每天一課英語口語365 Unit 190-205

瀏覽:

手機(jī)版

掃描二維碼方便學(xué)習(xí)和分享

[00:00.00]190 Study [00:04.10]I spend more time looking up in dictionaries than studying scientific papers. [00:10.00]It might be a good idea just to skim over the less important papers to get the main idea. [00:18.00]A: What' s worrying you, Li? [00:22.52]B.I don't seem able to keep up with all the reading we're expected to do. I simply can't finish. [00:28.53]A: If I were you, I'd stop worrying. Your problem is not so unusual, [00:34.01]most postgraduates have trouble getting through all the reading assigned to them. [00:40.72]But of course you have the added problem that it's in a foreign language. [00:44.12]B: That's true. I spend more time looking up in dictionaries than studying scientific papers. [00:54.36]A; There's no need to read every word of those papers, you know. [00:57.13]It might be a good idea just to skim over the less important papers to get the main idea. [01:00.76]B: I' II give it a try. Thanks for your encouragement. [01:07.76](Meng is discussing his problems in his study with Professor Pool. ) [01:11.34]Pool: You seem to be doing all right, Meng. [01:14.24]Meng: But I have to spend so much time reading. [01:17.27]Pool: There is a lot of reading, but that' s normal for postgraduate work. [01:22.65]I think part of your problem is the fact that it' s in a foreign language to you. [01:27.98]Meng: I suppose I'll just have to learn to read faster. [01:32.03]Pool. How about the seminars? Can you follow the discussions? [01:36.47]Meng: Well, I can usually follow what the others say, [01:41.25]but I'm not so accustomed to it and I'm not so sure what to say. [01:44.62]Pool: Don't be bashful about speaking out. Seminars are very import ant in postgraduate work. [01:51.78]As I see it, most of the benefit of the seminars comes from the exchange of ideas. [01:59.38]Meng: Yes, I'm beginning to see that. I've got some valuable insights from the others. [02:06.01]Pool: But you should share your insights with us. I'm sure you have a lot to offer, just as the others do. [02:12.44]191 English [02:18.81]I think English is an easy language to learn. Don't you agree? [02:23.96]In my opinion, English is a very difficult language. [02:28.58]A: You know... I think English is an easy language to learn. Don't you agree? [02:35.22]B: Well, I'm not so sure. Why do you say that? [02:37.91]A: The grammar rules are very easy. Don't you think so? [02:43.50]B: No, not really, I disagree. In my opinion, English is a very difficult language. [02:50.24]A: Oh? What makes you say that? [02:53.09]B: You don't always pronounce English words in the way you spell them. [02:58.05]A: mm. May be you're right. [03:01.42](Bob and Jenny are talking about what to do in summer.) [03:07.17]Bob: Well, Jenny, the school year is almost over. We just have two more weeks before exams. [03:14.14]What do you plan to do this summer?. [03:16.44]Jenny: I' m going to teach English to some immigrants in the university's community service program. [03:23.42]Bob: That sounds interesting. Don' t you need m speak any foreign languages for a job like that? [03:29.58]Jenny: No, you don' t. You just have to present the language simply [03:34.36]and give students a chance to practice speaking. [03:37.47]Bob: Come to think of it, that's the way I was taught to speak Chinese. [03:42.64]But speaking Chinese didn' t help me learn to read and write Chinese. [03:47.97]Jenny: My students won' t want to read and write English, at least not now. [03:54.27]They are more interested in speaking. [03:56.80]Bob: You sound very knowledgeable about all this. How do you know so much? [04:02.52]Jenny: I took a Teaching English as a Second Language course last year when you were in China. [04:08.45]I think I would like to be a ESL teacher when I graduate. [04:12.94]192 Education [04:20.08]Children start school at about the age of five. [04:24.28]less than twenty percent of eighteen year olds enter university. [04:28.93]A: Would you please tell me something about English education system? [04:36.40]B: All right. What exactly are you interested in? [04:38.62]A: Just a general outline will do. [04:41.44]B. Perhaps I'd better begin from the beginning. [04:44.45](Jackson is talking with Wang Ping on English education system.) [04:50.69]Jackson: Mr. Wang, I gather you want to get some background into the English education system? [04:57.72]Wang Ping: That' s right. It's very good of you to spare the time to see me. [05:02.52]Jackson: Delighted to help. [05:04.20]Wang Ping: I would like a general outline to begin with, if that's OK. [05:08.58]Jackson: Fine. Perhaps I'd better begin from the beginning. [05:12.92]Children start school at about the age of five. From five to eleven, they attend primary school; [05:21.07]At eleven they transfer to secondary school. [05:24.99]Wang Ping: I see. And how long do they stay there? [05:29.82]Jackson: Well, 16 is the earliest leaving age, [05:32.30]though many stay on to continue their schooling until eighteen. [05:37.55]Those who stay on after sixteen may stay at the same secondary school [05:43.01]or move to special colleges which just take sixteen to eighteen year olds. [05:51.92]A third option for the children in this age range is to continue their education at technical colleges. [05:56.94]These provide academic courses, as do schools, but in addition they offer specifical vocation training. [06:04.23]Wang Ping: So they could train students in, say, bricklaying or car mechanics? [06:12.09]Jackson: Yes, that's the sort of thing. [06:14.18]Wang Ping: How many of the secondary school students could enter university ? [06:19.35]Jackson: Mmm, still a minority. Less than twenty per cent of eighteen year olds enter university. [06:26.95]193 Graduation [06:32.41]You make me feel so proud, graduating with such good grades. [06:37.27]Next week we will graduate from high school. [06:40.30]Dad: Son, you make me feel so proud, graduating with such good grades. [06:51.01]Son: Thanks, Dad. [06:52.63]Mum: He takes after my father. So hard-working. [06:57.88]Dad. No, he takes after my father. So intelligent. [07:02.01]Son. I say I just take after you both. [07:06.00]Dad: That' s correct. [07:07.99]Mum: Shh, be quiet, the chairman is going to speak. [07:12.77](Peter and Mary are going to graduate. They talk about that when they meet.) [07:19.30]Mary: Next week we will graduate from high school. I can hardly wait. [07:24.63]Peter: But first there are two more examinations which I have to pass. [07:29.38]Mary: And there are three more papers that I have to write. [07:33.59]Peter: Did you get