变话题吧。好了，说吧<br/>　　B: No, this will help answer your question. In American society boys and girls are raised together. They’re not segregated in their activities! Boys and girls go out together from an early age.不，这有助于回答你的问题。在美国社会里，男孩和女孩是在一起长大的。他们在活动中，并不加以隔离。美国的男孩和女孩从小就可以一块出去玩<br/>　　A: OK, go on. 是，继续说<br/>　　B: After being raised together, men and women can be businesslike in each other’s company. It really doesn’t have anything to do with the way a man and woman behave toward each other when they are in love. Does that answer your question? 等到他们一起长大成人后，男女之间在工作中的关系就会处理得条理分明，但这和他们在恋爱中的表现是没有一点关系的。这个答案你满意了吧?<br/>　　A: Not exactly, but I see your point 还好。不过我明白你的意思<br/>　　B: I think Americans are pretty romantic when they are in a relationship and a lot of flirting goes on in every office. After you’ve been in America for a while, you will probably see what I mean.我觉得美国人恋爱起来挺浪漫的，甚至在办公室也有很多调情的场面。等你在美国呆久了，就会明白我的意思了<br/>　　额外成就感 go ahead 向前<br/>　　* Go straight ahead. 一直向前走。<br/>　　* Go ahead, we’re all ears. 讲吧，我们都听着呢<br/>　　A: I was thinking about taking an English course this summer.我今年夏天想上个英语班。<br/>　　B: Go ahead, I think that’s a great idea.去吧，是个好主意<br/>　　

<br/>　　16. We’re Starting A Soccer Team我们要组织一个足球队<br/>　　A: Hi Jim. Do you have a minute?嗨，吉姆。你有空吗？<br/>　　B: Sure, what’s up?有，什么事？<br/>　　A: Some of us are going to start a soccer team. Would you like to join us?我们几个要组织一个足球队，你要不要参加?<br/>　　B: I don’t know anything about it. Soccer isn’t as popular in my country as it is here.我对足球一窍不通。我们国家跟这不一样，不兴踢足球<br/>　　A: That’s all right. We’ll teach you.没关系，我们会教你的<br/>　　B: Is it anything like American football?足球跟橄榄球一样吗?<br/>　　A: Not very much. It’s something like hockey, except that you use a big ball and no stick.不大一样。足球有点像曲棍球，不过足球是用大球，而且没有球棍<br/>　　B: I’ll come down and watch you play some day, and see what it’s like. 回头我去看你们踢球，看看究竟是什么样子。<br/>　　A: Good idea. I think you’ll like it if you give it a chance.好。我相信你一试就会喜欢上它的。<br/>　　额外成就感 watch 注视；观察；看护<br/>　　* Did you watch the tennis match? 你看了网球比赛没有?<br/>　　* Watch the cars when you cross the street. 过马路时，要注意车辆。<br/>　　* He watched to see what would happen. 他注意观察会发生什么事。<br/>　　* She watched the patient all night. 她整夜看护那位病人。<br/>　　17．How Do I Get to the Bank去银行怎么走<br/>　　A: Pardon me, Ma’am. Can you tell me how to get to the Business Bank? 　对不起，太太，您能不能告诉我到商业银行怎么走?<br/>　　B: Sure. Turn right at the next corner, and keep on going for two blocks. 　当然可以。下个拐角右转，再走两个街区就到了<br/>　　A: Which side of the street is it on?银行在街的哪一边?<br/>　　B: The left-hand side. It’s on a corner. Are you a stranger in town?　在左手边的拐角上。你对本地不熟吗?<br/>　　A: I’m a stranger in this country. I just arrived from China.我对这个国家很陌生，我刚从中国来<br/>　　B: My God! You are far from home!　天哪！你真是远道而来<br/>　　额外成就感 keep on 继续；坚持<br/>　　*In spite of the noise outdoors,she kept on reading.她无视外面的嘈杂声,继续读书<br/>　　* He kept on asking silly questions.他反复问些愚蠢的问题<br/>　　far from 　远非；完全不<br/>　　I am far from pleased with your behavior.对你的行为我很不满意<br/>　　* She realized this was far from the truth.她意识到这决非事实<br/>　　18．How Often Do the Buses Run公共汽车多久一班<br/>　　A: Excuse me, could you answer a few questions for me?对不起，打扰一下，你能回答我几个问题吗？<br/>　　B: Sure.可以。