Unit 10

Section One: Tactics for Listening Part 1--Phonetics Archer: Excuse me, do you speak Enlgish? Woman: Yes, a little.

Archer: I’m looking for a bank.

Woman: I’m sorry, could you say that again, please? Archer: I’m looking for a bank.

Woman: There’s a bank just round the corner. I can show you where it is.

Archer: Thank you very much. That’s very kind of you. Woman: That’s all right.

Archer: Your English is very good.

Woman: I’m learning English at evening classes. Are you here on holiday?

Archer: No, I’m giving some lectures at the university. Woman: Well, I hope you enjoy yourself here. Part 2--Listening and Note-Taking Woman: How do you find living on a grant? Can you manage it? Man: Well, rent is the biggest item on my budget. That’s more than ￡8. I’m quite luck, because I share a house with some friends and it’s quite near the University, and we share the bill, of course, you know, gas, electricity and that. They come about ￡1.50. After rent comes food--that’s my next biggest expense, I suppose. Of course, I can’t afford to eat in restaurants or anything like that.

Woman: What about books? Do you have to spend a lot on books? Man: Well, well, it depends,--I mean last week I spend ￡3.25 just on one book, and that’s about average for a week, I’d say.

Woman: Do you buy newspapers and magazines much?

Man: Well, not a lot, because—well, they have them in the college library, you see, but I reckon to spend about, urn ￡1, or ￡1.5 on papers.

Woman: What about entertainment, do you go out a lot?

Man: Well, I go to the pub nearly every evening if that’s what you mean, you know, for a drink with you know, with my friends, and I smoke and well, altogether I spend about ￡5 a week on that.

Woman: So it’s not very easy to live on your grant then, is it? Man: No, no, not really, I work, I get job every vacation as a driver or in a factory or something like that…There’s nothing I can give up really

. I mean, if I give up smoking, I’ll only save ￡1.50 pe week anyway. Sometimes I save on transport—that averages aout ￡2 a week usually, but if I hitchhike home to my parents for example, I save on the train fare, and that’s quite a bit…

Exercise

Spending (per week) Item rent bill(gas, electricity) food books papers transport entertainment Money spent ￡8 ￡1.50 ￡5.50 ￡3.25 ￡1.50 ￡2 ￡5 Section Two: Listening Comprehension Part 1--Dialogues Dialogue 1: The National Telecom Showroom

Mrs Fennell: Have you any idea what time the National Telecom Showroom opens, Kate?

Kate Mitcham: The National Telecom Showroom? No, I’m afraid I haven’t. Why don’t you phone them?

Mrs Fennell: Can you pass me the telephone directory, please? Kate Mitcham: Yes, er... Do you want L to R or S to Z? Mrs Fennell: L to R, I suppose. Thanks.

Information clerk: Good morning. National Telecom Showroom. Mrs Fennell: Could you tell me what time the showroom opens, please?

Information clerk:Certainly. It opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on Monday to Fridays.

Mrs Fennell: Thank you. And could you possibly send me some information about office systems?

Information clerk: Of course. We have some brochures. Would you like to give me your name and address?

Mrs Fennell: Yes, my name’s Fennell. F-e-double n-e-double l. And the address is Communico Limited, 138 East Avenue, London N19.

Information clerk: N19. Right. I’ll put that in the post to you today. Do you require anything else?

Mrs Fennell: No, that’s all, thank you. Exercise :

1. What does Mrs Fennell want to know?

(She wants to know when the National Telecom Showroom opens) 2. Where can she find the telephone number?

(She can find the telephone number from the telephone directory.) 3. When does the showroom open?

( It opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays.) 4. Why does the Infromation clerk want to know her name and address?

( Because he wants to send her some brochures by post.) 5. Where does Mrs Fennell work?

(She works for a company, Communico Limited.) Dialogue 2: At Heathrow Airport

Nick and Lise are waiting for Malcolm at Heathrow Airport. They are listening to the announcements, but there is a lot of noise.

Lise: Could you hear, Nick? Did she say “Toronto”?

Nick: I don’t know. There’s too much noise. What time does Malc’s plane arrive?

Lise: I told you. At 9.30. Flight AC 866.

Nick: Gosh, it’s almost 10.15 now! The plane’s probably landed. Why don’t you go and ask at the Information Desk?

Lise: OK. And you go and wait by the exit over there. Nick: Hey, wait a minute! What does Malc look like?

Lise: Oh, he’s like me. But he’s taller and thinner. And his hair’s much darker. Anyway, don’t worry. I’ll be back in a minute.

