【Vocabulary】
textbook /tekstbuk/ n. 教科书；课本 p.1 conversation /kɔnvəseɪʃn/, n.交谈；谈话 p.2 aloud /əlaud/ adv.大声地；出声地 p.2 pronunciation /prənʌnsieIʃn/ n.发音；读音 sentence /sentəns/ n.句子 p.2
patient /peiʃnt/ adj.有耐心的 n.病人p.2
expression /ikspreʃn/ n.表达（方式）；表示 p.3 discover /dIskʌvə (r)/ v.发现；发觉 p.3 secret /si:krət/ n.秘密；adj. 秘密的； p.3 look up 查阅；抬头看p.3 grammar /græmə (r)/ n.语法 p.3 repeat /ripi:t/ v.重复；重做 p.4
note /nəut/ n. 笔记；记录 v.注意；指出p.4 pal /pæl/ n.朋友；伙伴p.4 physics /fiziks/ n.物理；物理学 p.4 chemistry /kemistri/ n.化学 p.4 memorize /meməraiz/v.记忆；记住 p.4 pattern /pætn/, /pætən/ n.模式；方式p.4 pronounce /prənauns/ v.发音 p.5 increase /Inkri:s/ v.增加；增长 p.5 speed /spi:d/ n.速度 v.加速 p.5 partner /pa:(r)tnə (r)/ n.搭档；同伴 p.5 born /bɔ:n/ v.出生adj. 天生的p.6 be born with 天生具有 p.6 ability /əbiləti/ n.能力；才能 p.6 create /krieit/ v.创造；创建p.6 brain /brein/ n.大脑 p.6
active /æktiv/ adj.活跃的；积极的 p.6 attention /ətenʃn/ n.注意；关注 p.6 pay attention to 注意；关注 p.6
connect /kənekt/ v.（使）连接；与⋯⋯有联系 p.6 connect … with把⋯⋯和⋯⋯连接或联系起来 p.6
p.2
overnight /əuvə (r)nait/adv. 一夜之间；在夜间 p.6 review /rivju:/ v. & n.回顾；复习 p.6 knowledge /nɔlidʒ/ n.知识；学问p.6 lifelong /laiflɔŋ/adj. 终生的；毕业的p.6 wisely /waizli/ adv.明智地；聪明地 p.6
【Section A-2d】
Jack: Annie, I’m a little nervous. I have to finish reading a book and give a report next Monday. Annie: That doesn’t sound too bad. Jack: But I’m a very slow reader.
Annie: Just read quickly to get the main ideas at first. Don’t read word by word. Read word groups. Jack: But I don’t understand many of the words. I have to use a dictionary.
Annie: Try to guess a word’s meaning by reading the sentences before and after it. You probably understand more than you think. Jack: That sounds difficult!
Annie: Well, be patient. It takes time. You can become better by reading something you enjoy every day. The more you read, the faster you’ll be. 【课文翻译】
杰克：安妮，我有点紧张，我必须读完一本书，以便下周一作报告。 安妮：听起来不太糟糕。 杰克：但我是一个读书很慢的人。
安妮：一开始只管快速阅读获取文章大意就好了，不要逐字逐句的读，按词组阅读。 杰克：但我很多单词都不懂，我不得不用字典。
安妮：尽量通过阅读上下文来猜测单词的意思，可能你知道的比你预象的要多。 杰克：那听起来很难!
安妮：好吧，耐心点，这得花时间。你可以每天通过阅读你喜欢的东西得到提高。你读得越多，你(阅
读的速度)就越快。 【Section A-3d】
How I Learned to Learn English
Last year, I did not like my English class. Every class was like a bad dream. The teacher spoke so quickly that I did not understand her most of the time. I was afraid to ask questions because of my poor pronunciation. I just hid behind my textbook and never said anything.
Then one day I watched an English movie called Toy Story. I fell in love with this exciting and funny movie! So I began to watch other English movies, too. Although I could not understand everything the characters said, their body language and the expressions on their faces helped me to get the meaning. I also realized I could get the meaning by listening for just the key words. My pronunciation improved as well by listening to the conversations in English movies. I discovered that listening to something interesting is the secret to language learning. I also learned useful sentences like “It’s a piece of cake” or “It serves you right.” I did not understand these sentences at first. But because I wanted to understand the story, I looked them up the words in a dictionary.