<br/>　　A: How often do the buses run?公共汽车多久一班?<br/>　　B: They come by every fifteen or twenty minutes.每十五或二十分钟一班<br/>　　A: How late do they run?开到多晚?<br/>　　B: Till around midnight, I think.我想半夜才收班<br/>　　A: How much is the fare? 一张票多少钱?<br/>　　B: A dollar.一美元<br/>　　A: OK, thanks, you’ve really been a big help. I’m sorry to bother you.<br/>　　好的，谢谢。你帮了我大忙。很抱歉打扰你。<br/>　　额外成就感 till 直到；在……以前<br/>　　* I’ll be here till 10 o’clock tomorrow. 我一直到明天10点都会在这里。<br/>　　* My son often sits up surfing the internet till late at night.我儿子常常上网到很晚才睡觉。<br/>　　19． I’m Just Feeling Homesick 我只是有点想家<br/>　　A: Hi, John. What’s up?嗨，约翰，最近好吗？<br/>　　B: Hi. Not much. I’m just miserable as usual.嗨，不怎么样。跟以前一样难过。<br/>　　A: What’s the matter with you? Don’t you feel well?你怎么了？不舒服吗？<br/>　　B: I feel terrible. I can’t get used to the food; I can’t get along with the people here. I don’t like these customs——I wish I were back home.我感觉糟透了。我吃不惯这里的食物，跟这的人也相处不好。我不喜欢这里的风俗习惯――真想马上回家。<br/>　　A: Do you eat everything back home? Have you got lots of friends in your country?<br/>　　你在国内是不是想吃什么就吃什么？是不是有很多朋友？<br/>　　B: What are you trying to say?你在说什么呀？<br/>　　A: That maybe you have some of these same feelings back home. They just seem stronger now because you’re in a strange place. Have you thought about it?<br/>　　也许你在国内也会有同样的感受，只不过你现在在一个陌生的地方，这种感觉就更强烈。你想过这个问题吗？<br/>　　B: No, I guess I feel this way at home sometimes too.是啊,我在家有时也有这种感受<br/>　　A: Maybe you’re just in a bad mood. Don’t worry. It will pass也许你只是心情不好。别担心，一切都会过去的。<br/>　　B: I hope so.　但愿如此。<br/>　　A: Why don’t you do something you enjoy to take your mind off your troubles?<br/>　　你为什么不做点你喜欢的事来缓解一下烦恼呢？<br/>　　B: Thanks for the advice. I’m just feeling homesick I guess.谢谢你的建议。我只是有点想家了。<br/>　　额外成就感 get along with 与……相处；进展<br/>　　* How are you getting along with your new girlfriend? 你和新女友相处得如何?<br/>　　* How are you getting along with your work? 你的工作进展如何?<br/>　　* They just can’t get along with each other. 他们就是合不来。<br/>　　20. America Is So Different from China 美国跟中国差别太大了<br/>　　A: Hi, Jim, how are you doing?嗨，吉姆，你好吗？<br/>　　B: Not too bad. It’s hard getting used to so many things. America is so different from China.还行,一下子适应这么多新东西是件不容易的事。美国跟中国差别太大了<br/>　　A: How do American students compare with students in your country?美国学生和你们国家的学生相比怎样？<br/>　　B: Our students are more serious. Much more serious.我们国家的学生比较认真。远远比美国学生认真<br/>　　A: What outside interest do they have?他们有些什么课外兴趣呢？<br/>　　B: Some students are interested in music, sports or relationships, but there really isn’t much time to pursue outside interests.有的喜欢音乐、体育或交友，但他们追求课外兴趣的时间却很少<br/>　　A: Wow! That is different from America.哇！那跟美国不一样。<br/>　　B: It’ s just one difference. 这只是一点差别。<br/>　　A: Well, I’m sure having extra free time shouldn’t be too tough to get used to.<br/>　　我想你肯定不太难适应拥有这么多的业余时间。<br/>　　B: No, it will be great. I am already thinking about all the great things I can do.是啊，这样才好。我已经想了很多可以做的事了。<br/>　　A: Just don’t get carried away and forget all about your studies.只是别太离谱，忘了功课。<br/>　　额外成就感be serious about 认真对待<br/>　　* Is he serious about wanting to be a doctor? 他真的想当一名医生吗?<br/>　　* Are you really serious about him? 你对他真的有意思吗?<br/>

[此贴子已经被作者于2006-6-22 12:27:58编辑过]