Short conversationsConversation 1
W: The only thing I can do at night is to lie in bed and read, preferably while also eating a snack. I never have time forexercising.
M: Don’t think it’s worth exercising only if you can run five miles or if you can bike for an hour. Even going for a 10-minutewalk is worthwhile.
Q: What advice does the man give to the woman?Conversation 2
W: Hi, Mark, I’ve gained quite some weight recently. So, how can I eat healthily at social events? M: Well, drink a full glass ofwater before you go. Focus mainly on fresh fruit and vegetables or bread with whole grains. These will help you stay feelingfull.
Q: What can we know about the woman?Conversation 3
W: I heard that in South Africa smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces.
M: Yes, that’s right. But pubs and bars with separate, enclosed smoking rooms are excluded from the ban, and mostrestaurants provide smoking sections, either indoor areas with good air circulation or outdoor open areas.Q: What can we learn about the smoking rules in South Africa?Conversation 4
M: So, your research shows that even when children are not direct targets of violence in the home,they can be harmed by witnessing its occurrence?
W: Yes, that’s right. For example, they can suffer immediate and permanent physical harm. They can also experience short-and long-term emotional and behavioral problems.Q: What are the two speakers talking about?Conversation 5
W: Skipping breakfast is common among people who are trying to lose weight, but it doesn’t seem to be a successfulstrategy.
M: No, it isn’t. While any breakfast may be better than no breakfast, a healthy breakfast can be something simple like a hard-boiled egg, a piece of 100 percent wholegrain toast along with a cup of 100 percent fruit juice.Q: What is recommended for a healthy breakfast?
Long conversationM: I love working out!
W: Ugh! You’re sweating all over the floor …
M: I just ran five miles! A friend told me about this great park on Jefferson Street. I love exploring new parks!
W: I try running at the gym three days a week, but it’s so boring looking at the TV monitor or the wall in front of me for an hour.M: You should run outside! Being in nature, enjoying the beautiful flowers and the trees, I feel my mind relax and the stress
just falls away.
W: It is nice outside. My mom loves t’ai chi and a nearby t’ai chi group meets every morning at 6a.m. I’ve tried going, but it’s too early for me to get out of bed …
M: T’ai chi is really good. You need some kind of exercise. It’s unhealthy for you to sit in front of your computer all day, everyday!
W: Well, I recently spend my weekends away from my computer.
M: Oh really? And what have you done recently that didn’t involve a computer or TV screen? W: Pandas! I just went to theSan Diego Zoo with my sister on Saturday! They have one of the best panda exhibits in the US. The mother panda is fromWolong, China, and had had six baby pandas by XXXX since arriving at the San Diego Zoo in September of 1996.M: Oh, I bet baby pandas are amazing! Hey! Maybe you should get a zoo membership and go jogging in the zoo!
W: A zoo membership! Now that’s a great idea! I love the San Diego Zoo. It’s near my house, I can get good exercise and Ican watch the baby pandas grow up!
Passage 1
Have you ever felt you don’t have enough hours in the day? Or that you’d give anything for a whole day to catch up withyourself? Well, here are some ideas that work for me.
First of all, make a to-do list every day and set clear priorities. The trick here isn’t making the list; that’s the easy part. The trickis making the priorities. I look at my list and put a star next to anything that is really urgent. Then I put the number “2”next toanything that will just take a couple of minutes. I actually do these quick tasks before I get on with the urgent ones; it’s a bitlike clearing off the top of your desk before sitting down to write that important letter. Second, know when is the most
productive time of day for you and do your work or study then. One of the shocking discoveries I made about myself is that if Iget up at 5 a.m., I can do a day’s work and even fit breakfast in before half past nine. Of course, if you are an early bird, it canbe difficult to accomplish tasks that involve phoning “night owls”, but that’s what email’s for! Finally, do not let your inbox runyour life. I just realized recently how frequently I
interrupted my real work to check my inbox and respond to the most trivial of emails. So, now I only open it when absolutelynecessary and this saves me hours. If your work depends on you being constantly accessible by email, then you can’t dothis; but be honest and ask yourself, “Am I an email addict?”
With these simple, practical techniques, you will become more efficient, less stressed and be able to win some “me-time”foryourself.
