Task 1
How to start a conversation?
Task 1--- How to start a conversation
A very common way to start a
conversation in the West is to talk
about the weather because it is an
inoffensive way to start a
conversation under any
circumstances. Strangers can break
the ice and warm up the
atmosphere by talking about the
weather. In this way, people can get
to know each other naturally and
continue to talk about other subjects.
Expressions
Nice day, isn’t it?
Dreadful weather, don’t you think?
It’s good to see the sun again.
It’s freezing today.
Excuse me, is anybody sitting here?
Say, don’t I know you from somewhere?
Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing--- did you
mention something about…?
 Excuse me, could you let me have a look at
your magazine? I am fond of the film star on
the cover.
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Sample dialogue
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(On a train)
A: Going far, are you?
B: No, just Beijing.
A: Oh, I see.
B: And you?
A: Oh, I’m going all the way to Dalian.
B: Sightseeing, I suppose.
A: No, to see some friends, actually,
college friends.
Situations
 Start a conversation with people
around on the following occasions.
 At a cocktail party
 At your best friend’s birthday party
 In the school canteen
 On the sports ground
 In a bus station
 In the disco
Making up dialogue
 1. You are seated on an airplane next to a
girl/ boy and you’d like to talk to her/ him,
so you start to speak to her/ him.
 2. At a party you find yourself face to face
with a stranger who is getting a drink. And
you’d like to have a talk with him.
Task 2
Saying Goodbye
Task 2--- Saying Goodbye

When you want to end a conversation,
it’s up to you to find a acceptable
structures. Often these can includes a hint
for your leaving or a reason for having to
leave (Like “Nice talking with you” or
“Sorry, I must get back to work”, etc.) It is
usual practice to end a conversation
politely. Just walking away would be
considered extremely rude.
Common Expressions
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Bye and good luck.
See you later.
Hope to meet you soon.
It’s a pleasure meeting you.
Nice talking to you.
I had better be off. We’ll keep in touch.
Bye, have a nice day.
So long. Take care (of yourself.)
I had to leave.
Sample dialogue
--- I guess I’d better leave
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John: It’s getting late. I guess I’d better leave.
Leo: Must you go so soon? Can’t you stay a little
longer?
John: I’m afraid I really have to go. I’ll have an
important interview tomorrow morning.
Leo: Well, in that case, we won’t keep you any
longer. Good luck to you tomorrow, and I
hope we’ll get together soon.
Situations
 1. You are at a party which you aren’t
enjoying very much and are waiting for an
excuse to leave. After coffee, you think out
a reason and go over to your host/ hostess.
 2. You are seeing Linda off at the airport.
She is your close friend and has been
staying with you for two weeks. She is
returning to England. You ask her to keep in
touch.
Task 3
Telephone Conversation
Task 3
--- Telephone Conversation

There are some common expressions in
talking on the phone. Usually you can firstly
greet the person on the phone, then give him
your name, your workplace, and the purpose for
your call. If you want to talk with somebody else,
say his or her name directly, avoiding making
people feel confused about your purpose. We
are supposed to pay attention to two points: 1.
Be polite; 2. Be brief.
Common Expressions
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Hi, John speaking.
I’d like to speak to Tom, please.
May I ask who’s calling?
You’re wanted on the phone.
He’s unavailable at the moment.
I think you’ve got the wrong number.
Can you put me through to the Service
Department?
 It’s pretty hard to reach you.
 May I leave a message?
 Hold on, please.
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Sample dialogue--- Is Matt
There?
A: Hello, 6577-8868.
B: Hello, is Matt there please?
A: I’m sorry. Matt isn’t in at the moment.
B: Oh. Do you know what time he’ll be back?
A: Sometime later this afternoon. He should be back for
dinner. Can I take a message?
B: Thanks. Could you tell him that Jason called?
A: One moment. I’ll get a pen. Now that’s Jason.
B: Yes. I’m in his seminar group(研究小组). Could he call
me tonight? My number is 9912-3344.
A: That’s 9912-3344.
B: That’s right. Thanks for your help.
A: No trouble at all. I’ll make sure he gets the message.