your cap and robe for the graduation ceremony? [07:37.90]Mary: Yes, but the robe which they gave me is too long. [07:41.53]The person who gave it to me told me to take it back. [07:45.42]Peter: The one that they gave me is too short. Maybe we should trade. [07:50.36]Mary: That's a good idea! Let's do it. [07:53.03]Peter: Why not? [07:54.07]194 Library [07:59.09]The books are due back on the eighteenth of November. [08:04.08]You can renew the book if you can' t finish reading. [08:07.60]A: Can I take these books out, please? [08:12.59]B: Yes, sure. You've filled in the forms, haven't you? [08:16.72]A: Yes. Here you are. [08:18.86]B: That's OK. The books are due back on the eighteenth of November. [08:23.35]-A: What if I can't finish reading them? [08:26.28]B: You can renew them over the phone or just bring them and we will restamp them. [08:31.43](In the library.) [08:34.53]Librarian: Are you having a problem? [08:37.25]Student: Yes. I have to do a research paper for history. [08:41.80]There is a major book that I need, but I can' t find it. [08:45.64]Librarian: Did you try the card catalog? [08:47.49]Student: Yes, but it's not there. [08:50.52]Librarian: Well, if it's a recent book, it won' t be in the card catalog. [08:55.30]All acquisitions since 1993 are in the computer. I' d advise you to try that. [09:02.25]Student: No wonder! This book was published in 1998. [09:07.55]Librarian: All you have to do is to go to the computer terminal. Type in the title or the author's name. [09:14.19]You will get the call number and the circulation status. [09:18.32]Student: Do you mean it will tell me whether the book is out or not? [09:22.52]Librarian: Yes, it will. It will also give you the due date. [09:27.01]If the book is in the library, it will tell you if it's on the shelf, or at the bindery. [09:33.65]195 Festivals [09:38.09]What' s the biggest holiday in China? [09:41.12]Spring Festival. It's also called Chinese New Year. [09:45.95]A: Do you realize it's November already? Before you know it, thanksgiving will be here. [09:56.32]B: Gee, you're right. Do you feel like inviting your sister and her family over? [10:01.89]A: Sure. After all, they had us over last year. [10:05.96]B; Good. That's settled. Why don't you give them a call and see if they can come? [10:11.40]A: Sure. Say, Randy, can you help me with the shopping? We need to get a turkey. [10:18.71]B: Right. Let's get a nice big one. Do you need ingredients for the stuffing? [10:24.51]A: Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me. This is going to be fun. [10:29.66]With Dan coming home from college, it' II be a real family reunion. [10:34.62](Talking about Holiday. ) [10:39.43]Mrs. Wang: Mr. Arnold, what holidays do you have? [10:43.03]Mr. Arnold: We seem to have the most holidays in the world. [10:47.31]The big national holidays we have are Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. [10:53.56]Of course we celebrate our Independence Day. That's the Fourth of July. [10:58.57]The biggest holiday is Christmas. What's the biggest holiday in China, Mrs. Wang? [11:04.74]Mrs. Wang: Spring Festival. It's also called Chinese New Year. [11:10.15]It's celebrated according to the lunar calendar. [11:13.88]Mr. Arnold: In which month is it in the Western calendar? [11:18.06]Mrs. Wang: It varies every year. It comes either at the end of January or the beginning of February. [11:26.00]Mr. Arnold: That's fascinating. How do you celebrate it? [11:29.76]Mrs. Wang: Well, all shops are dosed and everyone seems to stay at home. [11:35.04]It's the lime for family reunions, you know. On New Year's Eve, many people stay up the whole night. [11:42.82]Mr. Arnold: What about the children? [11:44.68]Mrs. Wang: It's really a great holiday for children. [11:47.89]They dress up in their best and play with firecrackers in the streets. [11:52.72]196 Holidays & Vacation [12:00.35]Where would like to go for our vacation this year? [12:04.11]That' s a perfect place. Let' s spend our vacation there. [12:09.26]A: Hello, Joy. Back from your holidays? Did you go abroad again this year? [12:18.69]B: Yes, we did. We went camping. It was marvelous. [12:20.96]A: Not my sort of holiday, I'm afraid. I've never been camping out for my vacation. [12:26.95]B: Oh Eric, nowadays it' s not very different from being in a hotel. And much fleer. [12:34.08]A: Joy, you make it sound very nice. There's one thing about camping that'll put me off it forever. [12:40.92]B: Oh yes? And what's that? [12:44.55]A. It reminds me of a sergeant I used to hate in the army. [12:47.95](Planning a holiday.) [12:51.55]Garry: Where would you like to go for our vacation this year? [12:56.31]Susan: I liked going to that cabin last year. It was fun going fishing on the lake. [13:02.16]Garry: Yes, but I remember all the black flies, too. Besides, I didn't think it was much fun. [13:09.89]Susan: I really loved it. We went hiking along the old mountain trails. We even learned to ride homes. [13:17.65]Garry: All I remember about the horses was that I was thrown off. [13:21.62]What do you think of the trip we made to the seashore? [13:25.22]Susan: Do you mean the cottage we rented two years ago? [13:28.70]Garry: Maybe not the exact same place, but something like it. [13:32.67]That trip was terrific, I remember catching a small marlin. [13:37.19]Susan: I liked going to that amusement park where there were wild ani mals. Remember?. [13:43.09]We could see them while driving through the park. The monkeys came up to our car and we fed them. [13:49.73]Garry:You're right. That's a perfect place. Let's spend our vacation there. [13:55.27]197 Studying Abroad [14:00.99]My visa has just came through. [14:04.85]You can' t apply for the visa until you get a letter of acceptance and an I-2O form. [14:11.80]A:I heard you were applying to study in Britain. How is it going? [14:19.06]B: My visa has just come through. [14:21.70]A: Congratulations! When will you leave? [14:25.20]B: In a fortnight. I just want to talk to you about it. What clothes should I take with me? [14:31.76]A: How long are you going to stay there? [14:34.71]B: Twe years. [14:36.30]A: Oh well, in that case you'll need to take clothes for every season. [14:41.21]But don't take too many clothes with you. You can buy them quite cheaply in England. [14:46.13](Getting information about studying an American university.) [14:52.66]Wang Ping: Excuse me. I' d like some information how to get into an American university. [14:59.53]Officer: Well, first, you write and get an application form. [15:03.92]Then, you send it in with a copy of your school records and an affidavit