Short conversationsConversation 1
W: So this is your last year in college. Have you ever thought about what you’d like to do after graduation?
M: Well, I really don’t know. The job market seems to be improving, so I may look for a job somewhere. But I am alsointerested in applying for graduate school.Q: What are the two speakers talking about?Conversation 2
M: Do you remember Linda we met a while ago at Susan’s birthday party?
W: Linda? Do you mean the lady who you said was a nurse in the community hospital before her retirement? Yeah, Iremember. She looks very young for her age.Q: What does the woman think of Linda?Conversation 3
M: I wish I could retire tomorrow. Then I would not need to worry about work.
W: I don’t look forward to retirement. I’m afraid of getting old –my body will slow down, and my children will be away. I dreadlosing independence and living in loneliness.Q: What makes the woman afraid of getting old?Conversation 4
W: I consider my early 20s to be the prime time of my life. How about you?
M: I couldn’t agree with you more. That’s no doubt the golden period. You are young and energetic. You are free to pursueyour passion. The best thing is that you have a wealth of opportunities to explore.Q: What does the man like best about being in his early 20s?Conversation 5
W: Hi, John. You are taking Law 201 this semester, right? How do you like it?
M: Yeah, it’s a great class. We’ve looked at several cases of age discrimination at work. Such cases are very interestingbecause they are rarely clear-cut and court decisions can be rather controversial.Q: What does the man say about age discrimination cases?
Long conversation
M: Nancy, time to make a birthday wish!
W: I wish ... hmm. OK! I want a high-paying job, a husband with a perfect face and body, and abig house ... with a swimming pool!
M: Wow, Nancy! Those are your three wishes?W: Of course! If I have those three things, I’ll be happy!
M: Now, Nancy. Let me tell you my story, and you may see things differently.W: “See things differently?”What do you mean, Uncle Charlie?
M: Here is what I once experienced in life. When I married, 32 years ago, we had a happy marriage, a beautiful house, twoexpensive cars, and $200,000 in the bank!W: See, just like now!
M: Wait! I would suggest three different wishes!
W: Well ... What would you wish for? You’re older and wiser!
M: What happens if you lose your job, lose your house, and your husband becomes sick? I suggestthese three wishes: patience, courage and love!W: Patience, courage and love?
M: Yes! If you have patience and courage, you and your husband will have good jobs and a nice house. And if you have truelove, you and your husband will be beautiful to each other no matter how old you become together.W: This is good.
M: Within six years of our marriage, we had three beautiful children, but we lost our jobs, our house, all our money, and then Igot really sick for nine years. But we didn’t lose anything
truly valuable, because we always said: “Wherever the five of us are together, we are at home!”And, little by little things didimprove, and I finally got well. Patience, courage and love!
These are what make life full, strong and happy!
W: Hmm, I will remember. Patience, courage and love! Thanks, Uncle Charlie!
Passage 1
If you think that you have to live up a remote mountain in order to live a long and healthy life,
a religious community in Loma Linda, California, may prove you wrong. Its members are a group of Christians known as theSeventh-day Adventists. The Adventists enjoy a much higher life expectancy than average Californians. Adventist men canexpect to live about seven years longer than other Californian men. Adventist women are likely to live around four yearslonger than other
Californian women. The Adventists also act much younger than they are and see doctors much less than ordinary people.So what’s the secret of the Adventists’longevity? It is not all in their genes. Nor is their good health a mere accident. TheAdventists live longer partly because they have a vegetable-based diet.
Around 35 percent of them are vegetarian, and around one half eat meat only rarely. Tobacco and
alcohol consumptions are discouraged. So are rich or spicy foods, meat, and drinks containing caffeine. The Adventist diet ishigh in fruit and vegetables. It also includes plenty of whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans, and water is the drink of choice.The longevity of the Adventists is also related to their lifestyle and natural environment. They believe in having regular
exercise, helping others, and maintaining strong social and familial ties. They live in a mild climate with warm summers andcool winters. Interestingly, the air quality of Loma Linda, however, is not as good as in other longevity hot spots. This shouldgive us all hope, as it suggests that we don’t have to have every single factor in place in order to achieve excellent health.Despite this, the Adventists’good health certainly provides strong evidence that diet andlifestyle choices have a great impact on health and longevity.