Good bye.
B: Bye.
create a short telephone conversation
 For each, paying attention to the cues given. A: leave
a message. B: ask to have your call returned. C: tell
the person you will call back later.
 1. You are calling your friend Frank, but he is already
asleep. (A)
 2. You call the plumber to have your toilet repaired, but he
is not in. (C)
 3. You call a co-worker, but he is out to lunch. (B)
 4. Joe calls a friend to give him information about the
camping trip he has organized for next week. The
roommate tells Joe that the friend is sick and can’t talk. (A)
Task 4
Asking the way
Background information
When you ask somebody the way, you are
disturbing him or her. You should always be
polite, otherwise you may not get a direction or
be given a wrong one. Generally, you should
say “Excuse/ Pardon me”, “I beg your pardon”,
or “Sorry to disturb/ trouble you” before asking
somebody to point your way. Of course you can
also use these sentences patterns, “Please tell
me how to get to…” “Could you kindly tell me
where …. is?”, “Hi, do you happen to know
where… is?” etc.
Background information II
If someone asks you to tell them the
way and you can give a hand, your help
should be greatly appreciated. Anyone
may need help, especially when he/she is
in a new place. If you can help a stranger,
please try your best to be kind. It’s usual
practice to point the way clearly for others
in the West.
Common expressions
1. Could you possibly tell me where the museum is,
please?
2. I am told West Station is near this place. Do you
happen to know where it is?
3. Excuse me, could you show me the way to Holiday
Inn?
4. Would you mind telling me how to get to the
Central China University of Science and
Technology?
5. The bank is half way down the street.
6. Turn left at the first corner after the crossroads.
7. You are going in the wrong direction.
8. This is the shortcut to the stadium.
Sample dialogue--- I’m looking for the
Exhibition Center
A: Pardon me, could you do me a favor? I’m
looking for the exhibition center.
B: Yes, it’s that way. You go three blocks, then
turn right at the traffic light. It’s on the corner
opposite the zoo.
A: Thank you very much. I’ve only been in
town a few days, so I really don’t know my
way around yet.
B: Oh, I know how you feel. I moved here half
a year ago, and I still don’t know where
everything is.
A: Anyway, you’re so helpful. Thanks again.
B: My pleasure.
Conversation
Ask your partner the way to:
1. The nearest Mc’Donald
2. New World Department Store
3. Your favorite bookstore
Situations: work out appropriate replies, using
the information given below.
1. Could you please tell where a good restaurant
is? Reply:________
2. Do you know where I could find a hotel? Reply:
________
3. Could you direct me to the nearest post office?
Reply: ________
4. Could you give me the direct location of your
professor’s office? Reply: ______
5. Where would one find a place to buy a bottle
of water? Reply: __________
Task 5
Asking for
Information
Background Information
A conversation often depends on questions to
keep it going in the direction you want it to go.
The one that asks the questions usually controls
the conversation. Various techniques may be
necessary to get different kinds of information
from different people. Most people are very
polite when they ask strangers about
something--- if you are more direct, you may
appear to be rude. Anyway, personal questions
have to be expressed very politely.
Common Expressions
1. Could you tell me some more about Shenzhou
VI?
2. Would you mind telling me more about this
meeting?
3. I’d like to know more about your education.
4. This may sound like a stupid question, but I’d
like to know why you are still a bachelor.
5. Something else I am wondering about is how
your family supported you in achieving this.
Background knowledge II
When you ask people questions, they
often don’t give you enough information
right away. Then you have to ask them for
additional information--- you may want
more details or you may not be satisfied
with the answers they have given. Then
you should change your question
techniques for getting the extra
information that you want.
Common Expressions II
6. I hope you don’t mind my asking, that is, would
you tell me your age?
7. Excuse me, do you happen to know when the
train to Beijing leaves?
8. Sorry, that’s not quite what I meant. What I
really wanted to know was whether I could
borrow your laptop.
9. Sorry to bother you again, but could you tell me
how you keep in such fantastic shape?
10. Sorry, I didn’t quite follow what you said.
Sample dialogue
A: Excuse me, could you tell me something about college life?