Now I really enjoy my English class. I want to learn new words and more grammar so that I can have a better understanding of English movies. 【课文翻译】
我是如何学会学习英语的
去年，我不喜欢我的英语课。每节课像是一个噩梦。老师说的太快以至于我大多数时候都听不太懂。因为我糟糕的发音，我害怕问问题。我只是躲在我的课本后面，从来不说一句话。
后来有一天我看了一部叫做《玩具总动员》的英语电影。我爱上了这部既激动人心又滑稽有趣的电影！就这样我也开始看其他的英文电影。虽然我无法听懂那些角色所说的全部内容，但他们的肢体语言和面部表情帮助我理解了意思。我也意识到我可以通过只听关键词来理解意思。通过听英文电影中的对话，我的发音也变的更好了。我发现听一些有趣的内容是学习语言的秘诀。我还学到了一些有用的句子比如“这简直是小菜一碟”或者“你活该”。我起初不理解这些句子，但是因为我想理解这个故事，所以我查了字典。
现在我真的喜欢我的英语课。我想学习生词和更多的语法，那样我对英语电影就能有更好的理解了。 【Section B-2b】
How Can You Become a Successful Learner?
Everyone is born with the ability to learn. But whether or not you can do this well depends on your learning habits. Research shows that successful learners have some good habits in common.
Creating an interest in what they learn
Studies show that if you are interested in something, your brain is more active and it is also easier for you to pay attention to it for a long time. Good learners often connect what they need to learn with something interesting. For example, if they need to learn English and they like music or sports, they can listen to English songs or watch sports programs in English. This way they will not get bored.
Practicing and learning from mistakes
Good learners think about what they are good at and what they need to practice more. Remember, “Use it or lose it.” Even if you learn something well, you will forget it unless you use it. “Practice makes perfect.” Good
learners will keep practicing what they have learned, and they are not afraid of making mistakes. Alexander Graham Bell did not invent the telephone overnight. He succeeded by trying many times and learning from his mistakes.
Developing their study skills
It is not enough to just study hard. Good learners know the best way they can study. For example, they may take notes by writing down key words or by drawing mind maps. They also look for ways to review what they have learned. They may do this by reading their notes every day or by explaining the information to another student.
Asking questions
Good learners often ask questions during or after class. They even ask each other and try to find out the answers. Knowledge comes from questioning.
Learning is a lifelong journey because every day brings something new. Everything that you learn becomes a part of you and changes you, so learn wisely and learn well.
【课文翻译】
怎么成为一个成功的学习者呢?
每个人天生就拥有学习的能力。但是你能否学习的好取决于你的学习习惯。研究显示成功的学习者有一些共同的好习惯。 1.培养他们对所学东西的兴趣
研究显示，如果你对某事物感兴趣，你的大脑会更活跃而且对你来说长时间地关注那个事物也容易些。善于学习的人经常把他们需要学的事物与一些有趣的事物联系起来。比如，如果他们需要学习英语而且他们喜欢音乐或者体育，他们就可以听英文歌曲或者看英文版的体育节目。这样他们就不会感到乏味了。
2.练习并从错误中学习
善于学习的人思考他们擅长什么以及他们需要更多的练习什么。记住：“不用即失”。即使你学某事物学的很好，如果你不使用你会忘记它。 “熟能生巧”。善于学习的人会一直练习他们所学到的东西，而且他们从不怕犯错误。亚历山大-格雷厄姆-贝尔不是一夜之间发明了电话的。他是通过许多次的尝试以及从他的错误中学习取得成功的。 3.发展他们的学习技能
仅仅努力学习是不够的。善于学习的人知道他们能够学习的最佳方式。例如，他们可以通过写下关键词或者画思维导图来记笔记。他们还会寻找各种方式来复习他们所学到的东西。他们可以通过每天读他们的笔记或者向另一名学生解释信息的方式来复习。 4.问问题
善于学习的人在课堂上或者课后经常问问题。他们甚至互相问问题然后尽力找出答案。知识源于质疑。 学习是一段毕生的旅程，因为每天都会带来新的事物。你所学会的一切都会成为你的一部分并改变着你，所以要聪明地学习、好好学习。
【Tapescripts】
Section A
1b Listen. How do these students study for a test? Write letters from 1a above.
