UNIT 1
1
GETTING READY
Task I
Listen to the audio. Check the tips that are being discussed.
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2
GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:
Welcome back to Mike in the Morning, the talk show that gets you
ready for the day! For those of you just joining us, we’re discussing ways
to make small talk. Some people find initiating a conversation difficult or
even awkward, but it can be easy. Remember to listen carefully to what
the other person says and respond accordingly. Here are a few topics
you can bring up: entertainment news, like Lady Gaga’s newest CD;
sports—talk about the current rankings and make predictions about the
next game; or your perspective on the New York Times weekly best seller.
And food is always a winning subject. You can recommend that new
steak house you tried last night. Most importantly, just be yourself. If
you’re relaxed, your conversation will flow more smoothly.
3
GETTING READY
Task II
Listen to the three small talks. Read the statements and check the
appropriate boxes.
Statement
True
1.
When Hank says, “I haven’t seen you for ages,”
he most likely means that Buddy is getting old.
2.
Buddy’s job is very demanding.
3.
In dialogue 2, the speakers have just become
acquainted.
4.
Asking someone’s age is an acceptable
conversation starter.
5.
Trish thinks it’s disrespectful to discuss other
people’s private information.
4
False
It depends.
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GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:
Dialogue 1
Hank: Hey, Buddy. I haven’t seen you for ages. How have you been?
Buddy: Pretty good. I’ve been occupied with work—I’m a reporter now.
You know what they say: the news never sleeps.
Hank: Yeah. I bet you look forward to your days off.
Buddy: Definitely. This party is awesome, isn’t it?
Hank: For sure. Have you tried the sushi rolls?
Buddy: Not yet.
Hank: You should. They are the best snacks here.
5
GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:
Dialogue 2
Melody: What a gorgeous baby!
Woman: Thank you. She’s three weeks old.
Melody: That explains why she is so tiny. What’s her name?
Woman: Emily.
Melody: A pretty name for a pretty baby! Are you two enjoying the
sunshine?
Woman: Very much. It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?
Melody: Yeah, it is. I hope you and Emily have fun on your walk in the
park.
Woman: Thanks. Have a nice day.
6
GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:
Dialogue 3
Trish: Hello?
Lisa: Hey, Trish. It’s Lisa.
Trish: Hi, Lisa. What’s new?
Lisa: Well, did you hear the news?
Trish: What news? Fill me in.
Lisa: Rumor has it that Molly and Bryan have split up!
Trish: What? They seemed to be really compatible.
Lisa: I know. But I heard that they had a big argument. Molly caught
Bryan cheating on her, so she dumped him.
Trish: Wow. That’s crazy!
7
GETTING READY
FYI
A tag question is a statement followed by a short question. It is
commonly used to start a conversation, as it allows the speaker to
make a comment while asking the listener’s opinion at the same time.
Examples:
• This party is awesome, isn’t it?
(positive sentence + negative tag)
• You aren’t from around here, are you?
(negative sentence + positive tag)
8
VOCABULARY DRILL
A. Listen Up
Listen to the audio. Match the names below with Michelle’s
descriptions of them.
substitutes for her during her absences from work
boosts her motivation to stay in shape
assigns work for her to do and reviews her
performance
supervises her volunteer work with the needy
sympathizes with her when she encounters frustration
always treats her well despite the fact that they
sometimes have disagreements
9
VOCABULARY DRILL
Audio Transcripts:
I love having a cell phone. With a cell phone, I can keep in touch with the
most important people in my life. My best mate Linda is number one on my speed
dial. We hang out constantly, and our friendship goes back a long time. She is a
considerate listener and a shoulder to cry on when I feel depressed. The other
people I’ve set on speed dial are my parents, Aunt Stella, and Grandma Grace.
Although we may not always get along, we are respectful toward each other. I
also often call Chris, my gym partner; we work out together twice a week. His
encouragement keeps me motivated to accomplish my exercise goals. When I
can’t make it to work, I call my supervisor, Tina, and colleague Nathan. Tina is an
understanding manager. Whenever I make a blunder, she provides constructive
criticism on how to remedy the problem instead of scolding me. Occasionally, I
contact Brett and Lisa, who oversee the homeless shelter I volunteer at. I’m truly
blessed to have a faithful family and dependable friends.
10
VOCABULARY DRILL
B. Word Focus: Friend vs. Acquaintance
Do you know the difference between a friend and an acquaintance?