I’m new here.
B: But what would you like to know?
A: What do you usually do after classes?
B: Take me for example. I often go to the reading room or the
library, where I can get a good review of all kinds of
newspapers, magazines, periodicals or journals.
A: What activities do you take part in?
B: There are always lectures and reports. Every Friday
evening we can watch English films or video in our
Department.
A: I like that. Will there be one this week?
B: Yes, of course. I think Jane Eyre will be on show.
Sample dialogue II
A: What about sports and other extra-curricular
activities?
B: Oh, there are ball games nearly every week. You
can also join different kinds of clubs organized by
the Students’ Union.
A: That’s OK. Is there anything else that may be of
interest to me?
B: Oh, yes. There’s always a dance held on Saturday
evenings. Are you interested in dancing?
A: Interested? I certainly am. But I really don’t know
what to do. College life is quite rich and full.
Practice
This is the first time you’ve studied in
the Department of English. You are talking
with a sophomore. Ask him/her something
about the department. The following are
topics of information for your reference:
teachers, facilities, classroom, extracurricular activities, etc.
Task 6
Making a Request
Cultural Background
Westerners tend to use rather roundabout
ways of asking for things or favors, but use very
friendly and frank words in responding to a
request. If they offer you something, like a seat,
they may do so only once. So if you feel you
want it, just say “Thank you” or “You are so
kind”, and take the offer. If you are at a
Westerner’s home and you need a drink, some
fresh air, or even the toilet, you can ask politely
and they won’t be offended.
Common Expressions
1.
2.
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7.
8.
9.
If you are not too busy, could you do me a
favor?
Please oblige me by lifting this box.
Would you be so kind as to explain the theory?
I’d be very grateful if you’d get me up at 7
tomorrow.
Would you do me a good turn by decorating
the Christmas tree?
I’d appreciate it if you could advise me how to
do it.
Will you please download this program for me
at your computer?
Could you be so kind as to ask for sick leave
for me from Professor Jones?
Could you get me two books if you happen to
go to the bookstore?
Sample dialogue
A: It looks like I could use another pair of hands. Colin,
would you help me with the box?
B: Sure.
A: I’m glad you come along. This is heavy!
B: What’s in it?
A: My new stereo equipment. I just bought it.
B: Great! Where do you want it to be placed?
A: In my dorm.
A: Do you need me help to set it up?
B: Thanks anyway, but I think I can manage. The
salesclerk explained how to do it in great detail.
Speaking activity---Complete the following
sentences in your own words
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
May/ Can/ Could I…?
Would/ Will/ Could you allow me…?
Would/ Do you mind if I…?
I wonder if you could…
Will you please….
Could I bother you to…
Would you be so kind as to…
May I trouble you to…
Situations
1. You don’t have time to finish the chores your
mother assigned you before your friends
arrive to pick you to go see a movie. Ask your
father for help.
2. You have to make an important phone call but
you need money. You ask a stranger for some
money.
3. You are nervous in asking a person on a date,
and you seek advice from a friend.
Task 7
Giving Thanks
Cultural background
In the English language, “Thanks” is
used in informal situations or in the
situations in which a person has helped you
in a not very important way. “Thank you” is
the standard form, which is acceptable in all
situations. “Thank you very much” is used
only when someone has done something
special to help you. The tone of voice can
also add meaning to a statement of thanks.
A warm, meaningful “Thanks” sometimes
means a lot more to the listener than a cold
formal “Thank you”.
Common Expressions
1.
2.
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5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
How can I ever repay your kindness?
I really appreciate your help.
I’d like to give my thanks to all of you.
How can I thank you enough?
Allow me to express my gratitude for your
support.
It was very kind of you to give me so much of
your time.
I owe all my achievements to your guidance
and encouragement.
I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me.
In Western countries, it is even considered
polite to thank the person who pays you a
compliment.
Sample dialogue
A: Helen, I’ve finished correcting your
homework.
B: Thank you. Any mistakes this time?
A: Yes, everywhere.
B: Oh, I’m going to kill myself!