of support. [15:10.32]Wang Ping: And do I need to take any tests? [15:13.16]Officer: Yes, you have to take the TOEFL. [15:15.96]Wang Ping: And what about the visa? When can I apply for it? [15:19.85]Officer: Well, you can' t apply for the visa until you get a letter of acceptance [15:25.54]and an 1-20 form from a university. [15:29.31]Wang Ping: I see. And one more thing. Are foreign students allowed to work in the States? [15:35.55]Officer: They'll only let you work in summer. And you'll need to get permission from the U.S. [15:41.61]Office of Immigration to do that. During the school year, [15:45.37]you're not allowed to work unless the work experience is part of you school program. [15:50.62]198 At the Customs [15:56.87]Have you got anything to declare? [16:00.03]No, I've only got clothes and things like that. [16:04.05]A: Have you got anything to declare? [16:08.83]B: Yes, I've got a bottle of perfume and a bottle of whisky. [16:13.37]A: One bottle of perfume? [16:15.54]B: Yes, one bottle of perfume. [16:17.95]A: And what's this? [16:19.64]B: It' s a bottle of whisky. [16:21.34]A: AII right. Thank you. [16:23.56](At the customs. A is a customs officer; B is a visitor. ) [16:30.72]A: Are these your bags, sir? [16:33.52]B: Yes, that's right. [16:34.95]A: Have you anything to declare? [16:36.91]B: No, I've only got clothes and things like that. [16:41.12]A: What's the purpose of your visit? [16:43.23]B: I'm here on business. [16:45.09]A:I see. Would you mind opening this one? [16:48.64]B: Not at all. [16:49.97]A: What's inside this package? [16:52.11]B: Presents for some of my friends. They're glass vases and so on. [16:56.79]A: Got any cigarettes? Spirits? [16:58.64]B: I've got 200 cigarettes, but I haven't got any spirits. [17:05.10]A: Would you mind showing me your camera, please, sir? [17:08.41]B: Not at all. [17:09.69]A:I see. Thank you... Right, that's all, thank you. [17:14.29]199 Party [17:19.88]It's a great party, isn't it? [17:23.17]Yeah. And the music' s wonderful. John really knows how to hold a party. [17:28.84]A: It's a great party, isn't it? [17:33.60]B: Yeah. And the music's wonderful. John really knows how to hold a party. [17:38.61]A. Have you known him long? [17:40.73]B: John? Oh, yeah. We went to middle school together. [17:44.80](After a party, Linda is chatting with her daughter Lisa and daughter-inlaw Wang Ling.) [17:53.66]Lisa: So, mum, how are you feeling about the party? [17:58.10]Linda: Oh, wonderful, definitely. It was a real success, wasn't it? [18:04.00]Everyone seemed to have a good time... And the food was perfect. [18:08.52]There were very few leftovers, Which I'm happy to say. And you two were marvelous. [18:15.18]I don't know what I would have done without you. [18:18.19]Wang Ling: I really enjoyed the whole day ... the preparations and the party itself. [18:25.08]I was a bit upset when I tasted my jiaozi though. They were so salty. [18:31.41]Linda: I shouldn't worry about that ff I were you. I thought they were great. [18:38.67]Wang Ling: But they really were too salty. [18:41.67]They would have tasted much better if I had put less salt in them. [18:46.43]Lisa: Perhaps you're right. But I think you're just a bit of a perfectionist! All our friends love you. [18:55.18]Wang Ling: I'm happy to hear that ... because I enjoyed meeting them all. [19:00.56]Linda: There were more people than I expected. I was surprised. [19:06.12]Lisa: Yes, almost everyone we invited came. I just wish Cathy had been here. I really missed her. [19:14.95]Wang Ling: There was a happy atmosphere. I just wish we' d taken some photographs. [19:23.21]Linda: Yes, I agree. I really couldn't forgive Bob for forgetting to buy a film for the camera. [19:31.15]Lisa: Never mind, mum. You'll have lots of good memories of the party for years to come. [19:37.70]200 Invitation [19:44.57]Are you doing anything special Saturday night? [19:47.87]Don' t forget our dinner in Mr. Johnson' s house. He invited us for today. [19:53.04]A: Say, are you doing anything Saturday night? [19:59.99]B: No, nothing special. Why?. [20:02.52]A: Well, do you feel like going to that new disco? [20:05.92]B: Oh, that' s a terrific idea. [20:08.29]A: Shall I pick you up at your house? [20:10.51]B: OK. What time? [20:12.26]A: Is seven o' clock OK? [20:14.28]B: Fine. Well, see you at seven. [20:17.59]A: Right. So long for now. [20:19.71](A dinner invitation.) [20:23.05]Xu: Pan, are you finishing your report? [20:26.92]Pan: No, not yet. [20:28.75]Xu: Don' t forget our dinner in Mr. Johnson's house. He invited us for today. [20:34.16]Pan: Oh! I completely forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me. [20:39.28]Xu: I don' t blame you for forgetting about it. [20:42.20]The Americans seem always to give out their invitations so far in advance. [20:48.13]Mr. Johnson said he would pick us up in front of this library. But I don' t remember the time. [20:55.00]Pan: Let me check my notebook. 5:30. He said he would be here at 6:30. [21:02.47]Xu: Right. It's informal, isn't it?. [21:05.45]Pan: Yeah, that's what he said. He said we could wear anything we like. [21:10.26]Xu: OK. Now I'll go up to the reading room to finish that book. I'll see you at 6:30 downstairs. [21:18.67]Pan: All right. See you later. [21:21.25]201 Birthday [21:26.35]Happy birthday, Alice. Many happy returns of the day. [21:31.89]Thank you very much, Peter. [21:34.00]A: Today is the twentieth, isn't it? [21:39.98]B: No, it's the twenty-first. [21:42.52]A: So tomorrow' s the twenty-second, Washington' s Birthday. [21:46.33]B: No. He was born on February the second, [21:49.94]but his birthday is now celebrated on the third Monday in February. [21:55.16]A: Right. Do you remember in which year he was born? [21:59.08]B: Let's see. I think he was born in 1732 and died in 1799. [22:06.89]A: Well, you certainly have a very good memory. [22:10.96]B: I just saw a program about him on TV last night. [22:14.88](At the birthday party.) [22:17.78]Peter: Happy birthday, Alice. Many happy returns of the day. Here's a present for you. [22:25.15]Alice: Thank you, Peter. Come into the dining-room. [22:28.41]John: Have some sandwiches first, Peter. [22:31.29]Peter: Thanks. John, who's that girl? [22:34.24]John: That's Joan. She's pretty, isn't she? She likes to dance. Ask her to dance. [22:43.77]Peter: Well, I don't know. [22:45.97]John: Don' t be afraid. She isn't going to bite you. [22:50.80]Alice: I'm going to cut the cake now! [22:53.60]Chorus: Happy birthday to you! [22:56.18]202 Dance [23:02.74]May I invite you to dance with me? [23:06.29]I would be glad to. [23:08.04]A: It's so