Fill in F for friend or A for acquaintance.
1. F Someone who is concerned about your well-being
2. A Someone with whom you consult in the workplace
3. F Someone on whom you can depend in the face of obstacles
4. A Someone with whom you socialize only every so often
5. F Someone who will stand by you unconditionally
6. A Someone with whom you converse briefly at a reception
11
VOCABULARY DRILL
C. Speak Out Loud
What are the characteristics of friendship? Interview your partner
and report the results to the class.
Do your friends . . .
1.
Never
offer words of encouragement when you
are down?
2. gossip about you behind your back?
3. criticize you when you make a blunder?
4.
make sacrifices for you and ask nothing
in return?
5.
have interests that are compatible with
yours?
6. respect your perspectives?
7.
try to make adjustments to your
personality so that you will be like them?
12
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
CONVERSATION CORNER—REVIEW
A. Expression Usage
Match the expression with its meaning.
e 1. be obsessed with
_____
a. to sound familiar
a 2. ring a bell
_____
b. to feel sad
f 3. roll in
_____
c. to become used to
c 4. get accustomed to
_____
d. to make someone feel better
b 5. be down in the dumps
_____
e. to always be thinking about
d 6. do someone a world of good
_____
f. to arrive
13
CONVERSATION CORNER—REVIEW
B. Understand from the Context
Circle the answers.
1. I attended last year’s Christmas bash at Rosco’s. I really enjoyed the
celebration / convention.
2. We had a blast at the concert. It was the most spectacular / lousiest
musical performance we’ve ever seen.
3. It’s a real coincidence that we stayed in adjoining rooms in the hotel. We
planned / didn’t plan our vacations together.
4. As he didn’t make a worthwhile investment, he ended up in bankruptcy /
prosperity.
5. Despite their endeavors, they couldn’t rescue the two boys from the blaze.
Their partial / tremendous efforts to enter the building were in vain.
14
CONVERSATION CORNER—REVIEW
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
1. What does Emma think of Vivian when
they meet?
a. She thinks Vivian is well-mannered but a
little weird.
b. She thinks Vivian has something to
disclose.
c. She thinks Vivian isn’t an acquaintance of
hers.
d. She thinks Vivian is on good terms with
Rita.
15
CONVERSATION CORNER—REVIEW
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
2. How does Vivian remind Emma of their
previous introduction?
a. She asks Emma about the time she has
spent with Rita in Madrid.
b. She pretends to have traveled abroad
with Rita in the past.
c. She tells Emma that she bears a close
resemblance to Rita.
d. She claims that they were both present
at the same social gathering.
16
CONVERSATION CORNER—REVIEW
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
3. What is Emma and Vivian’s shared
opinion of Rita?
a. She has an approachable personality.
b. She is always loyal and devoted to her
friends.
c. She ought to be less obsessed with
exotic cultures.
d. She is able to be trusted with difficult
responsibilities.
17
CONVERSATION CORNER—REVIEW
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
4. Why does Vivian feel grateful to Emma?
a. Her language skills are notably
improving.
b. She feels inspired and has gained
insight on what to pursue next.
c. She is greatly soothed by what
Emma says to her.
d. She has finally found a reliable study
partner.
18
EXPRESSION PLAZA
A. Trying to Remember
Remembering
Asking to Be Reminded
Having Forgotten
• That rings a bell.
• That brings back
memories.
• It’s all coming back to
me now.
• Refresh / jog my
• Nothing comes to mind.
memory (about / of . . .). • I’m drawing a blank.
• Remind me of . . .
• It must have slipped my
mind.
Rewrite the parts in bold with the expressions above. Practice speaking the
sentences with a partner.
brings backall
memories
1. Getting out my old scrapbook makes me remember
the fun times I had.
2. Emily studied a lot for her midterms, but she suddenly forgot
the answers.
drew aall
blank
3. Your name sounds familiar, but can you say where I know you from?
refresh (jog) my memory
about / remind me of
rings a bell
19
EXPRESSION PLAZA
B. Discussing Likes and Dislikes
Interested
Uninterested
• be obsessed with (something)
• be passionate about (something)
• be addicted to (something)
• (something) be not (one’s) cup of tea
• be bored stiff by (something)
• (something) doesn’t do anything for
(someone)
Pair up with a classmate and create dialogues using the expressions above and the
words provided.
snorkeling
karaoke
Chinese pottery
aboriginal food
pop music
football
Russian literature
extreme sports
Example:
A: I’m passionate about outdoor activities. Maybe I’ll take up snorkeling.