Short conversationsConversation 1
W: I really need a holiday, so I’m going camping with some friends. What are you doing over the semester break?M: I haven’t got any plans yet. I don’t really have enough money to fly home. I suppose I could get a part-time job and earnsome money, or maybe I could start studying for next semester.Q: What is the woman going to do over the semester break?Conversation 2
M: I heard that you quit your swimming lessons. But you have paid $120 for them.
W: Ah, it’s all these yoga sessions. I just couldn’t fit them all in. What’s more, I got the majority of my fees back because I quitimmediately after the first day.
Q: Why did the woman quit her swimming lessons?Conversation 3
M: Shall we spend our weekend in Singapore? We can leave Friday afternoon so as to have dinner next to the river andenjoy fireworks at the shore!
W: I’d rather go on Saturday. My aunt will drop in on Friday evening. We haven’t seen each otherfor a couple of years.
Q: Why doesn’t the woman want to leave on Friday?Conversation 4
M: What do I need to bring for our camping trip to the national park?
W: Well, we’ve bought the food and rented a van. It’s a camping vehicle with a fridge and cookingequipment. I think you will need a warm sweater or jacket for the evenings.
Q: What does the woman suggest the man bring for the camping trip to the park? Conversation 5
M: Have you confirmed your booking at the hotel in Sydney? With only three days left before our trip, I hope everyone is asready as I am!
W: Not yet. But I’d better call them before we start our vacation. During this time of year theyalways get quite busy.
Q: What will the woman probably do before the vacation?
Long conversation
M: Rebecca, I just learned of an amazing park right here near our city!W: Really? Is it a nature park or an entertainment park?M: It’s a beautiful nature park, located 15 miles from our home.W: What’s it called?
M: It is called Big Sky Park and has nice walking trails and camping sites!
W: Bill, this is perfect! We can have a vacation and still keep saving money to visit my family sometime. But, can we get toBig Sky Park without a car?
M: Yes, easily. We just take the No. 32 bus that goes right to the park. The only problem will be getting all of our camping stuffwith us on the bus.
W: Well, I did just buy that new cart to help carry groceries home on the bus, plus we have your big backpack. Together, Ithink we will be fine. All of our camping equipment should easily fiton the bus.
M: Good. Good! I know we can make it a really special weekend. I have longed for a time when we could walk alone togetherin the quiet beauty of nature. I’m so, so happy to have this chance to be with you at the park.
W: I know me too! I know what I’ll do! I’ll pack all of our favorite food, and I’ll bake a small chocolate cake. Your favorite! Thenwe can drink tea and eat the chocolate cake around a campfire. I’m so happy you found Big Sky Park. I can’t wait, just twomore days for the weekend to come!
M: I’m so happy as well. Big Sky Park will be wonderful. The fire, the dinner and spending time with you make me such ahappy, happy man, Rebecca!
Passage 1
A new museum entirely dedicated to laziness has opened in the capital city of Colombia. But
you have to hurry if you want to see the exhibits and find out about being lazy because the exhibition lasts only for one week.The unusual show displays a whole range of things such as sofas, beds and anything that makes you feel like taking a rest.There are also plenty of televisions for those visiting couch potatoes to watch as they move around relaxingly in the museum.It is no coincidence but rather an intentional decision for the museum to have opened right
after the holiday season. The idea is for people to think about laziness, and perhaps change their behavior and lifestylethroughout the rest of the year. It offers a practical experience to make us think about laziness in our high-speed, fast-pacedsocieties.
The museum’s founder Marcela Arrieta said she wanted people to rethink about laziness and decide whether it really is abad thing. She told the media that people today always think about laziness as an enemy of work. For example, they mayfeel guilty if they sleep late, or they may feel they are wasting time after taking a nap or having a holiday.
Ms. Arrieta may not be proposing that we should have a shorter working week, but she could have a point in that we do needmore leisure time than our jobs allow us, and change our lifestyle to a type that is more relaxing. Besides, according toscientists, avoiding the pressure and stress of
work can make us healthier and live longer. So, why not try out Ms. Arrieta’s advice for yourself, slow down, and think aboutbeing lazy?