hot here. [23:12.54]B: It's noisy too, but the music is great! [23:15.93]A: Yes. May I invite you to dance with me? [23:19.80]B: I'd be glad to. [23:21.47]A: I like this record very much. Do you come here often? [23:25.88]B: Now and again at weekends. [23:28.52]A. Here comes my friend Dick. I'll introduce you to him. [23:32.91](Mac is off for break dance.) [23:37.61]Mac: Bye, Mum, we're off. [23:39.68]Mum: Off where? [23:40.70]Mac: Break dancing. [23:42.16]Mum: Break dancing?. Whatever's that? [23:44.85]Mac: You dance on your shoulders and on your back, and on your head when you're good enough. [23:50.99]Mum: It doesn't sound much like dancing to me. More like some competition in the Olympic Games. [23:57.31]Mac: Yeah.. It's good exercise. Keeps you fit. But not like school athletics. It' s great. Mum. [24:04.96]Mum: And where are you off to do your break dancing? [24:08.31]Mac: Oh, we do it in the street. Anywhere. You just do it--where you feel like it. [24:15.07]Mum: Just start dancing in the street like that? [24:18.31]Mac: Why not? We take the portable cassette recorder and when we find a nice street, [24:23.85]we turn the music up really loud and start dancing. [24:27.51]Mum: I suppose that explains the condition of your clothes lately. [24:31.90]Mac: What do you mean, Mum? [24:33.80]Mum: All these tears and holes I've suddenly been noticing in unusual places. That explains it. [24:41.38]203 Concert [24:46.71]I've got two tickets for a Beethoven concert tomorrow evening. [24:50.26]It's a new concert hall and the acoustics are great. [24:54.23]A: Hello, Mary. Are you free tomorrow evening? [25:00.00]B: Yes, I suppose so. [25:02.64]A: I've got two tickets for a Beethoven concert tomorrow evening. Wouldn't you want to go with me? [25:10.37]B: Wonderful! I'd love to go! [25:12.62]A: Let' s make it at 7 o' clock at the entrance of the Grand Theatre then. [25:17.84]And try to get there on time, will you? [25:20.69]B: Don't worry. See you then. [25:22.96](During the intermission of a symphony concert) [25:28.63]David: Would you like to stretch your legs? [25:30.91]Miss Lin: Sure. [25:31.85]David: Let' s get a soft drink. [25:33.91]Miss Lin: Do we have enough time? [25:35.35]David: It's a fifteen-minute intermission. [25:38.25]Miss Lin: The seats are excellent. We' re right in the center. [25:42.01]David: It's a new concert hall and the acoustics are great. [25:45.74]Miss Lin: I can't agree more. [25:47.39]David: Is this your first time to come to a symphony concert? [25:51.36]Miss Lin: In the United States, yes. [25:53.63]But back in China, I went to concerts a couple of times with my parents. [25:58.83]David: Do you have large concert halls in your city? [26:03.17]Miss Lin: We have two. One is like this one. The other is a little smaller. [26:08.08]David: That's great. Well, we'd better get back to our seats. It's about to start. [26:14.22]204 Musical [26:19.73]Do you play a musical instrument? [26:22.94]Yes, I play the guitar. [26:25.37]A: Do you play a musical instrument? [26:30.73]B: Yes, I play the guitar. [26:33.16]A: How well can you play it? [26:35.06]B: As a matter of fact, I' m in the school band. [26:38.17]A: Oh, you must spend a lot of your free time practicing, is that right? [26:44.26]B: Right. In order to perform well, you have to practice a lot. [26:48.91](In the following conversation, Dennis is interviewing Stephanie, a music teacher.) [26:56.59]Dennis: Which do you think is the easiest instrument for people to learn to play?. [27:03.67]Stephanie: I think the guitar is the easiest to learn. [27:06.54]It's one of the easiest to carry, and that's important for a musician. [27:11.50]Dennis: And the second? [27:13.31]Stephanie: My second choice is probably the most popular instrument, [27:17.80]and I think it' s the most satisfying, too, because you can make more progress at the beginning. [27:24.51]That's the piano. [27:26.21]Dennis: Is playing a woodwind or brass instrument very difficult? It looks quite easy. [27:32.77]Stephanie: I think the clarinet and the trumpet are the easiest to learn. [27:36.95]Finding the notes is quite easy and breathing isn't a serious problem. [27:42.46]But I find all the wind instruments less satisfying for people to play, [27:48.00]because you can' t do much alone. You have to play with others. [27:52.54]Dennis: And which do you think is the most difficult instrument to play? [27:58.68]Stephanie: No doubt at all. The violin. And I think it's the most difficult because both hands have to work, [28:05.94]but they have to do different jobs. The left hand makes the notes on the strings [28:12.03]while the right hand has to manage the bow, and bowing well is an art. [28:17.07]205 Music & Songs [28:23.63]That's my new record. Don't you like it? [28:27.00]Well, I'm not too fond of his songs. He doesn't sing about meaningful things. [28:33.16]A: Linda, turn down the stereo a bit, I'm trying to read. [28:40.29]B: That's my new record, Dad. Don't you like it? [28:43.64]A: The singer, is he the one who won all the music awards? [28:48.50]B: Yes, he is also the one singing in the movie we saw last night on TV. [28:53.90]A: Well, I'm not too fond of his songs. He doesn't sing about meaningful things. [29:00.15]B. He does! You just don' t listen to his songs. [29:04.09]A: You play them so loudly. Anyone not listening must be deaf. [29:09.66]B: Okey, Dad. I'll turn down the volume. [29:13.36](Peter and Tom are listening to songs.) [29:18.01]Tom: Peter, listen to the lyrics of this song. [29:23.32]Peter: What' s so special about this song? [29:26.74]Tom: It's from the musical that is so popular in New York right now. Do you like it? [29:33.40]Peter: Not very much. It sounds too emotional to me. [29:38.47]Tom: That's why it is so popular. It was recorded by Barbara Martin. [29:43.88]I've heard that when she sang this song on stage the opening night, she created quite a sensation. [29:50.56]Peter: I'm afraid my association with Broadway musicals is rather limited. [29:56.21]Tom: Well then, you need an introduction. The school drama club is putting on a musical production. [30:03.42]How about going together? [30:05.69]Peter: I have a better idea. Let's go to a jazz concert and I'll give you an education in jazz.

00:00

MP3下載文本下載

[00:00.00]190 Study
[00:04.10]I spend more time looking up in dictionaries than studying scientific papers.
[00:10.00]It might be a good idea just to skim over the less important papers to get the main idea.
[00:18.00]A: What' s worrying you, Li?
[00:22.52]B.I don't seem able to keep up with all the reading we're expected to do. I simply can't finish.