B: Really? I’m bored stiff by water sports. They’re not my cup of tea.
20
EXPRESSION PLAZA
C. Describing Relationships
Not Close
Very Close
• be a complete / perfect / total
stranger
• be (one’s) casual acquaintance
• keep (someone) at a distance
• be buddy-buddy (with someone)
• be joined at the hip
• be as thick as thieves
Fill in the appropriate expressions. Some blanks may have more than one possible
answer.
joined at the hip ever since they were
1. Dan and his coworker have been _______________
designated to work together. They often hang out on the weekends.
keeps everyone at a distance
2. My new neighbor is kind of reserved. He _______________.
am buddy-buddy with Susan. She understands me so well that she can
3. I _______________
practically read my mind.
21
EXPRESSION PRACTICE
A. Fill Out the Chart
Check and write down specific details about what Grandpa can and
can’t remember.
Grandpa’s memory Foggy
Clear
Not Mentioned
Details
He doesn’t remember the
outcome of the pie-eating
contest.
He won the pie-eating
contest many times.

1.
County Fair
2.
Classmate Dave
3.
Farm Field Trip
4.
Fall Festival
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He dressed up as a
scarecrow.
5.
Prom Theme

The theme was “Lovers
in History.”
6.
Prom Date
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
He doesn’t recall who
went to the dance with
him.

22
EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Audio Transcripts:
Roy:
Hey, Grandpa and Grandma.
Grandpa: Hi, Roy. Good of you to pay us a visit.
Roy:
I wanted to show you something I found in the basement.
Grandma: What . . . oh, our senior yearbook! That brings back a lot of memories.
Grandpa: It sure does. This photo was taken at the County Fair during the pie-eating
contest. I know I competed, but I don’t recall how I did.
Roy:
You won. It says here you ate eight pies in 28 minutes!
Grandpa: Ah yes. It’s all coming back to me now. My classmate Dave had accumulated
several wins over the years, and I was determined to beat him.
Grandma: This was taken during our school’s annual Fall Festival.
Grandpa: That definitely rings a bell. I dressed up as a scarecrow.
Roy:
What about this picture?
Grandpa: This was taken during our junior prom. The theme was “Lovers in History,” so I
went as Romeo and my date was Juliet.
Roy:
What was her name?
Grandpa: Hmm . . . I’m drawing a complete blank.
Grandma: Let me jog your memory: it was me! You crazy old man!
23
EXPRESSION PRACTICE
B. Complete the Ad
Fill in the blanks with words or expressions from the audio.
addicted
canoeing
obsessed
cruelty
bored stiff
limo
not my
cup of tea
environment
do anything
for
24
EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Audio Transcripts:
My Prince Charming has to love adventure because I’m addicted to thrills.
I’m totally obsessed with skiing—it’s my favorite pastime. I’m also a fan of
outdoor activities, like camping, canoeing, and mountain biking. Also, he must be
an animal lover, as I’m passionate about fighting animal cruelty. Blockbuster
movies aren’t really my thing, but I enjoy watching foreign films. If he’s crazy
about reading, that’s OK. I browse through guidebooks sometimes, but I don’t
care much for popular fiction. Since I’m bored stiff by guys who don’t talk very
much, he should be a good conversationalist. Shopping isn’t my cup of tea, so
I’m not interested in dating someone who is into fashion. And unlike most other
girls, having a nice car doesn’t do anything for me. I’d rather you pick me up for
a date on a bicycle than in a limo. Everyone should care about the environment!
25
EXPRESSION PRACTICE
C. Make the Seating Plan
Listen and finish the seating chart. There is more than one seat
possibility for each guest.
a. Max
b. Connie
c. Max’s Mom
g. Louise
h. Uncle Bob
i . Aunt Lisa
d
Extended
Family’s Table
i
X
j. Aunt Kelly
k. Maggie
X
e
Bride and
Groom’s Table
k
f. Christina
f
b
j
X
X
e. Susan
a
h
X
d. Max’s Dad
g
c
X
X
Other Close
Guests’ Table
X
X
X
X
X
26
X
EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Audio Transcripts:
Connie: Help me, Maggie. Organizing the seating arrangements for my wedding
reception is so difficult!