Boy: Hey, everybody. There’s a big test on Tuesday. I really need some help. Can you tell me how you study for
a big test?
Voices: Sure! Yes. Sure we will.
Boy: You did really well on the last English test, didn’t you, Meiping? Meiping: Yeah, I did OK.
Boy: Well, how did you study for it? Meiping: By making word cards.
Boy: Maybe I’ll try that. So, how do you study for a test, Peter?
Peter: By asking the teacher for help. She’s always happy to answer my questions. Boy: That’s interesting. How do you study, Tony?
Tony: I like to study by listening to tapes. But sometimes my mother thinks I’m listening to music. And then
she gets mad.
Boy: Oh, maybe I won’t do that then.
2a Listen and check (√) the questions you hear.
Man: Welcome to the English club. Today we’re going to talk about the best ways to learn English.
Does anyone learn English by watching videos? Girl 1: No. It’s too hard to understand spoken English.
Boy 1: What about keeping a diary in English? Do you learn English that way? Girl 1: Yes, I do. It helps to write English every day. Boy 2: Have you ever studied with a group? Girl 2: Yes, I have! I’ve learned a lot that way.
Boy 2: Do you have conversations with friends in English? Girl 2: Oh, yes. It really improves my speaking skills. Girl 1: What about reading aloud to practice pronunciation? Boy 1: I do that sometimes. I think it helps.
Girl 2: I do, too. And I often look up new words in a dictionary. Boy 2: That’s a great idea!
2b Listen again. Match each answer below with a question above.
Man: Welcome to the English club. Today we’re going to talk about the best ways to learn English. Does anyone
learn English by watching videos?
Girl 1: No. It’s too hard to understand spoken English.
Boy 1: What about keeping a diary in English? Do you learn English that way? Girl 1: Yes, I do. It helps to write English every day. Boy 2: Have you ever studied with a group? Girl 2: Yes, I have! I’ve learned a lot that way.
Boy 2: Do you have conversations with friends in English? Girl 2: Oh, yes. It really improves my speaking skills. Girl 1:What about reading aloud to practice pronunciation? Boy 1: I do that sometimes. I think it helps.
Girl 2: I do, too. And I often look up new words in a dictionary. Boy 2: That’s a great idea! Section B
1c Paul finds it difficult to learn English. Listen and complete the learning challenges he talks about. Ms. Manson: You look worried, Paul.
Paul: I am, Ms. Manson. I’m having trouble learning English. Ms. Manson: You said you liked English. What’s the problem? Paul: I can’t get the pronunciation right.
Ms. Manson: Well, listening can help. Why don’t you listen to English songs on the radio and repeat the
difficult words?
Paul: That’s a good idea. But what about all the new words? I forget a lot of the new words.
Ms. Manson: You can always write the new words in your notebook and review them from time to time. You can
even study on the subway on the way to school.
Paul: That might really help! Thanks.
Ms. Manson: Can you understand when people talk to you?
Paul: Well, not always. Sometimes I just don’t understand what people are saying.
Ms. Manson: Why don’t you join an English language club to practice speaking English? The English club meets
after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Paul: Maybe I’ll go. The only other problem is that I don’t get much writing practice. Ms. Manson: Maybe you should find a pen pal.
Paul: That sounds like a fun way to practice writing. Thanks, Ms. Manson.
1d Listen again. Complete the solutions. Ms. Manson: You look worried, Paul.
Paul: I am, Ms. Manson. I’m having trouble learning English. Ms. Manson: You said you liked English. What’s the problem? Paul: I can’t get the pronunciation right.
Ms. Manson: Well, listening can help. Why don’t you listen to English songs on the radio and repeat the difficult
words?
Paul: That’s a good idea. But what about all the new words? I forget a lot of the new words.
Ms. Manson: You can always write the new words in your notebook and review them from time to time. You can
even study on the subway on the way to school.
