實用英語會話 · Book 2
Practical Conversation — 第二冊
每課：看圖 → 讀對話（真人朗讀）→ 閱讀理解 → 生字片語 → 小測驗。
Mom, I want our home to be greener. Do you know any ways that we can conserve energy?
It’s funny you should mention that. I was just thinking about how we could cut down on power to save money.
So what are we going to do?
The first thing we can do is to buy some energy efficient light bulbs.
That’s a good start. We should also remember to turn off the lights when no one is in the room.
Yes, that will also cut down on power. I am also going to buy a special film for the windows. It reflects sunlight, kind of like a mirror, and helps to keep the house cool.
That way we won’t have to run the air-conditioner so much, right?
Exactly! Air-conditioners use a lot of power. You can also make them run more efficiently by cleaning the filters and other parts that gather dust that restricts airflow.
I’ve heard that TV’s use power even when they aren’t turned on. Is that true?
Yes, unfortunately, as do many other electrical things, like computer monitors, DVD players and stereos.
Is there anything we can do about it?
Yes, we can plug these sorts of things into a power bar. Then when we are finished using them, we simply switch off the power bar and no more power will be wasted.
You sure know a lot about energy conservation, don’t you?
I wouldn’t say that, but I am trying to learn as much as I can.
If everyone thought like you, we could save the world in no time.
I don’t know about that, but I do believe everyone should be more responsible.
You can say that again!
閱讀理解 Questions
Why does Tom want to learn how to conserve energy?
What does the special window film do?
When you turn off a TV, does it still use power?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What does the mother suggest buying to save energy on lighting?
2. What can be cleaned on an air-conditioner to make it run more efficiently?
3. According to the conversation, what should be done with a power bar after finishing use of devices plugged into it?
What is your new history teacher like?
Oh my god! He is so strict.
Really? How so?
He has this long list of class rules that everyone has to follow.
Like what?
You aren’t allowed to chew gum, you have to sit straight in your desk, you can’t eat in class and on and on.
What if you break the rules?
It depends on the rule. Like if you are late for class then you have to stay late after school. If you behave badly, you get detention at lunch. Anything worse than that and he will call your parents.
He sounds like a real stickler for rules.
He is! One kid was being disrespectful toward him and almost got expelled from school because of it.
Whoa, I sure wouldn’t want to upset him. I would just follow the rules and keep my mouth shut.
And what about your new chemistry teacher?
I don’t even want to talk about it. He is so mean that it is unbelievable.
What did he do?
One day, some of the boys were fooling around in class and he lost his temper. He actually grabbed one of the boys and dragged him out of the classroom by his hair.
That’s insane! He must have some anger problems or something.
You can say that again. He can’t control his temper at all.
Well. It looks like we are both in for a long semester.
On the bright side of things, the new principal seems very nice.
Yes, he is very generous, too. Today I was short 2 dollars to buy a pop from the machine and he just gave it to me. I didn’t even ask him for it.
That was very thoughtful of him.
It was. I know you wouldn’t have lent me the money.
What are you talking about? Of course I would have.
No, you wouldn’t. You are so cheap. You wouldn’t loan your grandmother 5 dollars to save her life.
You are such a comedian!
閱讀理解 Questions
Why does Kerry think that his history teacher is so strict?
What would happen if Kerry behaved badly in class?
Why did James’s teacher lose his temper?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. According to the dialogue, what happens if a student is late for the history teacher's class?
2. How did the chemistry teacher grab the boy who was fooling around?
3. Why did the speaker say her friend would not have lent her money?
What’s up? You look awful.
I feel awful, too.
You have bags under your eyes.
I know I do. It’s because I didn’t sleep at all last night.
Why didn’t you sleep?
I was up all night worrying about today’s test.
I was worried, too, but I didn’t have any trouble sleeping. I slept like a log.
How can you sleep when you are worried about something?
I don’t know. I just close my eyes and fall asleep.
I am so jealous. I wish that I could do that.
Your problem is that you think too much.
I know, but what can I do about it?
Just stop thinking and relax.
That’s easy for you to say. I have too many thoughts going around in my head.
Just take a deep breath and focus on something you find relaxing. What do you find relaxing?
Lying on the beach is relaxing.
Sure, that’s a start. But really try to picture it in your head. Jeffery sits back on the sofa trying to make himself more comfortable and then closes his eyes.
I am lying on a beach towel in the warm sand. There is a big palm tree shading me from the sun. Fluffy white clouds float by on the breeze. Small waves gently crash into the shoreline.
That does sound soothing. Please go on.
Wait! There is a big turtle swimming toward me with something in its mouth.