[00:28.53]A: If I were you, I'd stop worrying. Your problem is not so unusual,
[00:34.01]most postgraduates have trouble getting through all the reading assigned to them.
[00:40.72]But of course you have the added problem that it's in a foreign language.
[00:44.12]B: That's true. I spend more time looking up in dictionaries than studying scientific papers.
[00:54.36]A; There's no need to read every word of those papers, you know.
[00:57.13]It might be a good idea just to skim over the less important papers to get the main idea.
[01:00.76]B: I' II give it a try. Thanks for your encouragement.
[01:07.76](Meng is discussing his problems in his study with Professor Pool. )
[01:11.34]Pool: You seem to be doing all right, Meng.
[01:14.24]Meng: But I have to spend so much time reading.
[01:17.27]Pool: There is a lot of reading, but that' s normal for postgraduate work.
[01:22.65]I think part of your problem is the fact that it' s in a foreign language to you.
[01:27.98]Meng: I suppose I'll just have to learn to read faster.
[01:32.03]Pool. How about the seminars? Can you follow the discussions?
[01:36.47]Meng: Well, I can usually follow what the others say,
[01:41.25]but I'm not so accustomed to it and I'm not so sure what to say.
[01:44.62]Pool: Don't be bashful about speaking out. Seminars are very import ant in postgraduate work.
[01:51.78]As I see it, most of the benefit of the seminars comes from the exchange of ideas.
[01:59.38]Meng: Yes, I'm beginning to see that. I've got some valuable insights from the others.
[02:06.01]Pool: But you should share your insights with us. I'm sure you have a lot to offer, just as the others do.
[02:12.44]191 English
[02:18.81]I think English is an easy language to learn. Don't you agree?
[02:23.96]In my opinion, English is a very difficult language.
[02:28.58]A: You know... I think English is an easy language to learn. Don't you agree?
[02:35.22]B: Well, I'm not so sure. Why do you say that?
[02:37.91]A: The grammar rules are very easy. Don't you think so?
[02:43.50]B: No, not really, I disagree. In my opinion, English is a very difficult language.
[02:50.24]A: Oh? What makes you say that?
[02:53.09]B: You don't always pronounce English words in the way you spell them.
[02:58.05]A: mm. May be you're right.
[03:01.42](Bob and Jenny are talking about what to do in summer.)
[03:07.17]Bob: Well, Jenny, the school year is almost over. We just have two more weeks before exams.
[03:14.14]What do you plan to do this summer?.
[03:16.44]Jenny: I' m going to teach English to some immigrants in the university's community service program.
[03:23.42]Bob: That sounds interesting. Don' t you need m speak any foreign languages for a job like that?
[03:29.58]Jenny: No, you don' t. You just have to present the language simply
[03:34.36]and give students a chance to practice speaking.
[03:37.47]Bob: Come to think of it, that's the way I was taught to speak Chinese.
[03:42.64]But speaking Chinese didn' t help me learn to read and write Chinese.
[03:47.97]Jenny: My students won' t want to read and write English, at least not now.
[03:54.27]They are more interested in speaking.
[03:56.80]Bob: You sound very knowledgeable about all this. How do you know so much?
[04:02.52]Jenny: I took a Teaching English as a Second Language course last year when you were in China.
[04:08.45]I think I would like to be a ESL teacher when I graduate.
[04:12.94]192 Education
[04:20.08]Children start school at about the age of five.
[04:24.28]less than twenty percent of eighteen year olds enter university.
[04:28.93]A: Would you please tell me something about English education system?
[04:36.40]B: All right. What exactly are you interested in?
[04:38.62]A: Just a general outline will do.
[04:41.44]B. Perhaps I'd better begin from the beginning.
[04:44.45](Jackson is talking with Wang Ping on English education system.)
[04:50.69]Jackson: Mr. Wang, I gather you want to get some background into the English education system?
[04:57.72]Wang Ping: That' s right. It's very good of you to spare the time to see me.
[05:02.52]Jackson: Delighted to help.
[05:04.20]Wang Ping: I would like a general outline to begin with, if that's OK.
[05:08.58]Jackson: Fine. Perhaps I'd better begin from the beginning.
[05:12.92]Children start school at about the age of five. From five to eleven, they attend primary school;
[05:21.07]At eleven they transfer to secondary school.
[05:24.99]Wang Ping: I see. And how long do they stay there?
[05:29.82]Jackson: Well, 16 is the earliest leaving age,
[05:32.30]though many stay on to continue their schooling until eighteen.
[05:37.55]Those who stay on after sixteen may stay at the same secondary school
[05:43.01]or move to special colleges which just take sixteen to eighteen year olds.
[05:51.92]A third option for the children in this age range is to continue their education at technical colleges.
[05:56.94]These provide academic courses, as do schools, but in addition they offer specifical vocation training.
[06:04.23]Wang Ping: So they could train students in, say, bricklaying or car mechanics?
[06:12.09]Jackson: Yes, that's the sort of thing.
[06:14.18]Wang Ping: How many of the secondary school students could enter university ?
[06:19.35]Jackson: Mmm, still a minority. Less than twenty per cent of eighteen year olds enter university.
[06:26.95]193 Graduation
[06:32.41]You make me feel so proud, graduating with such good grades.
[06:37.27]Next week we will graduate from high school.
[06:40.30]Dad: Son, you make me feel so proud, graduating with such good grades.
[06:51.01]Son: Thanks, Dad.
[06:52.63]Mum: He takes after my father. So hard-working.
[06:57.88]Dad. No, he takes after my father. So intelligent.
[07:02.01]Son. I say I just take after you both.
[07:06.00]Dad: That' s correct.
[07:07.99]Mum: Shh, be quiet, the chairman is going to speak.
[07:12.77](Peter and Mary are going to graduate. They talk about that when they meet.)
[07:19.30]Mary: Next week we will graduate from high school. I can hardly wait.
[07:24.63]Peter: But first there are two more examinations which I have to pass.
[07:29.38]Mary: And there are three more papers that I have to write.
[07:33.59]Peter: Did you get your cap and robe for the graduation ceremony?
[07:37.90]Mary: Yes, but the robe which they gave me is too long.
[07:41.53]The person who gave it to me told me to take it back.
[07:45.42]Peter: The one that they gave me is too short. Maybe we should trade.
[07:50.36]Mary: That's a good idea! Let's do it.
[07:53.03]Peter: Why not?
[07:54.07]194 Library
[07:59.09]The books are due back on the eighteenth of November.
[08:04.08]You can renew the book if you can' t finish reading.
[08:07.60]A: Can I take these books out, please?
[08:12.59]B: Yes, sure. You've filled in the forms, haven't you?