Maggie: Relax, Connie. How hard can it be?
Connie: Most of Max’s family act like they are only casual acquaintances. His
two aunts are quite cold to each other.
Maggie: Well, let’s start with your table first. Will Max’s parents be sitting together?
Connie: No. They’re divorced.
Maggie: Oh. Will Max’s sister Susan be in attendance?
Connie: Of course. They are as thick as thieves.
Maggie: Perfect. Your friend Christina is coming, right?
Connie: Yes, but we had a fight last week, and now she’s not talking to me.
Maggie: I hope you two will reconcile before the wedding. How about Louise?
Connie: She must sit at my table. Everybody knows we’re joined at the hip.
Maggie: OK. Where do you want to seat your Uncle Bob?
Connie: He’s a quiet person, and he keeps most of the family at a distance. I
guess I will sit him with the rest of the extended family.
Maggie: What about me?
Connie: We’re buddy-buddy. Of course I want
27 you right by my side.
GRAMMAR CHECKPOINT
Future Continuous
The future continuous tense is often used to talk about actions that will be in
progress at a later time.
A. Form
will + (not) + be +
present participle
• I think I’ll truly be missing everyone soon.
• I’ll be attending the barbecue social tonight.
• Will you still be reorganizing your bedroom when I come
back?
am / is / are + (not) +
going to be + present
participle
• She said she’s going to be studying abroad for a year as
well.
• They’re going to be sunbathing at the beach while I’m at
work tomorrow.
• Is Mr. Smith going to be receiving visitors after his
surgical procedure?
28
GRAMMAR CHECKPOINT
Future Continuous
The future continuous tense is often used to talk about actions that will be in
progress at a later time.
B. Usage
To describe actions that will be in
progress at a time later than now
• The board members will be questioning
Mr. Roger throughout the meeting.
To talk about things that one expects
to occur in the near future
• I’ll be leaving the office in 30 minutes. I
have a prior engagement, so I can’t stay
any longer than that.
To request information about plans
• Will you be joining the rest of the staff at
the company outing?
To predict actions or feelings
• Mom has so many errands to run today
that I’m sure she will be feeling exhausted
later.
29
GRAMMAR CHECKPOINT
Future Continuous
The future continuous tense is often used to talk about actions that will be in
progress at a later time.
C. Simple Future vs. Future Continuous
Simple Future
Future Continuous
Indicates an action that will happen
sometime later
Describes an action that will be in progress
at some point in the future
• I will notify the applicants that their
forms have been received soon.
(I will begin to do this shortly.)
• I’ll be notifying the applicants that their
forms have been received next week.
(I will be in the process of doing this next
week.)
Makes requests or invitations
Asks for information about intentions
• Will you join us for the birthday
bash?
(I want you to join us.)
• Will you be joining us for the birthday
bash?
(I want to know if you plan to join us.)
30
GRAMMAR WORKOUT
A. Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the correct forms of the verbs. There may be more than one
possible answer.
be playing /
Will / Is
going to be playing2. A Next week, Dad _____________
1. A ______ the band _____________
(play) when the fireworks display
(mingle) with government officials
starts?
at the White House.
will end
B Yes, but they ____________
(end)
B Yeah. He _____________ (stand)
their performance shortly
next to the president when the
afterwards.
camera crews show up.
will need
A We ____________
(need) to get
will be mingling / is
going to be mingling
there early.
will be standing /
is going to be standing
31
GRAMMAR WORKOUT
A. Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the correct forms of the verbs. There may be more than one
possible answer.
be preparing /
going to be
preparing
3. A Mr. Johnson _____________ (not
/ Is Claire still _____________
4. AWill
______
take) calls until the afternoon.
(prepare) the paperwork when the
clients arrive?
B OK. I _____________ (try)
B I don’t think so; I expect that she
contacting him again at around
3:00 p.m.
will finish
_____________
(finish) up ahead
will not be taking /
is not going to be
taking
of time.
will try /
am going to try
32
GRAMMAR WORKOUT
B. Complete the Letter
Finish the letter with the words provided. Use the future continuous
tense.
attend
send
Hello Joe,
will be attending /
am going to be
attending
will be serving /
are going to be
serving
will be driving /
am going to be
driving
I’m thrilled about my upcoming excursion. On Saturday, I 1. ____________
drive
a rental car to Taitung Forest Park at three. At 7:00 p.m., I 2. ____________
tour
the Amis Harvest Festival—I’ve heard that they 3. ____________ fabulous
serve
aboriginal food there. On Sunday morning, I 4. ____________ Tianhou
board
Temple. Then guess what? I’m off to Green Island. The flight departs at 2:00
dive
p.m., and I 5. ____________ in the gorgeous Pacific Ocean with my scuba
gear an hour after that. I’ll be back in Taitung in the early evening, and I
6. ____________ the train to Taipei as the sun sets. I 7. ____________ you
some souvenirs after I get home.