What is it? What does it have in its mouth?
You won’t believe it.
Tell me! Tell me!
It’s my test. Jeffery opens his eyes and sits up. He looks hopelessly disappointed.
Oh jeez! I guess there is no hope for you.
I guess not. Maybe I need a shrink.
I’ll go get the phonebook.
閱讀理解 Questions
Why is Jeffery so tired?
How does Mimi try to help him?
What does Jeffery find relaxing?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What does Mimi say Jeffery has under his eyes?
2. What does Jeffery imagine is lying on the beach towel with him?
3. What does Mimi offer to get at the end of the dialogue?
Could you hurry up in there? I’m going to be late for school.
Hold your horses! I’ll be out in a minute. 5 minutes later, Jeff’s patience is wearing thin.
Come on! Did you die in there or what?
I said that I’ll be out in a minute.
Yeah, and that was like 10 minutes ago.
Okay. Okay. One second. Another 5 minutes pass. Jeff has to pee so badly that he is jumping up and down nervously and banging on the door.
God, Michelle! This isn’t funny. I’m going to pee myself. Get a move on.
Almost finished.
That’s it! If you don’t open the door this instant, I am going to tell mom that you are dating Billy Fischer. The door flies open. Michelle has a very accommodating and innocent looking smile on her face.
It’s about time.
You won’t tell mom about...you know?
Not if you stop hogging the bathroom every morning.
Okay then. It’s a deal.
閱讀理解 Questions
Why does Jeff want his sister to hurry up?
Why is Jeff’s patience wearing thin?
What does Jeff finally do to make her come up?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. How long had Michelle actually been in the washroom when she said it had only been "a minute"?
2. What was Jeff doing while he desperately needed to pee?
3. What does Michelle agree to do at the end of the conversation?
What are you going to wear to the school dance tomorrow?
I am going to wear the same black dress that I wore to your birthday party.
Yeah, that’s a good idea. You look very elegant in that dress. It suits you.
Thanks for the compliment. And what about you? What are you going to wear?
I have absolutely no idea! Do you have any suggestions?
How about the red skirt and yellow blouse you wore on your first date with Jackson?
No, that outfit brings back bad memories, not to mention that it is a little too small now.
Right. I forgot about him. I won’t mention it again.
Thanks. Do you have any other suggestions?
Well, let me think… Do you still have that dark gray pantsuit you wore to your brother’s graduation?
Don’t you think it looks too formal for a dance?
I suppose you are right. Something a little more casual would be better. Why don’t we just go shopping so that you can buy a new outfit?
Sure. We can go to Guan Ming Street in Yuanlin. There are so many clothing shops and boutiques there that I’m sure to find something to wear.
OK. Let’s go.
閱讀理解 Questions
Why doesn’t Alice want to wear the red skirt and yellow blouse that she has?
What is Maggie’s second suggestion?
What do they finally decide to do?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What did Alice wear to Maggie's birthday party?
2. Where do Alice and Maggie decide to go shopping?
3. What was Alice's reaction when Maggie first asked what she was going to wear?
Hey Chuck. Long time no see.
Yeah, it’s been a while.
So what have you been up to?
Not much, I’m currently unemployed.
Sorry to hear that. Any luck finding a new job?
Not yet, but I have a few leads.
Did you check the classifieds?
Yes, but nothing looked too appealing.
Well, beggars can’t be choosers.
I know, I know. And the bills aren’t going to pay themselves either, right?
Exactly. Why don’t you stop by my office tomorrow? I think there is an opening.
Great! I’ll do that. See you tomorrow then.
閱讀理解 Questions
What has Chuck really been up to?
Where is one place he looked for a new job?
Why does Larry tell Chuck to stop by his office?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. How does Chuck describe his current job situation?
2. What does Larry say about the bills?
3. What does Chuck plan to do tomorrow?
It’s time to clean up. Sally, you clear the table and Jesse, you can do the dishes.
Me, do the dishes? But it’s not my turn. I did them yesterday.
Don’t complain. I had to do them all weekend while you were out playing baseball.
It’s not my fault that I had a tournament to go to.
Stop arguing and just do them.
But Thursday is her day to wash the dishes, not mine. Why do I always get stuck doing them?
You are such a baby. You don’t “always” do the dishes. I do them more than you.
How about the time I had to do them five weeks in a row and you didn’t even help.
Duh! My arm was in a cast. Remember?
So what? You’re just making excuses. I still had to do them when my ankle was sprained.
And that’s the same? Think about it.
You could’ve been half finished by now if you weren’t sitting around complaining.