…

Nick: Excuse me, are you Malcolm Anderson? Man: What? No, I’m not. Nick: Oh, sorry.

Malc:: Er… are you looking for Malcolm Anderson? Nick: Yes, oh, it’s you! But you’re not like your sister!

Malc: Aren’t I? Anyway, you must be Nick. Nice to meet you. Where’s Lise?

Nick: She’s just gone to the Information Desk. Ah, here she is. Lise: Malc! What happened to you? We’ve been here for hours!

Malc: Well, first of all I had trouble at Immigration. And then they coldn’t find some of my luggage. And then they asked me a lot of questions in Customs.

Lise: Well, never mind, you’re here now. But I’ll just go back to the Information Desk…

Exercise A:

F 1. Malcolm is traveling on Flight 886. ( Malcolm is traveling on Flight AC 866.)

F 2. The plane is delayed. (Probably not. The plane landed on time but Malcolm is delayed.)

F 3. Lise askes Nick to go and wait at the arrival lounge. (Lise asks Nick to go and wait by the exit.)

T 4. Malcolm is Lise’s brother.

F 5. They’ve been waiting for him for hours. (Probably they’ve been waiting for him for about an hour. Nick: What time does Malc’s plane arrive? Lise: At 9.30. Nick: Gosh, it’s almost 10.15 now!)

Exercise B:

1. Why is Malcolm delayed? (Because he first had trouble at Immigration. And then they couldn’t find some of his luggage. And finally they asked him a lot of questions in Customs.)

2. Why does Lise go back to the Information Desk again? (Probably she has asked the Information desk to make an announcement. Now she goes there to tell them not to broadcast it.)

Part 2--Passages Passage 1: The Weather Forecast

It’s five to nine and here is the weather forecast for the British Isles until midnight.

For all areas east of London and as far north as the Wash it will be dry with a few patches of hazy sunshine along the coastal regions. Inland the winds will drop, and temperatures should rise to 20°C although there is little chance of the sun breaking through.

Along the south coast the day will start clear and bright, with temperatures climbing to 25°C by midday. However, by late afternoon, clouds will appear from the southwest bringing the possibility of some humidity.

In western region, covering Wales and southwest england as far as Bristol, heavy rain has already set in, and in England it is expected to continue for the rest of the day, with temperatures only reaching 17 or 18 degrees.

The worst of the rain should have cleared Pembroke and west Wales by mid-afternoon and occasional breaks in the cloud may lift the temperat

ures to 19, but further north, more rain blowing across the Irish sea, with high winds, will keep the temperature down to 15 or 16 degrees; low for this time of the year.

Finally, for the rest of England and Scotland, the weather will be changeable; with rain from the west clearing by mid-morning, and then brighter periods with scattered showers will cover most of the Midlands and Scotland. The winds will be fresh from the northwest becoming chilly in the north of Scotland. As night falls, fog will roll in from the North Sea and most of the northeast Scottish coast will have restricted visibility. Temperatures will decrease rapidly in the evening, in some places in the extreme north falling to 7 degrees. That is the end of thee weather forecast, and the shipping forecast will follow shortly.

Exercise: 1. D 2. C 3. A 4. B Part 3--News News Item 1

5. D 6. A 7. B 8. C

Last Saturday, in Japan, finance ministers of the Group of Eight countries urged oil producing countries to increase production. But they also called on the International Monetary Fund and the International Energy Agency to jointly examine the recent price rise.

I.M.F. chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn said that some G-Eight ministers were concerned about financial speculation. How important it is and what influence it has on the market will be investigated, he says. A report is expected in October.

Futures markets now largely set the price of oil. Yet these contracts rarely involve an exchange of real barrels of oil. Most oil is traded on what is called the spot market or through other contracts between producers and users. The prices, however, are usually based on futures prices.

Exercise A:

This news item is about concerns of the G-eight ministers over high oil prices.

Exercise B:

1. T 2. F 3. T 4. F 5. F 6. T News Item 2

Last Friday, President Bush called for an economic growth package -- a plan to give a quick shot of energy to the slowing American economy. Now, the administration has an agreement with Democratic and Republican leaders in the House of Representatives.

President Bush called the 150 billion dollar deal, reached Thursday, the right set of policies and the right size. He urged Congress to pass it as soon as possible, saying the economy urgently needs action. He said the plan would lead to higher consumer spending and increased business investment this year.

The measures must be approved by the House and the Senate and signed into law by the president.

Many economists worry that the world's largest economy will enter or has already entered a recession.