A: Come on, Helen. I was just joking.
B: What do you mean then?
A: You’ve made no mistakes this time. I’ve very
glad you’ve made such great progress.
B: Oh, really? Thanks a lot. Thank you so
much for your help!
A: You’re welcome.
Practice--- Judge which of the following can be used
either as thanks or as responses to thanks and try to
use them in your conversations.
1. I’m delighted to have been of some help
to you.
2. Don’t mention it.
3. You’re most welcome.
4. I’m only too glad to have been of service
to you.
5. It’s nothing.
Situations
1. You see a good friend crying in her bed.
Offer help to her. And she thanks you.
2. You find a petty girl or handsome boy
having difficulty in her or his studying of
English. Offer help and she/he thanks
you.
Task 8
Making an Apology
Cultural background
When an Englishman does something
wrong, he will save a lot of trouble by
apologizing first before others complain to
him. In this case it may be even more
essential to “break the bad news
gently”(委婉地透露不好的消息）. After
people hear what he does, they may ask
him to explain how the thing happens.
They may then forgive him.
Background information
Westerners do not consider excessive
modesty a great virtue as Chinese people
do. Phrases such as “I’m sorry to have
wasted your time” are considered very
embarrassing; if, in fact, you really believe
you are wasting others’ time, you should
stay away from an office, not give a report
to a seminar, or not give a speech at a
conference.
Expressions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Excuse / Pardon/ Forgive me, please.
Excuse my interrupting you.
I’m sorry to bother/ trouble you.
I’m very/ extremely/ terribly/ awfully sorry.
I owe you an apology for being late.
I’ve got to apologize to you for not keeping my
promise.
Hope you don’t mind.
Please forgive me for my carelessness.
I didn’t mean to offend you.
I think it’s I, not you, that should say sorry.
Sample dialogue--- I’d like to apologize
A: Sorry, Lily. I’d like to apologize for breaking your
glasses while tidying up your desk.
B: So it was you! You must have been careless.
A: I’m on duty today. It was the first time I’d ever been
so clumsy. I’m really sorry.
B: Well, in that case, don’t worry about it any more.
A: I’ll pay for it and try to be more careful in the future.
B: There’s no need to pay, but be sure you’re careful
form now on.
A: I will. Sorry again.
Situations
1. In a dance party, one partner treads on
the other’s toes. What should one say?
And how should the other respond?
2. Two friends should meet at the entrance
to the cinema at the specific time. But
one is late for some time.
Task 9
Making a suggestion
Background knowledge
There are many ways of trying to get people
to do things for their own good. But the
expressions you use depend on:
1. How difficult or unpleasant the action you suggest
is; and
2. Who you are and who you are talking to--- the
roles you are playing.
Remember the suggestions or advice on
personal matters are usually given only to close
friends or when someone asks for advice. North
Americans like to “do their own things” and “mind
their own business”.
Avoid “You’d better” or any other structures
that are commonly for strong advice, like “I
think you should…” and “ I suppose you
must…”,
Because these structures suggest the
listener has done something wrong.
Use the structures that give the listener the
option of declining your advice or
suggestion, e.g. “Perhaps you could”, “How
about” or “Couldn’t you try”. And the tone of
their advice is also sincere.
Consider: volume, texture, pitch, and speed
the volume of the voice should be low,
the texture soft,
the pitch high,
the speed normal
In a word, advice should sound understanding
and open to discussion.
Common Expressions
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7.
8.
9.
10.
You should/ ought to do it at once.
You’d better wear a heavy coat.
I think it a good idea to meet him in the station.
How/ What about going window-shopping?
Why don’t you speak to her about it?
The doctor suggested that he stop smoking.
Follow my advice and take more exercise.
Couldn’t you try to tell her the truth?
If I were you, I’d tell her everything.
Can you give me some advice?
Dialogue--- Some advice on how
to improve spoken English
A: Hi, advisor! Would you be so kind to give me
some advice on how to improve my spoken
English? I’ve been studying English for over ten
years, and I got high scores in the TOEFL exam,
but I still find it hard to express myself in
English.
