2008年普通高中畢業(yè)班教學(xué)質(zhì)量調(diào)研考試

英  語

本試卷分第一卷（選擇題）和第二卷（非選擇題）兩部分，共150分，考試用時(shí)120分鐘。第一卷1至10頁，第二卷11至12頁�？荚嚱Y(jié)束后，將第二卷和答題卡一并交回。

第一卷（三部分，共115分）

注意事項(xiàng)：

1、答第一卷前，考生務(wù)必將自己的姓名、準(zhǔn)考證號(hào)涂寫在答題卡上。

2、每小題選出答案后，用鉛筆把答題卡上對(duì)應(yīng)題目的答案標(biāo)號(hào)涂黑。如需改動(dòng)，用橡皮擦干凈后，再選涂其它答案標(biāo)號(hào)。答在試卷上的無效。

第一卷（三部分，共115分）

第一部分：聽力（共兩節(jié)，滿分30分）

    做題時(shí)，先將答案劃在試卷上。錄音內(nèi)容結(jié)束后，你將有兩分鐘的時(shí)間將試卷上的答案轉(zhuǎn)涂到答題卡上。

第一節(jié)（共5小題；每小題1 .5分, 滿分7.5分）

聽下面5段對(duì)話。每段對(duì)話后有一個(gè)小題，從題中所給的A、B、C三個(gè)選項(xiàng)中選出最佳選項(xiàng)，并標(biāo)在試卷的相應(yīng)位置。聽完每段對(duì)話后，你都有10秒鐘的時(shí)間來回答有關(guān)小題和閱讀下一小題。每段對(duì)話僅讀一遍。

1. What is the man doing?

 A. Calling a taxi.       B. Waiting for another man.    C. Driving a taxi.

2. When will the performance start?

 A.7:00 am.           B.17:30.                   C.7:30pm.

3. Why can’t Manager Black meet the speaker now?

 A. Because he is busy.   B. Because he is on holiday.  C. Because he doesn’t want to.

4. What do you know about the woman?

 A. She is a policewoman.  B. She knows little about the fire. 

C. She escaped from the great fire.

5. What does the woman suggest be taken?

 A. A sweater and boots.   B. A raincoat and a sweater.  C  Medicines and a sweater.

第二節(jié)（共15小題；每小題1 .5分, 滿分22.5分）

聽下面5段對(duì)話或獨(dú)白。每段對(duì)話或獨(dú)白后有幾個(gè)小題，從題中所給的A、B、C三個(gè)選項(xiàng)中選出最佳選項(xiàng)，并標(biāo)在試卷的相應(yīng)位置。聽每段對(duì)話或獨(dú)白前，你將有時(shí)間閱讀各個(gè)小題，每小題5秒鐘；聽完后，各小題將給出5秒鐘的作答時(shí)間。每段對(duì)話或獨(dú)白讀兩遍。