Paul: That might really help! Thanks.
Ms. Manson: Can you understand when people talk to you?
Paul: Well, not always. Sometimes I just don’t understand what people are saying.
Ms. Manson: Why don’t you join an English language club to practice speaking English? The English club meets
after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Paul: Maybe I’ll go. The only other problem is that I don’t get much writing practice. Ms. Manson: Maybe you should find a pen pal.
Paul: That sounds like a fun way to practice writing. Thanks, Ms. Manson.
【Grammar Focus】 How do you learn English? Do you learn English by reading aloud? How can I read faster? How can I improve my pronunciation?
Unit 2 I think that mooncakes are delicious!
【Vocabulary】
mooncake /mu:nkeik/ n.月饼 p.9 lantern /læntə (r)n/ n.灯笼 p.9 stranger /streindʒə (r)/ n.陌生人 p.10 relative /relətiv/ n.亲属；亲戚 p.10
I learn by studying with a group. Yes, I do. It helps my pronunciation. You can read faster by reading word groups. One way is by listening to tapes. put on 增加（体重）； 发胖 p.10 pound /paund/ n. 磅（重量单位）；英镑p.10 folk /fəulk/ adj. 民间的；民俗的 p.11 goddess /gɔdes/ n.女神 p.11
whoever/hu:evə/无论谁；不管什么人p.11
steal /sti:l/ v. (stole /stəul/, stolen /stəulən/) 偷；窃取p.11 lay /lei/ v. (laid /leid/, laid)放置；产（卵） lay out 摆开；布置
p.11
p.11 p.11
dessert /di’zə:(r)t/ n.（ 饭后）甜点；甜食 garden /ga:(r)dn/ n.花园；园子 p.11 tradition /trədiʃn/ n. 传统 p.11 admire /ədmaiə (r)/ v.欣赏；仰慕 p.11 tie /tai/ n. 领带 v. 捆；束 haunted /hɔ:ntid/ adj.有鬼魂出没的 ghost /gəust/ n. 鬼；鬼魂 trick /trik/ n.花招；把戏 treat /tri:t/ n.款待；招待;请客 spider /spaidər)/ n. 蜘蛛 p.13 Christmas /krisməs/ n.圣诞节 p.14
lie /laI/ v. (lay /leI/, lain /leIn/) 平躺；处于 p.14 novel /nɔvl/, /na:vl/ n.（长篇）小说 p.14
eve /i:v/ n.（尤指宗教节假日的）前夕；前夜 p.14 dead /ded/ adj. 死的；失去生命的 p.14 business /biznəs/ n.生意；商业 p.14 punish /pʌnis/ v.处罚；惩罚 p.14 warn /wɔ:(r)n/ v.警告；告诫 p.14 end up 最终成为；最后处于 p.14 present /preznt/ n.现在；礼物 adj.现在的 warmth /wɔ:(r)mθ/ n.温暖；暖和
【Section A-2d】
Clara: Guess what? I’m going to Chiang Mai in two weeks.
Ben: Wow, sounds like fun! But I believe that April is the hottest month of the year there.
p.14
p.14
spread /spred/ v.传播；展开 n.蔓延；传播
p.14
Clara: Yes, that’s true. But there’s a Water Festival from April 13th to 15th.
Ben: I wonder if it’s similar to the water festival of the Dai people in Yunnan Province.
Clara: Yes, I think so. This is the time of the Thai New Year. People go on the streets to throw water at each other.
Ben: Cool! But why do they do that?
Clara: Because the new year is a time for cleaning and washing away bad things. Then you’ll have good luck in the new year.
【课文翻译】
克拉拉：你猜怎么着这两个星期我要到清迈去。
本：哇，听起来挺好玩的！但我觉得四月是那里一年中最炎热的月份。 克拉拉：是的，没错。但4月13号到15号那里有个泼水节。 本：我在想这与云南傣族的泼水节是否相似。
克拉拉：是的，我想是的。这个时候是泰国的新年，人们走上街头互相泼水。 本：爽啊！不过他们为什么这么做呢？
克拉拉：因为新年是清扫和洗去晦气的时候。然后在新的一年里，你会交好运。
【Section A-3d】
Full Moon, Full Feelings (feel)
Chinese people have been celebrating (celebrate) Mid-Autumn Festival and enjoying [ɪnˈdʒɔɪŋ] mooncakes for centuries. Mooncakes have the shape of a full moon on mid-autumn night. They carry['kærɪ] people’s wishes (wish) to the families they love and miss.