B: Don’t worry. I’ll be glad to help you. As I know,
most Chinese students spend a lot of time
reading, writing, and doing written exercises
when they are in their country learning English.
They seldom open their mouths to speak it.
No wonder, they find it difficult to
communicate well with the native
speakers when they come to America. I
suggest you apply for the “One on One
Conversation Program”.
A: What’s the “One on One Conversation
Program”.?
B: It’s one of the services provided by the
International Student Centers. If you
ask for help, you will soon get a
conversation partner to help you
practice your oral English.
A: How much do I pay?
B: Usually, it’s free of charge. Most of the
partner are retired professors, housewives
and young students who are interested in
foreign cultures.
A: Thank you for having told me so much.
BYE!
Situations
You have got a letter from one of your
friends, in which your friend asks for your
advice on a tough problem. But you have
no idea about it. So you now bring the
problem to your class, try your classmates
one by one until you find the best advice
for your friend. Of course, you should
make up a tough problem first.
Task 10
Making an Appointment
Cultural background
In some cultures, it is important to arrive
on time for appointments, but in some
other cultures people are not expected to
arrive on time. In the US, people like
others to be on time for business
appointments, while for private parties it’s
advisable to be a little late.
Background information
In western countries, generally speaking, you
need to make an appointment first if you try to
visit a doctor, teacher, hairdresser, etc.To go to
a popular restaurant,you should also call ahead
to make a dinner reservation. A visit to a doctor
especially requires an appointment, since
doctors are usually very busy. If you are very
sick and have no time for an appointment, you
must go to an emergency room of a hospital
where a doctor in on duty. This might be very
expensive in some countries.
Common Expressions
1. What time is convenient for you?
2. I’m free tomorrow, how about you?
3. I’ve a dental appointment at 4pm, and I can’t
break it.
4. I wonder if I could change my appointment from
Tuesday to Thursday?
5. I will break up with someone if he has bad
manners.
6. You’ve been dating Mary for a long time.I only
dated Susan twice.
7. So what do you say about Friday evening? I’ll
take you out to dinner and then the movies.
Common Expressions
8.Interviews are by appointment only. Is
Wednesday afternoon good for you?
9. It’s polite to fix an appointment with
somebody before you visit him.
10.You’ve a date with your girlfriend tonight;
my date is meeting me at seven.
Sample dialogue--- I’d like to make an
appointment to see Dr. Fox.
A: Hello, this is Dr.Fox’s Clinic. May I help you?
B: Yes, this is Mr. Clark.I’d like to make an
appointment to see Dr.Fox.
A: Certainly. When would you like to come?
B: I’ve a terrible pain in my back, so I need an
appointment as soon as possible.
A: I’m afraid he is not free until 4 o’clock this
afternoon.
B: Oh, dear! I’m meeting a friend at 4.
A: Dr. Fox is very busy at the moment.He
won’t be able to see you unless you come
after 4.
B: Well, all right. I’ll come at 4.
A: That would be fine. Now, could you please
give me your full name, address, phone
number and insurance details?
B: OK.
Discuss the following questions
with a partner
1.A young fellow will go out with a beautiful girl for
the first time by appointment.What preparations
should he make?
2. Some teens like to make friends on the Internet.
They do not know each other, but sometimes
they would make appointments or dates with
each other. What’re good and bad points in this
situation respectively?
3. What’s the difference between a western
appointment and an eastern one?
Task 11
Making an Invitation
Cultural background
When you invite a westerner to dinner, it’s
necessary to extend the invitation a week or so
in advance as he may have other plans. It would
be considered inappropriate to give a last
minute call to invite somebody over to dinner.
The invitation may be given directly or over the
telephone. For informal invitation a letter or an
invitation card is sent. In this case the receiver
should reply to confirm whether he comes or not.
Expressions
1. Let’s have lunch together at McDonald’s.
It’s on me. / My treat.
2. When can we expect you for a picnic?
3. How about coming over for Christmas?
4. Would you do me a favor by attending
my graduation ceremony?
5. Would you like to go to the movies with
us?
