實用英語會話 · Book 4
Practical Conversation — 第四冊
每課：看圖 → 讀對話（真人朗讀）→ 閱讀理解 → 生字片語 → 小測驗。
What are you up to this weekend?
I was thinking about going to the concert in Taichung.
Who is playing?
Jolin is doing a show at the baseball park.
Really? If she is coming, I would’ve thought it would be sold out by now.
It is, but I have a friend who has tickets and can’t go.
How many tickets does he have?
He told me 4, but 2 are already spoken for.
That leaves 2: 1 for you and 1 for me.
Not so fast. I wanted to ask Colleen to come with me.
You wouldn’t deny me the chance to see Jolin live, would you?
I know you are a big fan, but Colleen is much better looking than you. Sorry.
A big fan? I am her biggest fan. I have every album she has ever made and every DVD, too. It would crush me if I didn’t get to see her. You know I haven’t had the chance before, right? Thomas (sigh of pity): I know. I know. Ok, you can have the tickets and I’ll take Colleen to the movies instead. Kenny (tries to hug Thomas): Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thomas (defending against the hug): Alright! I got it. Just stop with the hugs. Jeez.
Ok. How much are the tickets?
My friend said they are 6000… Kenny (reaches for his wallet): No problem.
Each! Kenny (stops taking his wallet out): On second thought, maybe I’ll just wait for the Live DVD. Thomas (shaking his head): Some fan you are.
閱讀理解 Questions
How did Thomas get a hold of the tickets?
Why did Kenny want to see the show so badly?
What changed Kenny’s mind about going?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. Where is Jolin doing her show?
2. Who does Kenny originally want to invite to the concert?
3. What does Thomas decide to do instead of going to the concert?
Ok class. Today we’re going to see how much you know about sharks.
Cool. That sounds fun.
First of all, what is the difference between a shark and all other fish?
I know! Sharks are bigger.
Yes, some sharks are bigger, but some are smaller, too. Anyone else?
Sharks don’t have any bones.
That is right, Frank. Sharks don’t have bones. Their skeletal structure is made entirely of cartilage just like your ear.
And sharks are the only fish that kill people.
That’s not true. Some fish kill people because they have poisonous spines. Really, though, sharks aren’t as dangerous as most people believe. Let me ask you this: How many people are attacked by sharks worldwide every year?
I think about 1, are attacked every year.
Wow, that’s a lot and very specific, but it’s wrong. How about you, Sonia? What do you think?
I think it is probably closer to 5000.
Actually, on average, between 50 and 70 people are attacked by sharks.
That’s not very many.
No, it isn’t. Why do you think Sonia and Jeffery guessed such a high number?
Because people are very afraid of sharks and there are lots of documentaries on TV about shark attacks.
That’s right. People have a strange relationship with sharks; they are afraid of them, but they love to watch TV shows about them. The reality is more people are killed by bees or struck by lightning every year, but movies like Jaws and other horror films have created a great fear of sharks in people. Of the people attacked, how many actually die, Tony?
Probably around 12.
Yes, about 8 to 12 people die every year from shark attacks. What country reports the most shark attacks every year?
Australia.
Many people say that, but the USA is actually number 1. Most attacks are in Florida. Surprisingly, if you are attacked there, the chances of it being fatal are almost 0. This is because there is a shark “nursery” in the area, so most shark attacks in Florida involve inquisitive young sharks that aren’t big enough to cause much damage.
What kind of sharks are the most dangerous?
The Great White Shark.
Yes, that is one. What are the other two?
The Whale Shark.
That’s crazy! Whale sharks are one of the most passive creatures in the ocean. Plus, they don’t have teeth.
The tiger shark and the bull shark?
Yes, they are the other 2. What makes the bull shark exceptionally different from most other sharks?
It can live for long periods of time in fresh water.
Yes, Alan. How did you know that?
Learning about sharks is one of my hobbies.
Good for you. That is a great hobby.
Did you know that bull sharks have been found hundreds of km’s upstream in many rivers?
I didn’t know that. Thanks, Alan.
I heard that people kill many sharks every year just for their fins.
Yes, but how many? Do you know?
5000?
Not even close.
5 million.
Yes, if you multiply that number by 20. The answer is over 100, 000, 000 sharks are slaughtered every year.
That’s terrible. What can we do to help the sharks?
Don’t buy shark meat, shark fin soup or any pills that contain shark byproducts.
Why do people take shark pills?
It’s because shark cartilage helps people with joint trouble. It is kind of like taking glucosamine.
Yeah. My grandpa takes them for arthritis. I told him about the shark killings, but he doesn’t care.