There are many traditional [trə'dɪʃ(ə)n(ə)l] folk stories about this festival. However, most people think that the story of Chang’e is the most touching(touch). Chang’e was Hou Yi’s beautiful wife [waɪf]. After Hou Yi shot down the nine suns, a goddess gave him a magic medicine [ˈmedsn] to thank him. Whoever drank (drink) this could live forever [fə'revə], and Hou Yi planned to drink it with Chang’e. However, a bad man, Feng Meng, tried (try) to steal the medicine when Hou Yi was not home. Chang’e refused to give it to him and drank it all. She became very light and flew (fly) up to the moon. Hou Yi was so sad that he called out her name to the moon every night. One night, he found (find) that the moon was so bright [braɪt] and round that he could see his wife there. He quickly laid out her favorite fruits and desserts [dɪ'zɜːts] in the garden. How he wished that Chang’e could come (come) back!
After this, people started the tradition of admiring [əd'maɪərɪŋ] the moon and sharing mooncakes with their families. 【课文翻译】
满满的月亮满满的情思
千百年来中华儿女一直过中秋、吃月饼。月饼有着中秋夜满月的外形、它寄托着人们对所热爱、所思念的家人的美好祝愿。
关于这个节日有着许许多多的传统的民间故事，但大多数人认为，嫦娥的故事最为感人。嫦娥是后羿的美丽妻子。当后羿射下九个太阳之后，一位女神仙送给他一种仙药作为答谢，无论谁喝下这种仙药便可长生不老。于是后羿计划于嫦娥一起分享。然而，歹人降蒙企图在后羿外出之际抢夺仙药。嫦娥拒绝把药给他，便将它全部喝下，她变得那么轻盈，然后飞到月宫。后羿伤心至极，每夜面对月亮呼喊着嫦娥的名字。一天夜里，他发现月亮又圆又亮，他看见了自己的妻子。于是他很快在院子里摆下了嫦娥最喜欢吃的果品、蛋糕。他是多么希望嫦娥能够回到他身边啊！ 从此，人们开始了赏月和与家人共享月饼的传统习俗。
【Section B-2b】
The Spirit of Christmas
Many would agree that when we think of Christmas, we probably ['prɒbəblɪ] think of gifts, Christmas trees and Santa Claus. But behind all these things lies (lie) the true meaning (mean) of Christmas: the importance (important) of sharing and giving (give) love and joy to people around us (we). The story in A Christmas Carol is perhaps [pəˈhæps] the best example of this.
A Christmas Carol is a famous novel written (write) by Charles Dickens. It is about an old man named (name) Scrooge who never laughs or smiles. He is mean and only thinks about himself (he), and doesn’t (do) treat others nicely (nice). He just cares about whether he can make more money. And he hates [heɪts] Christmas. One Christmas Eve, Scrooge sees(see) the ghost [gəʊst] of Jacob Marley, his dead (die) business partner. Marley used to be just like Scrooge, so he was punished after he died (die). He
warns [wɔːns]Scrooge to change his ways if he doesn’t want to end up like him. He also tells Scrooge to expect [ɪkˈspekt] three spirits to visit him.
That night, three ghosts visit Scrooge. First, the Ghost of Christmas Past takes (take) him back to his childhood and reminds Scrooge of his happier days as a child. Then the second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, takes him to see how others are spending Christmas this year. Everyone is happy, even poor people. The last one, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, takes him to the future. He sees that he is dead (die) but nobody cares (care). Scrooge is so scared [skeəd] that he wakes up in his bed and finds out it is already the next morning on Christmas Day!