Brad
will be boarding /
am going to be
boarding
will be diving /
am going to
be diving
will be touring /
am going to be
touring
33
will be sending /
am going to be
sending
GRAMMAR WORKOUT
C. Fill Out the Memo
Listen to the audio. Complete the note using the future continuous
tense.
Dear Mr. Harris,
An early “Happy Birthday” to you! Below is your schedule for October 14 and 15.
will be / are going to be attending a conference
1. At 10:30 a.m., you _______________________________________.
downtown
will be / are going to be signing a
2. If everything goes well, you _______________________________
with the client from
contract
Australia after lunch.
3. You __________________________________
will be / are going to be giving a lecture to some executives in Chicago at 8:30
p.m.
will be / are going to be celebrating your at the end of the
4. You and some colleagues __________________________________
birthday
day.
5. The next morning, you __________________________________
for the new
will be / are going to be hosting a
Midwest branch.
ground-breaking ceremony
Kind regards,
Jasmine
34
GRAMMAR WORKOUT
Audio Transcripts:
The first thing I’ll be doing tomorrow when I get to the office is sending e-mails
to clients on the east coast. After that, I’ll be making my way downtown as I have
an important conference at 10:30 a.m. At noon, a potential client from Australia
will be meeting me for lunch, and hopefully we’ll be signing a contract in the early
afternoon. Before our office closes at 5:00, I’ll be taking a taxi to the airport in
order to catch a flight to Chicago. After I land, I’ll be giving a speech to a group of
managers at 8:30 in the evening. When my speech is over, a few colleagues will
be taking me out to dinner to celebrate my birthday! Then the day after tomorrow,
I will be hosting a ground-breaking ceremony for our company’s new Midwest
branch office.
35
READING─PRE-READING TASK
Preview the article below and make predictions.
1. What does faux pas in the title mean?
a. Embarrassing mistakes
b. Common ideas
c. Warm greetings
d. Awkward topics
2. What do you think the article is mainly about?
a. Traveling to the most cultural places
b. How to quickly make friends with local people
c. How to approach people from other cultures
d. The best way to shake hands
36
READING
Traveling to a foreign country can be a total disaster, especially if
you are unfamiliar with the social norms. Everything from where you
stand to how you move your hands can be insulting. To avoid
embarrassing situations, it’s helpful to learn some basic etiquette*
before you head off to your next travel destination.
p.44
37
READING
Too Close?
When initiating a conversation, note how close you are standing
to the person opposite you. Personal space is an essential concept in
many cultures, and how much or little you give often affects the first
impression you make. For example, in most Western nations, locals
do not like standing close to one another. In these countries, it is
customary for people to back away when they feel their space has
been violated. On the other hand, South Americans stand in close
proximity to one another. When you are meeting one of them, keep in
mind that it’s disrespectful to step backwards during a conversation.
A good rule of thumb is to stand at least an arm’s length away from
your speaking partner.
p.44
38
READING
Shake or Not?
Another thing to consider when greeting someone is whether or
not to shake hands. While it is appropriate to do so in some places,
in others it will be damaging to your reputation. Take Thailand, for
instance. Thai people generally find it unacceptable to make any
public physical contact with members of the opposite sex. Conversely,
in France, men will often kiss the cheeks of female acquaintances. If
you don’t know whether or not you should shake hands, it is
advisable to wait for the other person to make the first move.
p.44
39
READING
Which Hand Is Right?
The next question is what you will be doing with your hands
during other types of interactions. In Hindu and Islamic cultures, the
left hand is regarded as unclean; therefore, you should never shake
hands or pass things to people with your left hand. In Asia, it is
important to use both hands when giving and accepting items;
otherwise, you’ll appear careless and impolite.
p.44
40
READING
Seemingly simple encounters can actually be quite complicated.