Exercise A:

This news item is about a plan to aid the US economy. Exercise B:

1.T 2. T 3. F 4. F 5. F 6. T News Item 3

World economic growth remained strong in 2007. The International Monetary Fund estimated growth at five and two-tenths percent.

But predictions for 2008 call for slower growth in the world economy. In October the I.M.F. cut its estimate for global growth this year by almost half a percentage point, to four and eight-tenths percent.

There are worries of an economic slowdown or possibly a recession in the United States. The most important issue for 2008 may be the American housing market.

Another major issue for two thousand eight is what effect energy prices will have on economic growth. The price of a barrel of oil doubled in two thousand seven. And on the second day of two thousand eight, the price hit one hundred dollars for the first time. The dollar continued its drop against most major currencies in 2007.

Exercise A:

This news item is about world economic growth that is predicted to slow in 2008.

Exercise B:

1. The estimated growth of the world economy in 2007was at five and two-tenths percent.

2. According to the International Monetary Fund’s estimation, the

growth in 2008 is at four and eight-tenths percent. 3. In 2007, the price of a barrel of oil doubled.

4. On the second day of 2008, the oil price reached $100 per barrel. Exercise C:

The global economic growth, though remaining strong in 2007, is predicted to slow in 2008. The housing market and the energy prices are two major issues that affect world economic growth for 2008. These two major issues plus US dollar continuing to drop against most major currencies lead to worries of an economic slowdown or a recession in the United States.

Section Three: Oral Work Part 1--Questions and Answers Harry is a journalist. He is interviewing Professor Thomas, the Nobel Prize Winner and his wife.

Prof. Thomas: Well, I’m surprised above all. The Prize was completely unexpected.

Harry: Mrs Thomas, are you happy about it? Mrs. Thomas: Oh, I’m absolutely delighted.

Harry: Professor Thomas, do you enjoy being famous?

Prof. Thomas: It’s a new experience. In fact, it’s quite unbelievable.

Harry: Do you find it difficult to work with all your interviews and press conferences?

Prof. Thomas: Indeed I do. I find it quite impossible to work under such circumstances.

Harry: Would you like to give up work altogether? Prof. Thomas: Oh, no. The idea is utterly ridiculous.

Mrs Thomas: He couldn’t, even if he wanted to. He’s totally dedicated to his work.

Harry: I’m glad to hear that because everyone is really delighted at your success.

Prof. Thomas: Thank you very much.

Harry: Mrs Thomas, Professor Thomas is a brilliant scientist. What’s he like as a husband?

Mrs Thomas: Oh, he’s quite remarkable in this field too.

Harry: I suppose you consider yourself lucky to have a man like this for your husband.

Mrs. Thomas: You’re absolutely right, I do.

Harry: Professor Thomas, what are your plans for the future?

Prof. Thomas: Well, the only plan I have at the moment is to enjoy a really superb dinner.

Harry: Mrs Thomas, Professor, thank you. 1. Why is Professor Thomas surprised?

He’s surprised because the Prize was completely unexpected. 2. How does Mrs Thomas feel about it? She’s absolutely delighted.

3. Does Professor thomas find it difficult to work at the moment? Yes, he finds it quite impossible. 4. What does Professor Thomas think about giving up work? He thinks the idea is utterly ridiculous. 5. What does Mrs Thomas say about her husband’s attitude to his work?

She says he’s totally dedicated to his work. 6. What is the reaction of everyone to Professor’s success? Everyone is really delighted at his success. 7. What is the professor like as a husband? He’s quite remarkable. 8. What does Professor Thomas plan to do now? He plans to enjoy a really superb dinner. Part 2--Retelling The tooth had been bothering David for some time. He knew he should have gone to the dentist earlier. But he always put off seeing the dentist.

Yesterday afternoon David went to see his dentist because he couldn’t bear the pain any more. David told him that the tooth had kept him awake the night before. Then the dentist looked into his mouth, but he did not look only at the one tooth. Instead he looked them all over.

“Hmm,” he said. “I’m afraid several of your teeth need seeing to.” He began to describe exactly what needed doing. David listened to him with a kind of sick feeling in the stomach.

“I should say that at least four teeth have cavities. We’ll have to see to them immediately.”

David asked about the tooth that had been aching. “I may be able to save it,” the dentist said to him.

Section Four: Supplementary Exercise Part 1—Listening Comprehension Passage 1: Package Holidays

Package holidays, covering a two weeks’ stay in an attractive location are increasingly popular, because they offer an inclusive price with few extras. Once you get to the airport, it is up to the tour operator to see that you get safely to your destination.