Background information
In the US, it is polite to accept or refuse
an invitation the first time it is offered. And
Americans usually give a reason when
they have to say no to an invitation. It’s
also common for them to bring a small gift
to someone’s house for dinner to show
appreciation. A bottle of wine, some
flowers, or a box of candy are the most
common gift.
Expressions
6. He’s been invited to give a talk at the
conference.
7. Admission is by invitation only.
8. Are you interested in coming to the party?
9. It would be very nice if you could attend
our Christmas party.
10. We’re invited out to dinner tonight.
Did you invite his wife?
A: By the way, I meant to tell you just now I’d
invited Prof. Roberta for tea on Saturday
afternoon.
B: Good.Did you invite his wife?
A: No. Should I have?
B: Yes. When you invite a husband or wife to a
social occasion, you should invite the spouse as
well.
A: And the kids?
B: No. That’s not necessary unless you choose to.
A: OK. I’ll call him up and invite his wife.
Situations
Pair work: One invites the other to do the
following things.
1. Have dinner with you next Friday
evening.
2. Come over to your home tomorrow
afternoon.
3. Go shopping with you after school
4. Go camping
Unit One
Festival and Holiday
Western Festival
and Holidays
Cultural background
There are many holidays and festivals
in America. These holidays often fall on a
Monday or Sunday to produce a “threeday weekend”. During the national
holidays, schools and government offices
close but private businesses are
sometimes still open.
The national holidays include:
New Year’s Day,
Martin Luther King’s Birthday (Jan 13th),
Lincoln’s Birthday (Feb. 12th),
Memorial Day (May 24th,阵亡将士纪念日
Independence Day (July 4th),
Labor Day (Sept. 6th 劳工节)，
Columbus Day (Oct. 12th),
Thanksgiving Day (last Thurs. in Nov.), etc.
Christmas
Some holidays with no day off
include:
St. Valentine’s Day
Easter (the first Sunday after the first full moon
after March 21st)
April Fool’s Day
Mother’s Day (the second Sunday in May)
Father’s Day (the third Sunday in June)
Hallowe’en (October 31st)
Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11th退伍军人节)
Common Expressions
1. With best wishes for a merry Christmas and a
happy New year!
2. Independence Day, 4 July, is celebrated in the
US as the nation’s birthday.
3. Hallowe ’en refers to 31 October, the eve of All
Saints’ Day.
4. In England and Wales, Boxing Day (节礼日)is
the first weekday after Christmas Day.
Dialogue--- A Valentine
A: Morning, Bill.
B: Morning, Albert.
A: You look a little down. What’s wrong?
B: I didn’t sleep well last night. I promised to give
Mary a satisfying gift on Valentine’s Day. But she
got angry when I gave it to her.
A: What was the gift?
B: A red dress.
A: That’s romantic.
B: What Mary likes is not only romantic but also
expensive. She wants a diamond ring!
Dialogue II--- Asking for
Hallowe’en
A: Hi, Alice. What are you busy with?
B: Oh look! I’m preparing my dress for Hallowe’en.
It’s coming.
A: Hallowe’en? When? And what is it?
B: It’s the last night of October. It was said that it
was the night when witches and evil spirits
came back on earth. Superstitious people kept
up many strange old customs to keep these evil
influences away. For example, farmers would
hang a few rowan leaves(花楸树叶) over each
of the stable and shed doors. For witches and
evil spirits would not go anywhere near the
rowan tree.
A: Nowadays, how do you usually celebrate the
festival?
B: In recent times, Hallowe’en has become a time for
fancy dress parties. Children will dress up as
witches and play games such as “Trick or Treat”.
A: “Trick or Treat”? What do you mean by this?
B: It’s a phrase said by children who call at houses
on Hallowe’en to receive sweets, etc. and
threaten mischief if they do not receive them.
A: Oh, I see.
Situational Dialogue
Situation: A Chinese businessman arrived in
New York just a few days before
Christmas Day. He asked one of his
American friends about Christmas and the
celebration of it. And the American friend
asked him about the information of the
Chinese Spring Festival. You should focus
on the origins, significance and customs
of the holidays.