Be aware of what is considered courteous in other cultures. Doing a
little research in advance can ensure that your cross-cultural
experiences are rewarding instead of embarrassing.
p.44
41
READING
Discussion
No matter how well you prepare for a trip abroad, you are bound
to run into some trouble when communicating with people from a
different culture. Have you ever committed a social faux pas in an
unfamiliar country? If so, what did you do to correct your mistake?
Share your experience with the class.
42
READING ─AFTER YOU READ
A. Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with words from the article. Use the hints to help you.
p.38
advisable to always carry an
1. When visiting Seattle, it’s ___________
umbrella, as it often rains there. (recommended)
disrespectful to talk on a cell phone while watching a movie in
2. It’s ___________
a movie theater. (discourteous)
3. The author’s writing style is a sharp contrast to the literary
norm
___________.
(standard)
seemingly qualified during the interview,
4. The newcomer was ___________
but she is actually quite disorganized. (appearing to be a certain way)
proximity of a newly announced
5. Zack wanted to avoid living in the ___________
construction site. (closeness)
43
p.39
p.40
p.41
p.42
READING ─AFTER YOU READ
B. Fix the Blunders
Write down what the people should be doing based on the article.
Common Cultural Blunder
1.
Eva is presenting her business card to a Japanese client with her right hand.
Rule of Thumb
1.
Eva should present her business card with both hands, as that is the social
norm in Japan.
44
READING ─AFTER YOU READ
B. Fix the Blunders
Write down what the people should be doing based on the article.
Common Cultural Blunder
2.
Alan has been introduced to a Thai woman. He attempts to kiss her on the
cheek.
Rule of Thumb
2.
It is inappropriate for members of the opposite sex to touch in public in
Thailand. Instead, Alan should just nod or bow to the woman.
45
READING ─AFTER YOU READ
B. Fix the Blunders
Write down what the people should be doing based on the article.
Common Cultural Blunder
3.
Mr. Wang stands right next to his American business partner while talking.
Rule of Thumb
3.
Mr. Wang is standing too close. Americans prefer more personal space, so
Mr. Wang should step back a little.
46
READING ─AFTER YOU READ
B. Fix the Blunders
Write down what the people should be doing based on the article.
Common Cultural Blunder
4.
Pam is vacationing in India. She takes her change from a cashier with her left
hand.
Rule of Thumb
4.
Pam should not be using her left hand to accept things in India since it is
considered unclean. She should use her right hand to accept the money.
47
READING ─AFTER YOU READ
B. Fix the Blunders
Write down what the people should be doing based on the article.
Common Cultural Blunder
5.
Melody is perplexed because the guys she meets in Paris don’t shake her
hand.
Rule of Thumb
5.
In France, men commonly kiss the cheeks of women they are acquainted
with. If Melody is comfortable with that, she should let the men kiss her on
the cheeks.
48
READING ─AFTER YOU READ
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
1. What should you keep in mind when
meeting people from another culture?
a. You must always show affection to
people of the opposite sex.
b. You should be cautious so you don’t
accidentally offend someone.
c. People treat acquaintances with respect.
d. Visitors will always be familiar with
what to do.
49
READING ─AFTER YOU READ
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
2. What is TRUE about physical distance?
a. Most people don’t mind someone
invading their personal space.
b. Everyone stands the same distance
apart.
c. The amount needed varies with one’s
social status.
d. The requirement depends on where the
speaker is from.
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AFTER YOU READ
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
3. What would be considered rude in Brazil?
a. Standing close to new acquaintances
b. Accepting an item with only one hand
c. Keeping your distance from someone
while conversing
d. Shaking hands with someone senior to
you
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AFTER YOU READ
C. Multiple Choice
Circle the answers.
4. If you are uncertain about shaking hands
with someone, what should you do?
a. Always shake hands when you are
introduced.
b. Observe what the other person does first.
c. Embrace the person to break the ice.
d. Refrain from shaking anyone’s hand.
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WRITING SKILLS
The Argumentative Essay
In this type of essay, the writer makes a claim about a specific topic and supports it
accordingly with evidence and logic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Establish your opinion
2. Present your case.
3. Write your conclusion.
on the subject and
Provide the pros of
The concluding
write a thesis
your argument and
paragraph should sum
statement. The
address any cons or
up the main points of
thesis statement is the
opposing views.
your essay and
sentence that explains
reinforce your thesis.
the main idea of your
essay.
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WRITING SKILLS
Task I
Circle the best thesis statement from the sets listed below.