Well…All we can do is to inform people and make them aware of the sharks’ plight. And pray!
閱讀理解 Questions
What do sharks have instead of bones?
What is shark cartilage used for?
What can you do about it?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. According to the teacher, what happens to more people every year than are killed by sharks?
2. Why are most shark attacks in Florida rarely fatal?
3. What does the class learn is special about the bull shark?
What are you reading about, Chuck?
I’m reading about Green Sea Turtles. It’s a kind of sea turtle.
Oh. You mean like the Loggerhead Sea Turtle?
Yes. Do you like sea turtles?
I guess, but I don’t know much about them.
I can teach you about them.
Ok. Tell me about them.
Did you know that many sea turtles are endangered?
Actually, I did. I also heard that many different species used to lay their eggs on the beaches of Taiwan.
Yes, but the green turtle is the only one that still does.
Why is that?
Well, before 1992 Taiwan didn’t do anything to protect their nesting areas and a lot of sites were lost because of urbanization.
Do they protect them now?
Yes, but only few spots on the surrounding islands of Taiwan remain.
Is that the main reason their populations have declined.
Really, it is much more horrifying than that. People catch them for their meat, their shells (carapaces) are used to make decorations, and some people even try to keep them as pets.
My grandpa told me that some temples buy them and put them on display.
That is strange considering that in Chinese culture they are a symbol of luck, prosperity and longevity.
I know. You’d think people would want to protect them because of cultural importance.
I guess the truth is that many people here are just not informed about what is going on so the poaching continues.
Are other countries the same way?
I suppose a lot of countries are, but some are being very proactive like Costa Rica for example. My cousin went there for a wedding in February and he said that the turtle nesting grounds were fenced off. They even had guards patrolling the area to make sure that no one gets in.
It’s good to know that some places are taking action.
It sure is and hopefully our country and others will start doing more as well.
I’m going to go home and look on the internet. Maybe there are some volunteer jobs available so that I can do my part.
That’s a great idea. Let me know if you find anything and I will sign up, too.
Great! I’ll catch ya later.
Alright. Later, man.
閱讀理解 Questions
Are there lots of Green Sea Turtles left?
What is one of the main reasons that they are endangered?
What has Costa Rica done to help protect sea turtles?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. According to Chuck, when did Taiwan start doing nothing to protect nesting areas before?
2. What does Chuck's grandpa say some temples do with sea turtles?
3. What did Chuck's cousin see when he went to Costa Rica for a wedding?
Did you hear about the catastrophe in Japan?
No, I didn’t. What happened?
There was a huge earthquake just off the coast. It measured (registered) 9 on the Richter scale.
9? That is the largest one I’ve ever heard of.
But that’s not the worst part.
Really? What else happened?
Because the earthquake was offshore, it caused a tsunami. The following swell went as far as 4 km’s inland some places. It capsized boats and some floated down streets. It washed away buildings, farms, and even entire villages. It was like a giant bulldozer leveled the place.
Are you serious?
The footage has been all over the news. I can’t believe you haven’t seen or heard of this yet.
Was there much damage?
Are you kidding? The cost is expected to be in the 10’s of billions of dollars.
That’s awful. Were many people killed?
The latest death toll was estimated at over 2000, but that is just confirmed deaths. The final numbers are probably going to be much, much higher because there are some towns that are completely destroyed.
I can’t even imagine how horrible people in Japan must feel right now.
I think they’re all probably still in shock.
That is such a tragedy. Is there anything we can do to help?
I’m not sure. Many countries have already offered aid and sent in relief workers to search for survivors and to help with first aid. There are probably organizations you can donate money to.
What will they do with the money?
It will be used to provide medical supplies, food, clothing to those affected by the disaster. Some of the money will also go to help rebuild the country.
I’m going to go home and talk my parents into sending some money. I want to do whatever I can.
Me, too. I think sending some money is the least we can do.
閱讀理解 Questions
Where did the earthquake strike?
What did the earthquake trigger?
What are some countries doing to help?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. According to the dialogue, how far inland did the tsunami swell reach in some places?
2. What comparison does the speaker use to describe how the tsunami affected the villages?
3. What does the speaker decide to do at the end of the conversation?
Do you ever wonder about life on other planets? 3
All the time.
Do you think there is intelligent life somewhere else in the universe?
The universe is so incomprehensibly big that I can’t imagine there not being something out there. Besides, there must be some intelligent life up there because there isn’t any down here. (Laughs at his own little joke)
I can’t even comprehend the size of our own solar system, let alone our galaxy or the entire universe.