He decides to change his life [laɪf] and promises to be a better person. He happily (happy) celebrates Christmas with his relatives. He also gives gifts to people in need. He now treats everyone with kindness and warmth (warm), spreading (spread) love and joy everywhere he goes. And that is the true spirit of Christmas! 【课文翻译】
圣诞节的意义
许多人会赞同（这个看法），每当我们想起圣诞节，极有可能想到的是礼物、圣诞树和圣诞老人。但在所有这些事物的背后隐藏着圣诞节的真正含义———重要的是把爱和欢乐带给周边的人们，并和他们一同分享。《圣诞欢歌》这个故事可能就是最好的例子。
《圣诞欢歌》是查尔斯.狄更斯所写的一部著名短篇小说，它讲的是一个名叫斯科鲁奇的老头的故事。斯科鲁奇从无笑容，他十分吝啬，只想着自己。他对待其他人也不友善。他只关心自己能否赚到更多的钱财，而且他还讨厌圣诞节。在一个圣诞前夜里，他看到了已经逝去的生意伙伴雅克布.马利的亡灵，马利过去就向斯科鲁奇一样，所以他死后受到了惩罚。马利告诫斯科鲁奇，若是不想和他落得同样的下场，就应该改变他的行事方式。他还告诉斯科鲁奇要做好准备，夜间会有三个精灵光临拜访。 那天夜里，三个圣诞精灵拜访了斯科鲁奇。首先，“圣诞过去之灵”将他带回到他的童年时代，让他回顾了自己儿时的快乐时光；接着，第二个精灵，“圣诞现在之灵”，领他去看这一年其他人如何欢度圣诞；最后一个精灵，“圣诞未来之灵”，领他进入未来，他看到自己死了，但人们毫不在意。斯科鲁奇害怕至极，从睡梦惊醒，发现此时竟是第二天圣诞清晨！
他决心改变自己的人生，承诺去做一个善人。他高兴地与自己的亲戚一起庆祝圣诞，还把礼物送给需要的人们。现在的他对每一个人都充满善意和温暖，走到哪里便把爱和欢乐带到哪里。这便是圣诞的真正含义！
【Grammer Focus】
I know that the Water Festival is really fun. I wonder if they’ll have the races again next year. I wonder whether June is a good time to visit Hong Kong. I believe that April is the hottest month in Thailand.
Unit3 Could you please tell me where the restrooms are?
He Wei: This is Fun Times Park, the biggest amusement park in our city! Alice: I’m excited to try the rides!
He Wei: What should we start with? There’s Space World, Water World, Animal World ... Alice: Before we decide, could you first tell me where the restrooms are? He Wei: Pardon? Restroom? You want to rest? But we haven’t even started yet! Alice: Oh no, I don’t mean⑧ that. I mean⑧ ... you know, a washroom or bathroom. He Wei: Hmm ... so you mean⑧ ... the toilet?
Alice: Yes! Sorry, maybe people in China don’t often use the word “restroom” when they speak English. What fun the Water Festival is! How fantastic the dragon boat teams were! How pretty the dragon boats were! How delicious the food is in Hong Kong! He Wei: That’s right. In China, we normally say “toilet”or “washroom” in English. Anyway, they’re over there.
Alice: OK. I’ll be quick! He Wei: No problem. You don’t need to rush!
Fun Times Park — Always a Fun Time! [Alice and He Wei are in Space World.] Alice: I wonder where we should go next. He Wei: How about that new ride over there? Alice: Well ... it looks scary.
He Wei: Come on! I promise it’ll be exciting! If you’re scared, just shout or hold my hand. [After the ride..]
Alice: You were right! That was fun! I was scared at first, but shouting did help. He Wei: See, that wasn’t so bad, right? You never know until you try something. Alice: Yes, I’m so glad I tried it!
He Wei: Do you want to go to Water World now?
Alice: Sure, but I’m getting hungry. Do you know where we can get some good food quickly? He Wei: Of course! I suggest Water City Restaurant in Water World. It serves delicious food. Alice: Great ! Let’s go!
[On their way to Water City Restaurant, Alice and He Wei pass by Uncle Bob’s.]
Alice: Look! This restaurant looks interesting. The sign says a rock band plays here every evening. He Wei: Why don’t we come back here for dinner later? Let’s ask what time the band starts playing. [Alice and He Wei walk up to a staff person at the door.]