Short conversationsConversation 1
M: I think the government could provide some money for homeless people to build their own homes. Homeless people wouldfind it easier to get jobs if they had an address.
W: It’s not a bad idea. But I wonder where the money will come from.Q: What does the man think the government could do?Conversation 2
W: You see, some colleagues are not as active and efficient as usual and few have made any progress in their businessrecently.
M: Why don’t we organize some social activities, such as a baseball match? Our colleagues can learn to help and cooperatewith one another.
Q: What does the man suggest to change the situation?Conversation 3
W: I need to go across town, but the traffic is so heavy at this time of day.
M: When you take the subway, you don’t have to deal with traffic. I never drive home. Driving at this time may be slower thanwalking.
Q: What does the man suggest the woman do?Conversation 4
W: Have you heard? Kate quit her job and went to Africa to work as a volunteer!
M: Really? I really admire her courage. I think we should all extend an arm of help, love and compassion to help poor peoplebecome self-reliant financially and psychologically.Q: What does the man think we all should do?Conversation 5
W: You know there are many creative ways to reuse items. For example, old shoe boxes can be used for storage and plasticcontainers can be used for growing plants.
M: I never realized that we could be so green. I just learned to recycle glass bottles.Q: What are the two speakers talking about?
Long conversation
W: Hey, John! Everything OK? You look upset.
M: Oh, hi Kate. I was in the cafeteria eating alone. James from accounting walked by, sat down to eat at the table right next to
me –didn’t say a single word to me. I wondered why.W: Is that the main thing stressing you out, John?
M: No, I was silly to feel bad about that. What I am stressed about is my workload. My manager, Steven, is a great guy. Healways counts on me to get the work done. But I have five meetings this week and two big projects to complete by nextMonday. I don’t see how I can finish. I’m really worried I’ll let my team down.
W: I have some free time on Friday and over the weekend. I can help you with your extra work if you’d like. I know that feelingof being overwhelmed with work. It’s awful. I’d like to help. M: Really? You’d do that for me?
W: Of course I will! John, a lot of us really admire your work. Some of us have asked to work on your team. You’re a greatexample to us, John. You shouldn’t doubt yourself. I’m glad to help out.M: Wow, Kate. Thanks!
W: We could ... discuss it over dinner on Thursday. My treat!
M: Wow. No ... I mean I get to buy dinner, Kate! How about the new restaurant on 6th Street, 365?
It’s called 365 because it offers local, seasonal foods –fall, winter, spring, and summer –healthy choices with wonderful freshfruits and vegetables. Let’s meet at 7 p.m.
W: Sounds wonderful! Thursday, 7 p.m. at the new restaurant 365 on 6th Street. Perfect!
Passage 1
More than half of working Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs, according to a survey. That’s bad news for employersbecause workers’discontent can hurt productivity and hinder innovation.
Lynn Franco, co-author of the report, says Americans’job satisfaction is at its lowest level in more than two decades: Only45.3 percent of workers say they are satisfied with their jobs compared with 61 percent in 1987.
The report was produced by the Conference Board, a non-profit organization that helps businesses strengthen theirperformance. It is based on a survey of 5,000 US households. It shows
a drop in satisfaction in many aspects of an employee’s work life, including interest in the job, dealing with co-workers andbosses, commuting and jo
b security. As a group, neither young people who are just entering the workforce nor employees who are about to retire,Franco says, arehappy with what they do.
Only about 36 percent of workers under the age of 25 say they are currently satisfied with
their jobs. And it’s not much better among baby boomers. Twenty years ago, more than 50 percentof baby boomers were satisfied. Today, that’s down to 46 percent.
The most satisfied group of workers in the survey was those aged 25 to 34. Franco suggeststhat they may see some opportunities for upward mobility as baby boomers retire.
The Conference Board survey also asked about the reasons behind job dissatisfaction. Thereare economic reasons such as wages, promotion policy and bonus policy that are sort of adding to
this level of dissatisfaction. In addition, workers are also dissatisfied with the benefits: vacation policy, family-related leavetime, work schedule flexibility, and a variety of other factors as well.