[08:16.72]A: Yes. Here you are.
[08:18.86]B: That's OK. The books are due back on the eighteenth of November.
[08:23.35]-A: What if I can't finish reading them?
[08:26.28]B: You can renew them over the phone or just bring them and we will restamp them.
[08:31.43](In the library.)
[08:34.53]Librarian: Are you having a problem?
[08:37.25]Student: Yes. I have to do a research paper for history.
[08:41.80]There is a major book that I need, but I can' t find it.
[08:45.64]Librarian: Did you try the card catalog?
[08:47.49]Student: Yes, but it's not there.
[08:50.52]Librarian: Well, if it's a recent book, it won' t be in the card catalog.
[08:55.30]All acquisitions since 1993 are in the computer. I' d advise you to try that.
[09:02.25]Student: No wonder! This book was published in 1998.
[09:07.55]Librarian: All you have to do is to go to the computer terminal. Type in the title or the author's name.
[09:14.19]You will get the call number and the circulation status.
[09:18.32]Student: Do you mean it will tell me whether the book is out or not?
[09:22.52]Librarian: Yes, it will. It will also give you the due date.
[09:27.01]If the book is in the library, it will tell you if it's on the shelf, or at the bindery.
[09:33.65]195 Festivals
[09:38.09]What' s the biggest holiday in China?
[09:41.12]Spring Festival. It's also called Chinese New Year.
[09:45.95]A: Do you realize it's November already? Before you know it, thanksgiving will be here.
[09:56.32]B: Gee, you're right. Do you feel like inviting your sister and her family over?
[10:01.89]A: Sure. After all, they had us over last year.
[10:05.96]B; Good. That's settled. Why don't you give them a call and see if they can come?
[10:11.40]A: Sure. Say, Randy, can you help me with the shopping? We need to get a turkey.
[10:18.71]B: Right. Let's get a nice big one. Do you need ingredients for the stuffing?
[10:24.51]A: Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me. This is going to be fun.
[10:29.66]With Dan coming home from college, it' II be a real family reunion.
[10:34.62](Talking about Holiday. )
[10:39.43]Mrs. Wang: Mr. Arnold, what holidays do you have?
[10:43.03]Mr. Arnold: We seem to have the most holidays in the world.
[10:47.31]The big national holidays we have are Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
[10:53.56]Of course we celebrate our Independence Day. That's the Fourth of July.
[10:58.57]The biggest holiday is Christmas. What's the biggest holiday in China, Mrs. Wang?
[11:04.74]Mrs. Wang: Spring Festival. It's also called Chinese New Year.
[11:10.15]It's celebrated according to the lunar calendar.
[11:13.88]Mr. Arnold: In which month is it in the Western calendar?
[11:18.06]Mrs. Wang: It varies every year. It comes either at the end of January or the beginning of February.
[11:26.00]Mr. Arnold: That's fascinating. How do you celebrate it?
[11:29.76]Mrs. Wang: Well, all shops are dosed and everyone seems to stay at home.
[11:35.04]It's the lime for family reunions, you know. On New Year's Eve, many people stay up the whole night.
[11:42.82]Mr. Arnold: What about the children?
[11:44.68]Mrs. Wang: It's really a great holiday for children.
[11:47.89]They dress up in their best and play with firecrackers in the streets.
[11:52.72]196 Holidays & Vacation
[12:00.35]Where would like to go for our vacation this year?
[12:04.11]That' s a perfect place. Let' s spend our vacation there.
[12:09.26]A: Hello, Joy. Back from your holidays? Did you go abroad again this year?
[12:18.69]B: Yes, we did. We went camping. It was marvelous.
[12:20.96]A: Not my sort of holiday, I'm afraid. I've never been camping out for my vacation.
[12:26.95]B: Oh Eric, nowadays it' s not very different from being in a hotel. And much fleer.
[12:34.08]A: Joy, you make it sound very nice. There's one thing about camping that'll put me off it forever.
[12:40.92]B: Oh yes? And what's that?
[12:44.55]A. It reminds me of a sergeant I used to hate in the army.
[12:47.95](Planning a holiday.)
[12:51.55]Garry: Where would you like to go for our vacation this year?
[12:56.31]Susan: I liked going to that cabin last year. It was fun going fishing on the lake.
[13:02.16]Garry: Yes, but I remember all the black flies, too. Besides, I didn't think it was much fun.
[13:09.89]Susan: I really loved it. We went hiking along the old mountain trails. We even learned to ride homes.
[13:17.65]Garry: All I remember about the horses was that I was thrown off.
[13:21.62]What do you think of the trip we made to the seashore?
[13:25.22]Susan: Do you mean the cottage we rented two years ago?
[13:28.70]Garry: Maybe not the exact same place, but something like it.
[13:32.67]That trip was terrific, I remember catching a small marlin.
[13:37.19]Susan: I liked going to that amusement park where there were wild ani mals. Remember?.
[13:43.09]We could see them while driving through the park. The monkeys came up to our car and we fed them.
[13:49.73]Garry:You're right. That's a perfect place. Let's spend our vacation there.
[13:55.27]197 Studying Abroad
[14:00.99]My visa has just came through.
[14:04.85]You can' t apply for the visa until you get a letter of acceptance and an I-2O form.
[14:11.80]A:I heard you were applying to study in Britain. How is it going?
[14:19.06]B: My visa has just come through.
[14:21.70]A: Congratulations! When will you leave?
[14:25.20]B: In a fortnight. I just want to talk to you about it. What clothes should I take with me?
[14:31.76]A: How long are you going to stay there?
[14:34.71]B: Twe years.
[14:36.30]A: Oh well, in that case you'll need to take clothes for every season.
[14:41.21]But don't take too many clothes with you. You can buy them quite cheaply in England.
[14:46.13](Getting information about studying an American university.)
[14:52.66]Wang Ping: Excuse me. I' d like some information how to get into an American university.
[14:59.53]Officer: Well, first, you write and get an application form.
[15:03.92]Then, you send it in with a copy of your school records and an affidavit of support.
[15:10.32]Wang Ping: And do I need to take any tests?
[15:13.16]Officer: Yes, you have to take the TOEFL.
[15:15.96]Wang Ping: And what about the visa? When can I apply for it?
[15:19.85]Officer: Well, you can' t apply for the visa until you get a letter of acceptance
[15:25.54]and an 1-20 form from a university.
[15:29.31]Wang Ping: I see. And one more thing. Are foreign students allowed to work in the States?
[15:35.55]Officer: They'll only let you work in summer. And you'll need to get permission from the U.S.
[15:41.61]Office of Immigration to do that. During the school year,
[15:45.37]you're not allowed to work unless the work experience is part of you school program.