聽第6段材料，回答6至8題。

6. Where did the man work before?

 A. In the shopping department.   B. In the shipping department.  C. In a bank.

7. How does the man find the work and the people there?

 A. The work is tiring and the people aren’t friendly.

B. The work is tiring but the people are polite.

C. The work is interesting but the people are impolite.

8. What did the woman wish?

 A. She wished that the man would do his work well.

B. She wished that the man’s idea would come true.

C. She wished that the man would become friendly.

聽第7段材料，回答9至10題。

9. When are they going to have the new house completed?

 A. Within 10 days    B. Before the rainy season comes.  C. Next year.

10. How many bricks do they decide to buy?

 A.1, 600             B.15, 000        C.16, 000

聽第8段材料，回答11至13題。

11. When does the woman telephone?

 A. In the afternoon.    B. At noon.       C. In the morning

12. What’s the woman’s telephone number?

 A.061-88923470      B.016-88924370   C.061-88932740

13. Why does the woman telephone the accountant?

 A. Because she wants to make sure if her cheque has been received.

B. Because she wants to make sure if he has sent a cheque for the furniture ordered.

C. Because she wants to know how to send his cheque to the company.

聽第9段材料，回答14至17題。

14. Where is the woman most probably staying?

 A. At school.       B. At home.           C .In the street.

15. On which channel did Linda watch a movie?

A. Channel 8.       B. Channel 17.         C. Channel 18.

16. What did the woman do after watching a movie?

 A. Slept.           B .Listened to music.   C. Did her homework

17. How was the coverage of the bank robbery?

 A. Disappointing.    B. Exciting           C. Lifeless.

聽第10段材料，回答18至20題。

18. What is the probable relationship between the two speakers?

 A. Friends.          B. Strangers.         C. Workmates.

19. Where does the conversation most probably take place?

 A. At home.         B. Near their house.   C. By a lake.

20. Why did the man go to Seattle?

 A. He wanted to live there.      B. He was on business.

C. He wanted to visit the city.

第二部分：英語知識(shí)運(yùn)用（共兩節(jié)，滿分45分）

第一節(jié)： 語法和詞匯知識(shí)（共15小題；每小題1分，滿分15分）

從A、B、C、D四個(gè)選項(xiàng)中，選出可以填入空白處的最佳選項(xiàng)，并在答題卡上將該項(xiàng)涂黑。

21. ??Do you mind me using your electronic dictionary?

??_____. Please go ahead.

A. Never mind   B. Of course not   C. Yes, I do    D. That’s all right

22．It’s in the _____ interest that we should have a well-run health service.

A. ordinary   B. usual   C. particular   D. general

23．I will never forget my teacher’s advice: “As long as you can affect _____ life of one child, you’ve been _____ success.”

A. the; the    B. a; a    C. a; the   D. the; a

24．_____ there was no plan for a media education class, the headmaster encouraged Tom to create his own.

A. Since    B. Even though  C. Although   D. After

25．It’s OK to fail as long as you see the lessons in every mistake you _____ and use them to become even stronger.

A. get     B. follow     C. make     D. take

26．There was a time in my life _____ beauty meant something special to me.

A. that    B. which    C. whether   D. when

27．English has been changing for centuries, and even now, new words and expressions _____ nearly every day.

A. are added   B. are being added   C. have added   D. have been added

28．If you haven’t finished the project, then it’s better left _____.

A. being unmentioned  B. to be unmentioned     C. unmentioned  D. to have unmentioned

29．Do you enjoy playing basketball? _____, you have lots of company.

A. Even so     B. If so    C. However     D. Otherwise

30．People love to waste time on the Internet and if it’s at all funny they’ll go there, _____ who put it up there.

A. regardless of    B. instead of    C. in spite of   D. in case of

31．Have you ever changed an answer on a test, _____ out later that your first answer was the right one?

A. only to find    B. finding    C. have found    D. to have found

32．??What did you find most surprising about Johnny Depp in “Pirates”?

??_____.

A. He has no fear  B. That he has no fear  C. What he has no fear  D. When he has no fear

33．I wish there were taxis now in the street. I can never seem to find _____ when I need it.

A. it     B. them     C. one     D. those

34．Those who steal books in the library _____ not be allowed to borrow any again in the future.

A. shall     B. must    C. may    D. can

35．They _____ the computer problem, which in turn helped us get back online.

A. have solved    B. had solved      C. solve    D. solved

第二節(jié)： 完形填空（共20小題；每小題1.5分，滿分30分）

閱讀下面短文，掌握其大意，然后從36-55各題所給的四個(gè)選項(xiàng)（A、B、C和D）中，選出最佳選項(xiàng)，并在答題卡上將該項(xiàng)涂黑。

My “Daddy on Campus”

It was my first day of high school, and I was late. My next class, Spanish, scared me. I just could not speak that __36__. As the bell rang, I ran to the classroom.

At the door, a hand reached out and __37__mine firmly. I looked up. A man with large glasses smiled. He __38__himself as Profe, which means teacher in Spanish. __39__, his warm smile and __40__ words eased my fears. That year, I __41__ his classes a great deal because I learned __42__ just Spanish.

I admit I only speak a little Spanish. __43__ I try to live out the life lessons I learned from Profe.

Every day Profe stood __44__his classroom before and after class to give his “hand hug”. After school his room was always filled with students and he would __45__ to and chat with them--__46__ those not in his class. He taught me that every person is __47__ your time.

One time, I was rejected(排擠)by my friends, Profe told me, “Lindita, life gives you __48__. But learning its lessons will turn those ashes to jewels.” Therefore, I learned to look at my troubles __49__ and not to fear any difficulty.

In my senior year, I __50__ president of one of the school’s clubs, so I was very __51__. Many times I didn’t even have time to buy lunch. He served me by giving me his food as well as advice. He __52__ out what he taught us to do: __53__ others.

The author William Arther Ward __54__: “The mediocre(平庸的) teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher __55__.” Thank you Profe, for inspiring me.