She never has to do anything. I have to do everything. I hate you. Jesse storms off to his room. Mrs. Chen (Yelling up the stairs): The dishes will still be waiting for you in the sink when you’re done pouting.
Is it too late to give him up for adoption?
閱讀理解 Questions
What are Sally and Jesse fighting about?
Why is Jesse upset?
Why did Jesse have to do the dishes for five weeks in a row?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What does Mrs. Chen tell Sally and Jesse to do at the beginning?
2. What reason does Sally give for why she could not do the dishes for a while?
3. What does Mrs. Chen say to Jesse after he storms off to his room?
So children...what do you want to do for the Christmas pageant this year?
How about nothing?
Sam just doesn’t like to perform in front of people.
Yeah. He gets stage fright.
Really? That surprises me. He certainly likes to act out in front of the class.
No, I don’t.
Sure you do. You are the class clown. You’ll do anything to get a laugh.
We could have him do a comedy act for the Christmas show.
Great idea. You are really funny, Sam.
That sounds like a wonderful plan. You could tell some jokes about Christmas. So what about the rest of you?
You mean we still have to do something, too?
Darn, I thought Sam could represent the whole class.
Nice try!
閱讀理解 Questions
Why does Marge think Sam doesn’t want to perform?
Why is the teacher surprised to hear that Sam gets stage fright?
What does the teacher think Sam should do for the pageant?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What does Sam do in front of the class, according to the teacher?
2. What does Sam say when the teacher calls him the class clown?
3. What does the student mean by saying "Nice try!" at the end?
So...any special plans for the holidays?
Not really. My wife wants to go visit her folks down in Taidong, but other than that, it will just be R ‘n’ R.
That doesn’t sound too bad. My wife has every second planned out for me.
I am sorry to hear that.
Me, too. It wouldn’t be too bad if she would give me a little time to recuperate from work, but OH NO, she has to make sure that every waking moment is spent visiting some long lost cousin or some old senile uncle who doesn’t even remember us. Elisiah (killing himself laughing): Think of all the holiday cheer you’ll spread.
Spreading out on the couch sounds better to me.
Look at the bright side; at least you don’t have to work.
Are you serious? I would rather work, but the boss won’t pay me time and a half for working on a holiday.
That sounds like him. He’s a real scrooge.
Whatever, he’s off my Christmas card list for good.
閱讀理解 Questions
What is Elisiah going to spend most of the holidays doing?
Why would Gabe rather work?
Why can’t Gabe work through the holidays?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. Where does Gabe's wife want to visit during the holidays?
2. According to Elisiah, who might they visit who does not even remember them?
3. What does Gabe say he would rather do instead of visiting relatives?
I am excited. Jessie’s mother: So, what is it that you couldn’t wait to tell me?
(jumping up and down): My class is going on a FIELD TRIP. Jessie’s mother: And? Classes go on field trip all the time. That doesn’t seem like anything to get worked up over.
But we are going to an exhibit. Jessie’s mother (being sarcastic): What a surprise; a field trip to an exhibit.
In a museum. Jessie’s mother (with even more sarcasm): How shocking! You must be the first class in history to go to a museum.
In France. Jessie’s mother: What a revelation! (long pause) Say that again.
We are going to a museum. Jessie’s mother: Yes, yes, I know that, but where exactly?
In France. Jessie’s mother (in disbelief): You are going to the Louvre?
Yes, our class won a contest and the government is paying for our entire class to go to Paris. Jessie’s mother: Thank god! I thought your father was going to have to pay.
No, no, no. The government is covering the whole bill. The only thing you have to do is to sign a consent form. Jessie’s mother: I guess if the government is covering the cost then signing my name is the least I can do.
But… Jessie’s mother: There is always a “but.”
You have to give me some spending money. Jessie’s mother (laughing): Ok. Here is 100NT. Have fun in Paris!
Stop joking around. What in the heck am I going to do with 100 dollars in Paris? Jessie’s mother: The same thing you’d do with ten, except you can do it ten times.
You’re so funny. You’re the worst comedian and mother ever. Jessie’s mother: Maybe, but at least I have more than 100 dollars.
(shaking her head and looking less than amused) Don’t expect a souvenir.
閱讀理解 Questions
Why did Jessie run all the way home from school?
Why wasn’t Jessie’s mother surprised that she was going on a field trip to a museum?
Why did Jessie think her mother was the worst mother ever?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What did Jessie's class win in order to get the trip funded?
2. What is the only thing Jessie needs to do for the trip, according to the dialogue?
3. How does Jessie's mother react when Jessie first says she is going on a field trip?
＊本冊共 10 課。