[15:50.62]198 At the Customs
[15:56.87]Have you got anything to declare?
[16:00.03]No, I've only got clothes and things like that.
[16:04.05]A: Have you got anything to declare?
[16:08.83]B: Yes, I've got a bottle of perfume and a bottle of whisky.
[16:13.37]A: One bottle of perfume?
[16:15.54]B: Yes, one bottle of perfume.
[16:17.95]A: And what's this?
[16:19.64]B: It' s a bottle of whisky.
[16:21.34]A: AII right. Thank you.
[16:23.56](At the customs. A is a customs officer; B is a visitor. )
[16:30.72]A: Are these your bags, sir?
[16:33.52]B: Yes, that's right.
[16:34.95]A: Have you anything to declare?
[16:36.91]B: No, I've only got clothes and things like that.
[16:41.12]A: What's the purpose of your visit?
[16:43.23]B: I'm here on business.
[16:45.09]A:I see. Would you mind opening this one?
[16:48.64]B: Not at all.
[16:49.97]A: What's inside this package?
[16:52.11]B: Presents for some of my friends. They're glass vases and so on.
[16:56.79]A: Got any cigarettes? Spirits?
[16:58.64]B: I've got 200 cigarettes, but I haven't got any spirits.
[17:05.10]A: Would you mind showing me your camera, please, sir?
[17:08.41]B: Not at all.
[17:09.69]A:I see. Thank you... Right, that's all, thank you.
[17:14.29]199 Party
[17:19.88]It's a great party, isn't it?
[17:23.17]Yeah. And the music' s wonderful. John really knows how to hold a party.
[17:28.84]A: It's a great party, isn't it?
[17:33.60]B: Yeah. And the music's wonderful. John really knows how to hold a party.
[17:38.61]A. Have you known him long?
[17:40.73]B: John? Oh, yeah. We went to middle school together.
[17:44.80](After a party, Linda is chatting with her daughter Lisa and daughter-inlaw Wang Ling.)
[17:53.66]Lisa: So, mum, how are you feeling about the party?
[17:58.10]Linda: Oh, wonderful, definitely. It was a real success, wasn't it?
[18:04.00]Everyone seemed to have a good time... And the food was perfect.
[18:08.52]There were very few leftovers, Which I'm happy to say. And you two were marvelous.
[18:15.18]I don't know what I would have done without you.
[18:18.19]Wang Ling: I really enjoyed the whole day ... the preparations and the party itself.
[18:25.08]I was a bit upset when I tasted my jiaozi though. They were so salty.
[18:31.41]Linda: I shouldn't worry about that ff I were you. I thought they were great.
[18:38.67]Wang Ling: But they really were too salty.
[18:41.67]They would have tasted much better if I had put less salt in them.
[18:46.43]Lisa: Perhaps you're right. But I think you're just a bit of a perfectionist! All our friends love you.
[18:55.18]Wang Ling: I'm happy to hear that ... because I enjoyed meeting them all.
[19:00.56]Linda: There were more people than I expected. I was surprised.
[19:06.12]Lisa: Yes, almost everyone we invited came. I just wish Cathy had been here. I really missed her.
[19:14.95]Wang Ling: There was a happy atmosphere. I just wish we' d taken some photographs.
[19:23.21]Linda: Yes, I agree. I really couldn't forgive Bob for forgetting to buy a film for the camera.
[19:31.15]Lisa: Never mind, mum. You'll have lots of good memories of the party for years to come.
[19:37.70]200 Invitation
[19:44.57]Are you doing anything special Saturday night?
[19:47.87]Don' t forget our dinner in Mr. Johnson' s house. He invited us for today.
[19:53.04]A: Say, are you doing anything Saturday night?
[19:59.99]B: No, nothing special. Why?.
[20:02.52]A: Well, do you feel like going to that new disco?
[20:05.92]B: Oh, that' s a terrific idea.
[20:08.29]A: Shall I pick you up at your house?
[20:10.51]B: OK. What time?
[20:12.26]A: Is seven o' clock OK?
[20:14.28]B: Fine. Well, see you at seven.
[20:17.59]A: Right. So long for now.
[20:19.71](A dinner invitation.)
[20:23.05]Xu: Pan, are you finishing your report?
[20:26.92]Pan: No, not yet.
[20:28.75]Xu: Don' t forget our dinner in Mr. Johnson's house. He invited us for today.
[20:34.16]Pan: Oh! I completely forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me.
[20:39.28]Xu: I don' t blame you for forgetting about it.
[20:42.20]The Americans seem always to give out their invitations so far in advance.
[20:48.13]Mr. Johnson said he would pick us up in front of this library. But I don' t remember the time.
[20:55.00]Pan: Let me check my notebook. 5:30. He said he would be here at 6:30.
[21:02.47]Xu: Right. It's informal, isn't it?.
[21:05.45]Pan: Yeah, that's what he said. He said we could wear anything we like.
[21:10.26]Xu: OK. Now I'll go up to the reading room to finish that book. I'll see you at 6:30 downstairs.
[21:18.67]Pan: All right. See you later.
[21:21.25]201 Birthday
[21:26.35]Happy birthday, Alice. Many happy returns of the day.
[21:31.89]Thank you very much, Peter.
[21:34.00]A: Today is the twentieth, isn't it?
[21:39.98]B: No, it's the twenty-first.
[21:42.52]A: So tomorrow' s the twenty-second, Washington' s Birthday.
[21:46.33]B: No. He was born on February the second,
[21:49.94]but his birthday is now celebrated on the third Monday in February.
[21:55.16]A: Right. Do you remember in which year he was born?
[21:59.08]B: Let's see. I think he was born in 1732 and died in 1799.
[22:06.89]A: Well, you certainly have a very good memory.
[22:10.96]B: I just saw a program about him on TV last night.
[22:14.88](At the birthday party.)
[22:17.78]Peter: Happy birthday, Alice. Many happy returns of the day. Here's a present for you.
[22:25.15]Alice: Thank you, Peter. Come into the dining-room.
[22:28.41]John: Have some sandwiches first, Peter.
[22:31.29]Peter: Thanks. John, who's that girl?
[22:34.24]John: That's Joan. She's pretty, isn't she? She likes to dance. Ask her to dance.
[22:43.77]Peter: Well, I don't know.
[22:45.97]John: Don' t be afraid. She isn't going to bite you.
[22:50.80]Alice: I'm going to cut the cake now!
[22:53.60]Chorus: Happy birthday to you!
[22:56.18]202 Dance
[23:02.74]May I invite you to dance with me?