36. A. country                B. language                C. nation                    D. word

37. A. hit                       B. beat                       C. shook                     D. patted

38. A. introduced           B. regarded                 C. treated                   D. considered

39. A. Once again           B. In addition             C. For once                D. Right away

40. A. exciting               B. welcoming             C. disappointing          D. boring

41. A. escaped                B. heard                     C. enjoyed                  D. preferred

42. A. more than            B. other than               C. less than                 D. rather than

43. A. And                     B. So                         C. But                        D. Therefore

44. A. within                 B. outside                   C. beyond                   D. ahead

45. A. say                      B. listen                     C. talk                        D. speak

46. A. ever                    B. yet                         C. still                        D. even

47. A. worth                  B. worthy                   C. full of                    D. filled with

48. A. troubles               B. lessons                   C. ashes                      D. jewels

49. A. frequently            B. similarly                C. hopefully               D. differently

50. A. made                   B. became                  C. took                       D. held

51. A. proud                  B. capable                  C. busy                      D. free

52. A. proved                 B. picked                    C. put                        D. lived

53. A. serve                   B. offer                      C. give                       D. teach

54. A. read                    B. put                        C. told                       D. wrote

55. A. inspires                B. encourages             C. praises                   D. excuses

第三部分：閱讀理解（共20小題；每小題2分，滿分40分）

閱讀下列短文，從每題所給的四個(gè)選項(xiàng)（A、B、C和D）中，選出最佳選項(xiàng)，并在答題卡上將該項(xiàng)涂黑。

A

Ron never intended to become a teacher. “All I wanted was a life filled with adventure,” he once explained. Ron’s first teaching job came after he unwillingly visited a school near his home in North Carolina. A student asked if Ron would be his teacher, and Ron couldn’t turn him down. He accepted the job and the change of raising the class’s low test scores. Ron’s unique methods not only raised test scores but also gained worldwide attention.

Five years later, Ron moved to Harlem, a low-income neighborhood in New York City. The schools there lacked good teachers, which affected students’ academic performance. Ron made an effort to connect with his students by visiting their families and learning their recess(課間的) games. His students responded by studying harder and performing better.

Because of his accomplishments in North Carolina and Harlem, Ron Clark has become one of the most distinguished teachers in America. But, more than anything else, he has become famous for his book called The Essential 55.

The essential 55 are Clark’s rules for everything from having good manners to having a good attitude. The book includes rules such as addressing adults as “sir” and “ma’am”, making eye contact, and speaking politely on the phone. The rules not only cover classroom behavior and manners but also encourage students to live life to the fullest. Rule 51 says, “Live so that you will never have regrets.” And Rule 55, simply states, “Be the best person you can be.”

Published in over 25 countries, The Essential 55 has inspired teachers to affect the lives of all of their students. Ron Clark is now starting a new school in Atlanta, Georgia―probably his biggest adventure yet!

56.Why did Ron Clark become a teacher?

A. He just graduated from a normal university.

B. He thought a teacher’s life was filled with adventure.

C. A student in North Carolina asked him to be his teacher.

D. He had unique methods to be a good teacher.

57.To raise the students’ academic performance in Harlem, what Ron did was simply to _____.

A. visit their families

B. learn their recess games

C. study harder and perform better

D. try to connect with students

58.Clark’s last rule in “The Essential 55” may be “_____”.

A. Address adults as ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’.

B. Speak politely on the phone.

C. Be the best person you can be.

D. Live so that you will never have regrets.

59.Which of the following is probably the best title of this passage?

A. Clark and his Essential 55

B. How to be a Distinguished Teacher

C. A Famous Book

D. Clark’s Accomplishments

B

A World of Color

    No matter where you go, colors are everywhere! And while the colors may be the same, their meanings change depending on the country.

Colors

Different Meanings

Green

Green means “hope” in Ecuador. In the U.S., it’s a symbol of money and concern for the environment.

Purple

Purple is worn by kings and queens in Europe, while in Thailand, it’s worn by women whose husbands have died.

Black

Black is the traditional color of mourning(哀悼) in the West. But on the Pacific islands of Melanesia, it’s a symbol of beauty and speed.

White

White is considered a pure color and is worn at weddings in America. In parts of Asia, however, white is worn to funerals as a sign of winter, when everything is dead.

Red

Red means “beautiful” in Russia, but in South Africa, it’s the color of mourning. In the United States, a bride would be criticized for wearing a red gown. In India or China, though, brides often wear red as a symbol of good fortune.

Colors mean different things in different countries. No matter what the meaning is, color adds interest to our lives and makes them brighter.