Short conversationsConversation 1
W: I’ve read a lot about this young singer in the music press. She’s certainly creating a stir. Is she really that good?M: She’s absolutely brilliant. Each of her performances has been a sell-out. Her mix of rap and folk music is unique andawesome.
Q: What does the man say about the singer?Conversation 2
M: So here we are in Rome, Italy. In the next four days, we are going to have a full schedule.
W: I’m so excited. Rome has been my dream city. I can’t wait to see the historical buildings, visit the art galleries and eat realItalian pizza. By the way, shall we start with the famous Capitoline Museums tomorrow?Q: What are the two speakers mainly talking about?Conversation 3
W: Besides modern opera, which you are studying now, are there any other areas of the arts you enjoy?
M: All sorts. I like pop music, and I very much enjoy pencil drawing. But what interests me most is poetry, especiallyAmerican poetry in the early 20th century.Q: What’s the man’s area of study?Conversation 4
M: Hi. I am calling to inquire about the exhibit of ancient Greek sculptures you are now hosting. Could you please tell me theadmission fee and the opening times?
W: Sure. Admission is free. The opening hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. onFridays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.Q: How long does the exhibit open on Saturdays?Conversation 5
W: Darling, let’s check out the reviews of this movie online. If it’s good, we should watch it. M: I think we should. To watch asilent movie is certainly not something common in modern days. The actors must have superb skills to attract the audience ifthey do not say anything.
Q: What is special about the movie?
Long conversation
W: This feels like a dream ... The last time I was in San Francisco was 30 years ago, when I was your age, 15 years old. Somuch has changed in the city–but you know–many of the sites are just the same.
M: Wow! San Francisco is as beautiful as a picture! I can’t believe it! Let’s get going! Let’s look at the map and take thestreetcar to the Golden Gate Bridge.
W: Yes, of course. But, wait–let’s just take a moment to look at the Golden Gate Bridge from here–up high on the hill. Seehow amazing the sun looks, shining on the bridge there high above the water? Sometimes the best way to really enjoysomething is to see it from different angles and perspectives.
M: Yes! Just beautiful from here! OK! Let’s get going! Wait! You know what, Aunt Lucy, I’m really, really hungry! May we eatbefore we head out to see the Golden Gate Bridge?
W: Yes, of course we can. We’re already here in Chinatown and near my favorite Chinese restaurant. Even after 30 yearshave passed since I last visited, it’s still busy and active.M: That’s great, Aunt Lucy!W: And, it’s right here!
M: Wow! This is amazing! The man inside the window is making noodles by hand–just by pulling on the flour dough. I’ve
never seen anything like it before. How?
W: Yes, I know. It’s amazing, right? And the food is delicious, too! Sometimes the best way to enjoy culture is to simply slowdown and truly experience it. We have five full days here inSan Francisco. Let’s go slowly and enjoy every moment!
Passage 1
The Mona Lisa is probably the most famous painting in the world. It was created by
Leonardo da Vinci, the famous Italian artist, between around 1503 and 1506. The subject is the wife of a wealthy silk
merchant of Italy. The woman’s husband requested Da Vinci to portray her as a celebration of their home’s completion andthe birth of their second son. What is it about this
painting that has created such a lasting impact on the artistic world?
One factor is the artist himself. Leonardo da Vinci was not only an artist, but also a scientist,
an architect and an engineer. His knowledge of the human form came from the study of actual human bodies, so he was ableto draw and paint it more accurately.
Another factor is the material used for the painting. The Mona Lisa is an oil painting, but
unlike other paintings, which are usually created on canvas, the Mona Lisa has a wood panel as the surface. The use of awood panel makes it possible for the work to have survived for centuries.
Lastly, the style and techniques used for the painting make the Mona Lisa a masterpiece. Da Vinci presented precise detailsin the subject’s hands and face. He applied a shadowing technique
at the corners of her lips and her eyes, which gives her an unbelievably lifelike appearance. He also created a backgroundwith aerial views and a beautiful landscape. His remarkable skills left behind no visible brush marks at all.
All these factors–Da Vinci’s talent, the medium used for the painting, the style and techniques applied in the work–contributeto the lasting and mysterious beauty of the Mona Lisa.