Answer the following questions
1. Do you think Christmas Day still carries a
strong religious flavor nowadays in the West?
Why or why not?
2. Do you believe it is Santa Claus that brings
presents to children?
3. Why do you think that the Americans don’t
celebrate May Day?
4. What does new life have to do with Easter?
What is the symbolic meaning of Easter Eggs?
Chinese Festivals
and Holidays
Common expressions
1.
2.
3.
May you be happy and prosperous!恭喜发财。
The 7th day of the 7th lunar month is sometimes called
the Chinese St. Valentine’s Day. In a Chinese legend,
the Cowherd and the Girl Weaver, once a happy
couple, become stars separated by the Milky Way.
They can meet only once a year when magpies fly
together to form a bridge over the Milky Way on the 7th
day of the 7th lunar month.
The Mid-autumn Festival is on the 15th of the 8th lunar
month; it’s not a statutory holiday.（法定假日）
Speaking Activity
Discuss the following questions:
1. How would you explain the word “spring”
in the Spring Festival?
2. Who would you think likes the Spring
Festival best? Why?
3. Do you know the origin of the Chinese
word nian?
Unit Two
Complaint
Cultural Background
In English, direct complaint can be impolite. There
are many kinds of complaints. In order to be
polite and appropriate, we can express our
complaints by asking a question. Then the
question is followed by the reason why
something should be stopped. Here is an
example: “Do you mind turning off the radio?
You see, I’ve got a test tomorrow and I really
need some sleep.”
Common Expressions
1. What a miserable day it is!
2. I’ve got a complaint to make.
3. I’d like to file a complaint with the
manager.
4. I don’t want to embarrass you, but I
really think you ought to have spoken to
him.
5. I came here to tell you that our working
conditions are extremely poor.
More expressions
6. You shouldn’t have said that, Linda.
7. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to leave the bed
made clean?
8. I hate to say this, but I’m really fed up of your
carelessness.
9. Look, I’m sorry to disturb you, but I wish you
wouldn’t have your TV on so loud.
10. Would you be kind enough not to bother me
any more?
You were playing it very late last night.
A: Hello, Cecily! Could I talk with you for a minute?
B: Please, Robert.
A: Oh, Cecily. I.. I hate to bring this up, but… but that
new stereo system you got…
B: Yeah?
A: You were playing it very late last night.
B: Yeah?
A: It kept me awake a couple of hours.
B: Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was that loud.
A: It was loud, and it was pretty late, you know.
B: I’ m very sorry. I promise I’ll turn it down in the
future.
A: It’s OK. Thank you, then.
Pair work
Tell your disappointment, resentment, etc. to your
partner about the following situations:
1. You had planned to climb a mountain this
weekend, but the weather turned windy and
rainy.
2. Your roommate always uses your things
without asking for your permission.
3. Your friend borrowed your favorite book and
lost it.
Unit Three
Preference
Background information
At times saying what you like or dislike
before others can be quite difficult. The
skill of being tactful needs the firsthand
experience of a culture as well as good
study.
Common Expressions
There’s juice or sour milk. Which do you prefer?
I prefer fish to beef.
I’d rather have a walk than stay at home all day.
I’m more interested in modern jazz.
Hamburgers do appeal to me.
I don’t care for them at all.
Do you go for modern music?
There is nothing in the world more enjoyable
than taking a shower after work.
9. What would you say to their suggestion of having
a break now?
10. I don’t know what can be a better entertainment.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Dialogue---Hamburgers there do appeal to me
A: Hi, Anne. Where’re you going?
B: Hi, Kent. I’m going to McDonald’s. Hamburgers
there do appeal to me.
A: You like them? I don’t care for them at all. On the
contrary, I prefer Chinese food.
B: Do you? I think it pretty unpleasant having a meal
in a smoke-filled Chinese restaurant. At
McDonald’s, you can enjoy its pleasant
hamburgers, tasty fried chips, refreshing soft
drinks and lots of other foods. What’s more, you
have all these in a clean and comfortable
environment. There’s nothing in the world more
enjoyable than having a meal there.