1. a. Conducting scientific tests on animals is brutal and should be
made illegal.
b. Testing products on animals is really bad and should be
punished severely.
2. a. College tuition is too expensive for many students to pay.
b. The government should reduce tuition at national universities.
54
WRITING SKILLS
Task II
Read the introduction below and choose the most appropriate thesis
statement.
Since the 1960s, beauty contests have been popular among girls and
young women, both to compete in and to watch. Yet, these competitions can
have negative results on the well-being of girls. Contestants are pressured to
be slender, so many girls suffer from eating disorders or get plastic surgery at
a young age.
_____________________________________________________________
a. Beauty contests may be fun to watch, but they require all
participants to get plastic surgery.
b. Girls are always valued for their personalities rather than their
looks, and beauty contests don’t focus on that.
c. Because of the stress girls face from these competitions, beauty
contests should be banned.
55
WRITING SKILLS
Task II
Fill in the blanks using the transition words from the chart.
Compare and Contrast
Compare and contrast words
are often used in
argumentative essays to help
emphasize the writer’s points.
just as, similarly, likewise, in
the same way, like, but,
although, while, on the other
hand, unlike, in contrast,
however, despite
1. Johnny is an organic food enthusiast;
however
____________,
he ate at a fast-food
restaurant today.
2. Beef is bad for you because of the high fat
content. Bacon is ____________ an
unhealthy meal choice.
3. He was hospitalized for a week due to
his illness. ____________, when his wife
came down with the same disease, she
recovered in just three days!
On the other hand /
In contrast /
However
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similarly /
likewise
WRITING SKILLS─BEFORE YOU WRITE
What’s your viewpoint on Internet relationships? Organize the
following points into the chart below.
a. Easily disguise identity
b. Make friendships and meet dates
c. Comfortably introduce oneself to
total strangers
d. Share photos and favorite
websites
e. Not have the opportunity to meet
an Internet acquaintance face-toface
f. Make children an easy target for
Internet criminals
Add your own ideas.
Pros
Cons
b, c, d
a, e, f
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WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
Write an argumentative essay arguing FOR Internet relationships.
Follow the prompts on the left.
The Internet: Connecting Our Lives
Introduction:
Write a thesis
statement.
With modern technology, online relationships are becoming
more and more common. Facebook, Twitter, chat rooms, and
blog sites are all useful tools for establishing relations over the
some feel this is unsafe, in today’s cyberInternet. While
____________________________________________
connected world, it just makes sense to take advantage of the
___________________________________________________
communication methods available.
___________________________________________________
58
WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
Write an argumentative essay arguing FOR Internet relationships.
Follow the prompts on the left.
Pros:
List two or
three
supporting
reasons.
Like it or not, society will only be relying more on Internet
before, people
resources as technology progresses. Whereas
_____________________
had to meet partners through school, work, or clubs, now they
___________________________________________________
can find dates with similar interests online. Similarly, people have
___________________________________________________
begun making friendships over the Web. It is convenient—
___________________________________________________
people can make new friends from the comfort of their own home.
___________________________________________________
It is fun—one can share photos and favorite websites. And it is
___________________________________________________
especially rewarding for those who are shy—now they can
___________________________________________________
comfortably introduce themselves to total strangers.
___________________________________________________
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WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
Write an argumentative essay arguing FOR Internet relationships.
Follow the prompts on the left.
Cons:
Address the
opposing view.
Those against Internet relationships typically oppose them
After all, one may not ever have the
because of safety concerns. ____________________________
opportunity to meet an Internet acquaintance face-to-face. Your
___________________________________________________
new boyfriend could be a cyber thief! However, this problem can
___________________________________________________
be easily prevented: simply don’t give out personal information.
___________________________________________________
In the same way, people argue that, because of their innocence,
___________________________________________________
children are an easy target for Internet criminals. Parents should
___________________________________________________
discuss the dangers with their children and teach them how to
___________________________________________________
safely use the Internet. It’s a great way to learn a valuable life
___________________________________________________
skill.
___________________________________________________
60
WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
Write an argumentative essay arguing FOR Internet relationships.
Follow the prompts on the left.
Conclusion:
Summarize
your position.
Once you think about it, the Web really isn’t a scary place to
By using common sense and following a few
meet new people. ____________________________________
safety guidelines, you can make new friends with a simple
___________________________________________________
click of your mouse.
___________________________________________________
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The
End
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