Short conversationsConversation 1
M: There is not much worth in reading the newspapers these days. They have more pages but fewer words that really matter.W: You said it! All you find in them are advertisements and celebrity gossip. I wish they could direct more attention to issuesthat are more important to society.
Q: What does the man think of today’s newspapers?Conversation 2
W: Hello. Today on Business Focus I am talking about knowledge management with Mr. Adam Johnson, the HumanResources Manager of a multinational company. Mr. Johnson, how has knowledge management changed the way yourcompany works?
M: In lots of ways. The most significant change occurs in how we manage the process of our project development …Q: What is the woman probably doing?Conversation 3
W: Recently, reality television has swept across almost all channels: matchmaking, job hunting, and talent shows. I don’tknow why people are so crazy about it!
M: In my view, some people watch reality TV because it makes them feel they’re better than others. They may also enjoyseeing other people get embarrassed.
Q: What does the man say about reality TV?Conversation 4
W: I think teenagers today experience a different social reality from what we had before.
M: Exactly. When we were kids, we would hang out with friends, chatting, or going to movies. That’s our experience, but whatwe see now is that young people are choosing to live online. Q: How do young people socialize today according to the man?Conversation 5
W: Much has been said about how anti-social the Internet and mobile phones are, butI think communications technology is bringing people closer.
M: Yes, I’d go along with you on that. With these modern tools, there’s a new kind ofconnection
being built within families.
Q: What does the man think of modern communications technology?
Long conversation
W: Hey Billy! It’s 7:30 p.m.! Turn off your TV and computer. Come down to dinner. It seems your father is finishing hisconference call with his team in China.
M: OK Mom. Coming. But why is Dad on his computer while I can’t be on mine!W: Billy, your father is working. But you are chatting with your friends about celebrities!So your father needs to be on his computer. And you don’t!M: OK. Sorry, Mom. What are we having for dinner? Pizza?
W: Pizza?! I’ve made us a nice dinner of roast chicken, mushroom soup and vegetable salad. I even made chocolate cake fordessert –and you want pizza!
M: Just kidding Mom! I love your cooking! Mmm I’m hungry, and it smells delicious!W: Billy! I told you to shut down all electronics!
M: Mom! This isn’t fair. You told me to turn off my computer and my TV –you didn’t say all electronics –and you didn’t mentionmy cell phone! I have to check the news! My favorite golf player just got in trouble for drunk driving! Please Mom! I have tofind out!
W: You can’t go five minutes without having your eyes on a screen! Hand me your phone. Now! I am turning it off so we canhave a nice dinner.
M: OK Mom. Fine! Here’s my phone.W: Now, where is your father?
M: Will you make Dad do the same? We never have family dinner anymore without Dad being on electronics!
W: Hmm, you know, Billy, you have a very good point. I think it’s time we had family dinner without any electronics. Here’sour new rule: Just for 45 minutes over dinner, no electronics!
Passage 1
We as a society have intense interest in the celebrity news prevalent in our media. One of the key reasons is that in a worldof constant death and disasters, celebrity news allows us to escape from the “real news”. After all, the job of celebrities is toentertain us, so it’s only natural that news about them would be a source of entertainment as well.
Of course the world isn’t always a depressing place filled with death, danger and sad events. But the media presents adominant coverage of them. Watching hours of that news makes you depressed and want something different. This is whycelebrity news fills that need for “happy news”or “light news”.
Celebrities also tend to live life on the edge and overdo everything they are engaged in. They long for attention and will dowhatever to get it. We watch them with fascination as they party, do
drugs, escape the law, get caught by the law, get married or divorced, and so forth.
Many people became attracted by the lifestyle of celebrities because they more or less wish they had the same lives as thestars. Celebrity news fuels people’s desire to look like the stars, dress like the stars, and even name children after the stars. Itcan be a source of making every life decision for some people. Although this may not be a healthy thing to do, it does boostthe celebrity news business.
In a word, celebrity news gives us a well-needed break from the depressing and harsh news stories that we are flooded withdaily. But as viewers and readers we need to keep in mind that celebrities are still common people, and that their lives are inmany ways similar to ours, not merely to be shown for entertainment only.
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