Few can, but I guess the real question is: Do you believe in aliens?
Yeah, they must be out there somewhere.
Do you think they have visited us before?
It is hard to ignore millions of people all around the world that have claimed to have seen UFO’s.
Why haven’t the aliens ‘officially’ come out of the closet—so to speak—and made a public appearance then?
Maybe they are just observing us and doing experiments.
I heard about a guy in Jong Jing that says he was abducted by aliens. He says they took him out of his bed in the middle of the night, but that is all he remembers.
Reports of alien abductions aren’t that uncommon. There are even credible people that have claimed to be taken aboard alien ships… or should I say, formerly credible.
Why do you think they are studying us?
Probably the same reason humans study everything they can get their hands on.
And why is that?
Our curiosity. People are curious about everything and are always doing experiments or studying something, so why would aliens be any different?
I guess so, but I still don’t understand the need for secrecy.
I would say because they know us all too well. If people knew there were really aliens, they would probably try to start a war with them or something like that.
Right, again! The human race certainly doesn’t have a very good track record when it comes to peaceful negotiations.
Anyway, I’d better get home before my mom starts to wonder if I’ve been abducted by aliens.
Me, too. I’ll catch you later.
Bye!
閱讀理解 Questions
Why does Grant think there must be life on other planets?
Does Harvey believe in aliens?
Why does Harvey call some of the abductees ‘formerly credible’?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. According to the man, why does he think there must be intelligent life somewhere in the universe?
2. What happened to the guy from Jong Jing, according to the story he told?
3. Why does the man think aliens keep their existence a secret instead of officially appearing?
Are you into body art?
What is body art? Is that when you paint a picture on somebody?
No, it refers to things like piercings and tattoos.
Some people may think it is art, but I don’t know about that.
I guess it is kind of a subculture.
Yeah, like circus sideshow people and freaks.
Well, my dad has tattoos and he isn’t a freak.
I didn’t know that. I haven’t seen them before.
That is because you can only see them if he takes off his shirt. He has earrings, too, but he only puts them in when he isn’t working.
So are you thinking about getting a tattoo or a piercing?
I’m not allowed to get a tattoo until I’m older, but I was thinking about getting my ears pierced… and maybe my nose, too.
What! Are you crazy? Nose rings look gross.
I don’t care what people think. I just want to be me and I want to be different.
It isn’t really being different when there are millions of people that already have them. You’ll just be a part of the “I want to be different” club. In reality, you’d be the same as them and then you wouldn’t be different.
Whatever! You just don’t like people who look different.
No, It’s just that I think they are looking for attention.
I’m not looking for attention.
Well, if you get a nose ring, you’re going to get it whether you like it or not. People will be pointing and staring at you wherever you go.
I guess I never thought about that.
Well you’d better think about it before you make any rash decisions and put holes in your body.
Ok. I’ll think about it first.
But don’t worry about me, I’ll still be your friend even if you are a freak.
閱讀理解 Questions
Why hasn’t Danielle seen Gloria’s dad’s tattoos before?
Why does Gloria want a tattoo?
If Gloria gets her nose pierced, what does Danielle think people will do?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What does Gloria think body art might be at the start of the conversation?
2. When does Gloria's dad wear his earrings?
3. According to Danielle, why would getting a nose ring NOT actually make Gloria different?
Not really. I’m finished with my homework and have done all the chores you asked me to do.
Well…I suppose if you’re going to be here, you might as well help me.
What can I do?
First you can wash all the vegetables. Let me know when you are finished and I’ll give you another job. Edward’s mom turns around and starts making some appetizers on the counter while he washes the vegetables. When she turns around again, she is shocked at what she sees. Edward has the sink full of soapy water and is washing the vegetables as if they were dishes. She almost faints.
What are you doing?
I’m washing the vegetables just like you asked me to.
They’re not dishes. You can’t wash them with hot soapy water.
Why not?
The lettuce will wilt and everything will taste like soap.
When you said ‘wash the vegetables’, I just assumed there would be soap involved. How am I supposed to know these things? I’ve never washed vegetables before.
What are we going to do? Our company is going to be here in 30 minutes and you’ve ruined all the vegetables.
Maybe if we make the food really spicy, nobody will notice.
I have a better idea. How about I take everyone out for dinner and take the money out of your college fund?
You wouldn’t do that, would you? Edward’s mom (laughs evilly): Wouldn’t I?
閱讀理解 Questions
Why is Edward’s mom annoyed with him?
How is he supposed to help her?
What does Edward do wrong?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What was Edward doing right before his mom asked him to help in the kitchen?