Excursions, local entertainment, swimming, sunbathing, skiing—you name it—it’s all laid on for you. There is, in fact, no reason for you to bother to arrange anything yourselves. You make friends and have a good time, but there is very little chance that you will really get to know the local people. This is even less likely on a coach tour, when you spend almost your entire time travelling. Of course, there are carefully scheduled stops for you to visit historic buildings and monuments, but you will probably be allowed only a brief stay overnight in some famous cities, with a polite reminder to be up and breakfasted early in time for the coach next morning. You may visit the beautiful, the historic, the ancient, but time is always at your elbow. There is also the added disadvantage of being obliged to spend your holiday with a group of people you have never met before, may not like and have no reasonable excuse for getting away from. As against this, it can be argued that for many people, particularly the lonely or elderly, the feeling of belonging to a group, although for a short period on holiday, is an added bonus. They can sit safely back in their seats and watch the world go by.

Exercise:

1. B 2. A 3. D 4. B 5. A

Passage 2 Skyscrapers

6. B 7. C 8. C

The first skyscrapers were built in the United States. As early as the 1880s, two new technical developments made these taller buildings possible. One development was the mechanical elevator. It meant that people would ot have to climb many steps to reach the upper floors of tall buildings. Elevators could carry them quickly to the top floors.

The development of steel also helped make taller buildings possible. Walls of stone, concrete and other materials had supported earlier buildings. But such walls were too heavy for a truly tall building. Pieces of steel, however, could help form a strong skeleton for a tall building. The steel frame was strong enough to support the building. Walls could be made of glass or other thin materials. Today, most skyscrapers have steel frames with glass or metal walls connected to them.

The first skyscraper was built in Chicago, Illinois in 1885. It was the Home Insurance Building. It was almost 55 meters tall, By the early 1990

s, skyscrapers were rising in all large American cities, especially in New York.

The world’s most famous skyscraper was built there in 1931. The Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for more than forty years. It is still one fo the most popular. Each year, more than 3,000,000 visitors to New York City ride an elevator to the top of the Empire State Building. They stand outdoors in a special observation area almost 380 meters above the ground. From there, they can see all of the city of New York far below.

By the 1950s, most big American businesses had their headquarters in skyscrapers. The goal was to keep all employees of the same company together. By the 1960s and early 1970s, almost every skyscraper looked the same. They were like boxes with flat tops and square sides. The buildings were made of glass, steel and concrete.

European architects invented this simple design. It is called the International Style. They wanted to create buildings for working people. They wanted buildings that were simple and expressed the idea that all people were equal. But after a while, architects and other people bacame tired of buildings that looked like boxes. They said that too many of them made a city look ugly.

Today, architects are designing many unusual and interesting skyscrapers. Some architects use elements of past, classical architecture in their skyscrapers. For example, they might use tall stone columns like those of Greek temples in a new skyscarper.

Some recent skyscrapers rise up from the ground in long, wide curves. Some are round, rising into the air like a steel pipe. Others have uneven shapes, with walls of different sizes. Architects also use different building materials to make skyscrapers more beautiful and interesting. They use granite and other kinds of stone to add color to the newest tall buildings. Colored glass also has become popular in skyscrapers.

Exercise:

In late 19th century two new technical developments made skyscrapers possible.

One development was the mechanical elevator. The other development was steel. Earlier skyscrapers:

The first skyscraper was built in Chicago, USA in 1885.

The world’s most famous skyscraper, the Empire State Building was built in New York, in 1931.

Skyscrapers of 1960s and early 1970s:

Every skyscraper looked the same.

They were like boxes with flat tops and square sides. They were made of glass, steel and concrete.

This simple design expressed the idea that all people were equal. It is also called the International Style.

Skyscrapers nowadays:

Some skyscrapers rise up from the ground in long, wide curves. Some are round, look like steel pipes.

Others have uneven shapes with walls of different sizes.

Materials used by architects to build skyscrapers in recent days are granite, other kinds of stone and colored glass, etc.

Part 2-- Oral Work Mary had to go to London one evening. She decided she would rather take a train than go by car. But when she got to the station, she found the drivers had gone on strike. Just then she saw Linda. She was going to London, too. “Come on. We’ll push through the crowd,” Linda said.

A long queue was waiting in front of the gate for the London train. They joined it. They talked about the strike. “We women should go on strik

e, too. We have to get equal rights in pay and everything. We have to be treated the same as men are!”

Just then, the gate was opened. Everybody began to push. A man next to them pushed Linda aside got in front. “There aren’t any gentlemen left any more. Men don’t even know how to treat women like a lady any more!” Linda said loudly.