60. In the US if you prefer the color_____, it will probably show that you are concerned about the environment.

A. green     B. purple    C. black    D. white

61. How many colors mentioned in the passage can be used as a sign of mourning?

A. Five.     B. Four.     C. Three.    D. Two.

62.If a bride is wearing a red gown in the wedding, she must come from_____.

A. Thailand     B. America    C. India    D. South Africa

63.What can we infer from the passage?

A. All the colors have different meanings in different countries.

B. From country to country, people view colors differently.

C. All the brides from China prefer to wear white gowns.

D. White is considered a pure color and often worn to funerals.

C

    Blogging has become something of a big thing in the last few years. Just like the Internet was 10 years ago, blogging is popular with an underground culture that is doing it for love and passion.

Blogging is a way of collecting links to webpages and sharing thoughts and ideas with people online. Blogs are basically online journals or diaries which are created for sharing information and ideas.

Dominic, a fifth-grade student, writes: “The blogs give us a chance to communicate between ourselves and inspire us to write more. When we publish on our blog, people across the entire world can respond by using the ‘comments’ link. In this way, they can ask questions or simply tell us what they like. We can then know if people like what we write and this indicates to us where we can improve. By reading these comments, we can discover our weaknesses and our strengths. Blogging is an opportunity to exchange our points of view with the rest of the world rather than just people in our immediate environment.”

Blogging is sweeping the Internet. A recent report noted that at least three million Americans have created blogs, with similar numbers being seen worldwide.

Two years ago, Andrew Sullivan decided to set up a Web page himself and used “Blogger. com” to publish some daily musings(冥想) to a readership(讀者人數(shù)) of a few hundred. He worked hard at the blog for months for no financial reward. But the result is that he is now reaching almost a quarter of a million readers a month and making a profit.

Think about it for a minute: Why not build an online presence with your daily musings and then tell your first book through print-on-demand(POD) technology direct from your Web site? Why should writers go to newspapers and magazines to get an essay published when they can simply write it themselves, change it into a PDF file, and charge a few bucks per download?

This, at least, is the idea: a publishing revolution more profound than anything since the printing press. “Blogger. com” could be to words what Napster was to music―except this time, it’ll really work.

64.Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

A. Blogs are mainly online chatting with others.

B. Blogging is important in the past few years.

C. Dominic wants to get a chance to be a writer.

D. Blogging makes us exchange our view only with friends

65.According to the passage, about _____ people worldwide have created blogs except Americans.

A. 250,000        B. 750,000     C. 3 million    D. 6 million

66.From the passage we can see that “Napster” in the last paragraph is probably related to _____.

A. newspapers      B. readers      C. words     D. music

67.What would be the best title of this passage?

A. What is Blogging                 B. Blog is Your Favorite

C. Blogging Goes Mainstream         D. A Publishing Revolution

D

Many people wonder why the United States has been a hotspot for Chinese students for years, despite its extremely strict visa policy. On the other hand, China’s rise as an economic powerhouse is resulting in a rapid expansion of its higher education system, making it the faster-growing destination for American foreign exchange students.

Recently, according to a study by the Institute of International Education, a research organization based in New York, the number of American students seeking higher education in China has never been greater, increasing by 90 percent from 2002 to 2004. Alan Goodman, president of the institute, believes that the phenomenon lies in the pace of change in China, which is spending billions of dollars to expend and transform its higher educational facilities into world-class institutions.

“China is a job market,” said Professor Chou, professor of East Asian Studies at Princeton University. “Twenty years ago, only those interested in Chinese literature would study Chinese language. Now all professors have opened up.”

China now ranks 9^th as a host destination for American students, advancing from the No.12 spot it held a year earlier. The study revealed that Britain continues to be the leading destination, attracting 16.8 percent of all American students who study abroad. On the other hand, in the 2004-2005 academic year, China sent more than 62,000 students to the United States, nearly 60 percent more than a decade earlier. According to the study, the Chinese now make up 11 percent of foreign students in the United States, the second-largest group behind students from India.

68.From the first paragraph, we know that for many years Chinese students want to go to the US but _____.

A. Chinese government refuses to give a visa

B. it is extremely difficult to get a visa

C. it results in a rapid expansion

D. China becomes a fast-growing country

69.According to the text, “the phenomenon” in the second paragraph refers to _____.

A. more American students’ seeking higher education in China

B. the pace of change in China during the past few years

C. founding a research organization based in New York

D. expending and transforming its higher educational facilities

70.Ten years ago, China sent about _____ students to the United States.