[23:06.29]I would be glad to.
[23:08.04]A: It's so hot here.
[23:12.54]B: It's noisy too, but the music is great!
[23:15.93]A: Yes. May I invite you to dance with me?
[23:19.80]B: I'd be glad to.
[23:21.47]A: I like this record very much. Do you come here often?
[23:25.88]B: Now and again at weekends.
[23:28.52]A. Here comes my friend Dick. I'll introduce you to him.
[23:32.91](Mac is off for break dance.)
[23:37.61]Mac: Bye, Mum, we're off.
[23:39.68]Mum: Off where?
[23:40.70]Mac: Break dancing.
[23:42.16]Mum: Break dancing?. Whatever's that?
[23:44.85]Mac: You dance on your shoulders and on your back, and on your head when you're good enough.
[23:50.99]Mum: It doesn't sound much like dancing to me. More like some competition in the Olympic Games.
[23:57.31]Mac: Yeah.. It's good exercise. Keeps you fit. But not like school athletics. It' s great. Mum.
[24:04.96]Mum: And where are you off to do your break dancing?
[24:08.31]Mac: Oh, we do it in the street. Anywhere. You just do it--where you feel like it.
[24:15.07]Mum: Just start dancing in the street like that?
[24:18.31]Mac: Why not? We take the portable cassette recorder and when we find a nice street,
[24:23.85]we turn the music up really loud and start dancing.
[24:27.51]Mum: I suppose that explains the condition of your clothes lately.
[24:31.90]Mac: What do you mean, Mum?
[24:33.80]Mum: All these tears and holes I've suddenly been noticing in unusual places. That explains it.
[24:41.38]203 Concert
[24:46.71]I've got two tickets for a Beethoven concert tomorrow evening.
[24:50.26]It's a new concert hall and the acoustics are great.
[24:54.23]A: Hello, Mary. Are you free tomorrow evening?
[25:00.00]B: Yes, I suppose so.
[25:02.64]A: I've got two tickets for a Beethoven concert tomorrow evening. Wouldn't you want to go with me?
[25:10.37]B: Wonderful! I'd love to go!
[25:12.62]A: Let' s make it at 7 o' clock at the entrance of the Grand Theatre then.
[25:17.84]And try to get there on time, will you?
[25:20.69]B: Don't worry. See you then.
[25:22.96](During the intermission of a symphony concert)
[25:28.63]David: Would you like to stretch your legs?
[25:30.91]Miss Lin: Sure.
[25:31.85]David: Let' s get a soft drink.
[25:33.91]Miss Lin: Do we have enough time?
[25:35.35]David: It's a fifteen-minute intermission.
[25:38.25]Miss Lin: The seats are excellent. We' re right in the center.
[25:42.01]David: It's a new concert hall and the acoustics are great.
[25:45.74]Miss Lin: I can't agree more.
[25:47.39]David: Is this your first time to come to a symphony concert?
[25:51.36]Miss Lin: In the United States, yes.
[25:53.63]But back in China, I went to concerts a couple of times with my parents.
[25:58.83]David: Do you have large concert halls in your city?
[26:03.17]Miss Lin: We have two. One is like this one. The other is a little smaller.
[26:08.08]David: That's great. Well, we'd better get back to our seats. It's about to start.
[26:14.22]204 Musical
[26:19.73]Do you play a musical instrument?
[26:22.94]Yes, I play the guitar.
[26:25.37]A: Do you play a musical instrument?
[26:30.73]B: Yes, I play the guitar.
[26:33.16]A: How well can you play it?
[26:35.06]B: As a matter of fact, I' m in the school band.
[26:38.17]A: Oh, you must spend a lot of your free time practicing, is that right?
[26:44.26]B: Right. In order to perform well, you have to practice a lot.
[26:48.91](In the following conversation, Dennis is interviewing Stephanie, a music teacher.)
[26:56.59]Dennis: Which do you think is the easiest instrument for people to learn to play?.
[27:03.67]Stephanie: I think the guitar is the easiest to learn.
[27:06.54]It's one of the easiest to carry, and that's important for a musician.
[27:11.50]Dennis: And the second?
[27:13.31]Stephanie: My second choice is probably the most popular instrument,
[27:17.80]and I think it' s the most satisfying, too, because you can make more progress at the beginning.
[27:24.51]That's the piano.
[27:26.21]Dennis: Is playing a woodwind or brass instrument very difficult? It looks quite easy.
[27:32.77]Stephanie: I think the clarinet and the trumpet are the easiest to learn.
[27:36.95]Finding the notes is quite easy and breathing isn't a serious problem.
[27:42.46]But I find all the wind instruments less satisfying for people to play,
[27:48.00]because you can' t do much alone. You have to play with others.
[27:52.54]Dennis: And which do you think is the most difficult instrument to play?
[27:58.68]Stephanie: No doubt at all. The violin. And I think it's the most difficult because both hands have to work,
[28:05.94]but they have to do different jobs. The left hand makes the notes on the strings
[28:12.03]while the right hand has to manage the bow, and bowing well is an art.
[28:17.07]205 Music & Songs
[28:23.63]That's my new record. Don't you like it?
[28:27.00]Well, I'm not too fond of his songs. He doesn't sing about meaningful things.
[28:33.16]A: Linda, turn down the stereo a bit, I'm trying to read.
[28:40.29]B: That's my new record, Dad. Don't you like it?
[28:43.64]A: The singer, is he the one who won all the music awards?
[28:48.50]B: Yes, he is also the one singing in the movie we saw last night on TV.
[28:53.90]A: Well, I'm not too fond of his songs. He doesn't sing about meaningful things.
[29:00.15]B. He does! You just don' t listen to his songs.
[29:04.09]A: You play them so loudly. Anyone not listening must be deaf.
[29:09.66]B: Okey, Dad. I'll turn down the volume.
[29:13.36](Peter and Tom are listening to songs.)
[29:18.01]Tom: Peter, listen to the lyrics of this song.
[29:23.32]Peter: What' s so special about this song?
[29:26.74]Tom: It's from the musical that is so popular in New York right now. Do you like it?
[29:33.40]Peter: Not very much. It sounds too emotional to me.
[29:38.47]Tom: That's why it is so popular. It was recorded by Barbara Martin.
[29:43.88]I've heard that when she sang this song on stage the opening night, she created quite a sensation.
[29:50.56]Peter: I'm afraid my association with Broadway musicals is rather limited.
[29:56.21]Tom: Well then, you need an introduction. The school drama club is putting on a musical production.
[30:03.42]How about going together?
[30:05.69]Peter: I have a better idea. Let's go to a jazz concert and I'll give you an education in jazz.