He Wei: Excuse me, could you tell us when the band starts playing this evening?
Staff: Eight o’clock. The restaurant is always busy at that time, so come a little earlier to get a table. He Wei: OK. Thank you!
Could You Please ...?
When you visit a foreign country, it is important to know how to ask for help politely. For example, you may ask “Where are the restrooms?” or “Could you please tell me where the restrooms are?” These are similar requests for directions. Both are correct④, but the first one sounds less polite. That is because it is a very direct question. It is not enough to just ask a question correctly④. We also need to learn how to be polite when we ask for help.
Good speakers change the way they speak in different situations. The expressions they use might depend③
on whom they are speaking to or how well they know each other. It is all right to ask your classmates direct
questions because you know them well. However, if you say to your teacher, “When is the school trip?’’, this might sound impolite. But if you say, “Excuse me, Mr. West. Do you know when the school trip is?’’, this will sound much more polite.
Usually polite questions are longer. They include expressions such as “Could you please ...?” or “May I ask ...?” It sounds more polite to say, “Peter, could you please tell me your e-mail address?” than “Peter, tell me your e-mail address.” Sometimes we even need to spend time leading into a request. For example, we might first say to a stranger, “Excuse me, I wonder if you can help me” or “I’m sorry to trouble you, but ...” before asking for help.
It might seem more difficult to speak politely than directly. However, it is important to learn how to use the right language in different situations. This will help you communicate better with other people.
【Tapescripts】
【Section A, 1b】 Conversation l
Girl: Excuse me, could you tell me where I can buy some stamps? Boy: Yes. There’s a post office on Center Street. Girl: Oh, could you tell me how to get to Center Street? Boy: Sure. You see that bank there? Girl: Hmm…oh, yes.
Boy: Just go past② the bank and then turn right. The post office is on the right, next to the library. Girl: Thanks a lot! Conversation 2
Boy: Excuse me, do you know where I can get a dictionary? Girl: Sure. There’s a bookstore on Main Street. Boy: Oh, could you please tell me how to get there?
Girl: Yes. Go along Center Street and then turn left on Main Street. Then you will see the bookstore on the
other side of the street.
Boy: Thanks! Do you know when the bookstore closes today? Girl: I think it closes at 7:00 p.m. today. 【Section A, 2a, 2b】
Boy 1: Excuse me, can you tell me where I can buy some medicine?
Boy 2: Yes, there’s a supermarket in this shopping center. Boy 1: Do you know how to go there?
Boy 2: Yes. Go to the second floor and then…then turn left. Let’s see…Then go past② the bookstore. And
umm…the supermarket is between the flower store and the bookstore. You should be able to get medicine there.
Boy 1: OK, great. Oh, and one more thing. Do you know when this shopping center closes tonight? Boy 2: I’m not sure, but you can ask for information① over there. Boy 1: OK, thanks a lot. Boy 2: You’re welcome. 【Section B, 1c, 1d】 Conversation 1
Boy: Could you tell me where there’s a good place to eat?
Clerk: Of course. There are a lot of good restaurants in Sunville. What kind of food are you looking for? Boy: I’d like fresh vegetables.
Clerk: I’d try Green Land. They have delicious salads. Conversation 2
Girl: Do you know if there are any public restrooms around here? Clerk: Yes. You’ll find some at the corner of Market and Middle Streets. Girl: Umm…are they clean? Clerk: Oh, yes. They’re very clean. Conversation 3
Mother: Could you tell me if there is a good museum in Sunville?
Clerk: Well, we have several. What kind of museums do you like—History? Science? A children’s museum? Father: What about history? I like history museums. They’re fascinating. Girl 1：Oh, Dad! History museums are boring. Let’s go to a science museum.
Boy: Science? We always go to science museums. I want to go to a children’s museum. They’re more fun. Girl 2: Well, I’m too old for a children’s museum. Why don’t we go to an art museum?
Clerk: Why don’t you go to the computer museum? There are a lot of fun things for children there.
You can learn all about the history of computers, as well as learn about science. Mother: That’s a great idea! Let’s go to the computer museum.
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