2. What was Edward's first job in the kitchen?
3. What does Edward's mom threaten to do instead of serving the ruined vegetables?
Well, look what the cat dragged in. What’s up?
I’m so tired. I didn’t sleep at all last night.
Why not? Did you drink too much green tea again?
No. There was a mosquito in my bedroom.
God! I hate it when that happens. They’re such pests.
The stupid thing wouldn’t leave me alone. It kept trying to land on my shoulder and bite me.
Did it?
It must’ve. When I woke up this morning, there was a little bump on the back of my neck and it was itchy.
A real pain in the neck, hey?
Very funny. You’re not the one who is going to be scratching your neck all day.
Actually, I don’t mind mosquito bites so much; it’s the buzzing around my ears that drives me crazy. You swat at them and they stop for a bit, but they always come back.
And whenever you turn on the lights to catch them, they suddenly disappear.
They’re such sneaky little things.
Don’t forget annoying.
I guess that’s why they call them bugs.
閱讀理解 Questions
Why is Pat so tired?
Does he have a mosquito bite?
What doesn’t Joe like about mosquitoes?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What did the mosquito keep trying to do to the speaker?
2. According to the dialogue, what happens when you turn on the lights to catch a mosquito?
3. What does the speaker say happens after you swat at mosquitoes buzzing around your ears?
It was great. We got to play dodge ball in PE.
Great! I know how much you love dodge ball.
I sure do.
Did your team win?
We should have.
What do you mean?
Well, it was down to 3 against 1; 3 for us and 1 for them.
So why didn’t you win?
I hit the other player in the leg, but the ref didn’t see it. And the player said I was lying.
So he should have been out.
I know, but he wasn’t. Then he hit one of our guys with the ball, so we lost a player and it was down to 2 on 1.
His odds got better, but you still had an advantage.
Then I threw the ball at him and it grazed his shoulder, but he said it didn’t hit him again!
And, I suppose, he took out another one of your teammates.
That is exactly what happened. Now it was 1 on 1 and I was off my game. I more or less gave up and he won.
You have to remember that not everyone is honest and plays by the rules. Don’t let them get under your skin.
But it made me so angry. He had to cheat to win.
That’s how guys like him win. They get you upset, unfocussed and make you easier to beat.
Maybe I should have used my emotions against him.
Yes, next time, don’t let him get the best of you. Just stay on your game and take him out.
Anyway, I would rather lose honestly than win by cheating.
That’s my boy! And like they say: Cheaters never prosper.
But he won!?
Maybe they mean in the long run.
閱讀理解 Questions
Why wasn’t the player who got hit by the ball out?
When it was 1 on 1, why didn’t James win?
Would James rather have won by cheating?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What sport did the speaker play in PE class?
2. How did the other player claim the ball did not hit him the second time?
3. What does the father say cheaters never do?
How about this spot? It looks like a good place to catch some fish.
Sure. I’m tired of walking around on these big rocks anyway. The boys set down their backpacks and take out their fishing rods. They tie hooks on the end of their fishing lines. Now they are ready to put bait on their hooks.
What are you using for bait, Vernon? I’m using an earthworm. I’ve always had good luck using them.
Really! I’ve never had any luck with earthworms. I usually use these. Vernon pulls a great big spider out of a container in his backpack. The creepy looking thing is almost as big as his hand. Ryan jumps back in fright.
Holy cow! Are you trying to catch a fish or scare it to death?
Just be quiet. You try it your way and I’ll try it mine. The boys cast their hooks into the water. Immediately, Ryan feels something pulling on his line.
I got one! I got one!
Quick! Reel it in. Ryan reels as fast as he can. Then Vernon starts shouting.
I caught something, too. WOOHOO!
The fishing is really good today, hey buddy?
Indeed! We’ll be eating like kings tonight. After reeling for a bit, Vernon sees the end of his line.
I caught something alright, but you’re not going to be happy.
What do you mean?
I think my spider caught your earthworm.
You must be joking. Both of them pull their tangled lines from the water. They can clearly see the spider holding the worm tightly with its front legs and biting it.
I’m never going fishing with you and your gigantic spider again.
Come on. He was just hungry. Next time, I will feed him first.
閱讀理解 Questions
Why was walking difficult?
How long after Ryan casts does he feel something on his line?
What is strange about Vernon’s bait?
生字及片語 Words & Phrases
完整教學音檔
小測驗 Quick Check
1. What does Ryan do when Vernon pulls the spider out of his backpack?
2. What does Vernon say they will be eating like tonight?
3. What does Vernon say he will do next time to prevent the spider from being hungry?
＊本冊共 10 課。