A: Anne, you are exaggerating! Hamburgers
and the like never arouse my interest.
Chinese food is rich, various and colorful. In
a Chinese restaurant, you enjoy its food and
culture at the same time. I don’t know what
can be a better entertainment.
Speaking Activity
Ask your partner which of the following items in
each pair he/she prefers, and request him/her
to give reasons.
1. An English film & a Chinese film
2. Riding a bicycle & taking a bus
3. Winter & summer
4. Talking with friends & chatting with strangers
on Internet
5. American English & British English
Unit Four
Approval and Disapproval
Background information

People often have different viewpoints on the
same thing, perhaps partly because they were
brought up with different cultures and
subcultures or partly because they are in
different social positions. So it is very important
for you to keep it in your mind that there are
different ways to express yourself for different
occasions and to agree or disagree with other’s
ideas and opinions in a proper way.
Expressions:
 1. I couldn’t agree more.
 2. That’s just what I was thinking about.
 3. We approached the problem from different
angles.
 4. They are right, to a certain degree.
 5. That’s a good point.
 6. I strongly object to making students do
homework all day.
 7. I hope you don’t mind my saying so.
 8. I am not sure if I agree with you there.
 9. I know what you mean, but you should also
listen to the opinions of others.
Dialogue--- Women belong in the home
A: Many people think women belong in the home.
Going out to work is men’s business.
B: That’s not necessarily true. Housework is
important, of course, but it should be shred by the
wife and husband. What I am saying is women
should work both in and out of the home.
A: You’re right in a sense, but children want looking
after and husbands need wives to keep house.
B: I know what you mean. But women will see too
little of the outside world and fall behind the time if
they are tied hard to housework all the time.
A: Nonsense! Women are women and masters of
the house, just as men are better cut out for
physical work.
B: I don’t agree with you.
A: That’s the way it’s always been and should be.
B: I hope you don’t mind my saying that some
things should be changed.
Situational dialogues: respond to the given
situations below in three ways: positive,
indecisive, and negative.
 1. I had enough money to return you the amount
I borrowed last week. On the way to pay you
back I bought a new music album. So I can pay
you back next week. Is that all right?
 2. I’ve decided to ask the prettiest girl in school
to go to the dance with me, who is someone’s
girlfriend. Do you think it’s a good idea?
 3. Well son, your mother and I are moving to
another city. This means that you will have to
change another elementary school as well. Is
this all right with you?
Unit Five
Mood
Cultural Background
People experience similar emotions all over the
world, but some of them are expressed differently.
In some parts of the world, people express
emotions very freely and you can read their faces
like a book. In other parts of the world, however, it
is not always as easy to know what another
person is feeling. People from certain parts of the
world are said to be ‘hot-blooded’ or ‘hottempered’. This means that they express their
anger easily and quickly. In some parts of the
world, however, people are taught that expressing
anger is wrong and it shows a lack of control.
Common expressions
Let me tell you how I’m feeling.
I am uncomfortable about what she said.
My son’s in a mood today.
It’s not easy for me to say this, but I’m a bit
upset about what happened.
5. I’m fed up with all this nonsense.
6. I’m not keen on that sort of entertainment.
7. That’s the best thing I’ve heard in this year.
8. What a nuisance!
9. She’s always in a bad mood on Mondays.
10. That fellow’s manner really turns me off
….让我厌烦
1.
2.
3.
4.
Dialogue-How was the dancing party last night?
A: How was the dancing party last night, Jason?Did you
enjoy it?
B: Oh, don’t talk to me about last night! It was the most
awful evening I’ve ever had.
A: Why? What happened?
B: Well, Mary had promised to be my dancing partner,
but she couldn’t get away from the good-looking newcomer, Ellis, and she seemed not to know I was there.
A: What about the party, anyway?
B: It was boring. The music was too slow and the drink
was lousy (very bad).
A: SO how long did you stay there?
B: I left after the opening dance. I couldn’t wait to get out
of there.
Speaking Activity
You and your friends are in different moods
as being angry, depressed, happy, bored,
worried, etc. Tell each other the moods,
and try to change your speaking partner
after a discussion.