A. 62,000       B. 55,000       C. 37,000       D. 6,820

71.What is the main idea of this text?

A. American Students are looking for destination.

B. American students are interested in Chinese culture.

C. Britain continues to be the leading destination.

D. China grows as study hotspot for U.S. students.

E

Honda Motors announced that it will put a sleek(帥氣的)hydrogen fuel-cell sedan(轎車) into limited production next year and also will sell a unique hybrid(混合的) car in the U.S.A. within two years. The new sedan represents a continued effort to move hybrid automobiles into the mainstream market. The new car will be priced even less than their current $25,000 Civic hybrid.

General Motors(GM) also has promised some time this year to produce 100 Chevrolet Equinox SUVs modified to run on fuel-cell power. GM and Honda say their fuel-cell vehicles meet U.S. safety standards and have the same features as gasoline models.

Fuel-cell vehicles are electric-powered. The electricity is generated by a fuel-cell stack in the car. The stack mixes hydrogen and oxygen in a process that produces electricity and emits water. Nearly all hydrogen is made from natural gas, abundant in North America.

Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are seen as far-horizon solutions to U.S. dependence on oil. The feed-back that Honda and GM would get from individual users could help adjust fuel-cell cars to mainstream tastes and thus speed development of the pollution-free vehicles.

“The consumer focus is where we need to put more attention,” says Steve Ellis, Honda fuel-cell marketing manager. “We started with fleets, added a few consumers, now we’re going to swing the pendulum(鐘擺).”

Only about a dozen states have hydrogen fueling stations. If big oil companies are slow to add hydrogen to their offerings, industrial-gas supplies could step in.

Honda expects the 2008 model will get the gasoline equivalent of 68 miles per gallon in the federal city-highway-combined-driving cycle. Hydrogen with the same amount of energy as a gallon of gasoline sells for $3 to $6. Because fuel-cell cars are much more efficient, the cost per mile is much less than with gasoline.

72.What is the present price of this hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid sedan?

A. Well over $30,000   B. Far less than $20,000   C. Less than $25,000    D. About $25,000

73. Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?

A. GM and Honda say they have different features with gasoline models.

B. Nearly all hydrogen is made from natural gas, rich in North America.

C. The feed-back from users could help speed development of the vehicles.

D. Industrial-gas supplies could step into the market of offering hydrogen

74.We can learn from what Steve Ellis said that_____.

A. they paid no attention to consumers

B. they will still do what they did

C. they had more consumers now

D. they focus on only the income

75. What would be the best title of this passage?

A. Hydrogen cars going hard to repair

B. Short of energy making it hard for sedan

C. Fuel-cell sedan into limited production

D. Hydrogen cars moving to the mainstream

2008年普通高中畢業(yè)班教學(xué)質(zhì)量調(diào)研考試

座號(hào)

英  語

第二卷(共35分)

注意事項(xiàng)：

1、用鋼筆或圓珠筆直接答在試卷上。

2、答卷前將密封線內(nèi)的項(xiàng)目填寫清楚。

題  號(hào)

第一節(jié)

第二節(jié)

總  分

分  數(shù)

第四部分：寫作（共兩節(jié)，滿分35分）

第一節(jié) 短文改錯(cuò)（共10小題；每小題1分，滿分10分）

此題要求改正所給短文中的錯(cuò)誤。對(duì)標(biāo)有題號(hào)的每一行做出判斷：如果無錯(cuò)誤，在該行右邊橫線上畫一個(gè)勾（∨）；如果有錯(cuò)誤（每行只有一個(gè)錯(cuò)誤），則按下列情況改正：

此行多一個(gè)詞：把多余的詞用斜線（\）劃掉，在該行右邊橫線上寫出該詞，并也用斜線劃掉。

此行缺一個(gè)詞：在缺詞處加一個(gè)漏字符號(hào)（∧），在該行右邊橫線上寫出該加的詞。

此行錯(cuò)一個(gè)詞：在錯(cuò)的詞下劃一橫線，在該行右邊橫線上寫出改正后的詞。

注意：原行沒有錯(cuò)的不要改。

Kate and me, high school classmates, often spend a lot of         76__________

time shop together. I enjoy Kate’s friendship, but one of her        77__________

habit is really starting to bother me. When there aren’t any         78__________

trashcans around, she just throws her trash on ground.             79__________

One Saturday afternoon, we went to their favorite part of       80__________

town, The busy streets and a large number stores made it a great     81__________

place to shop. We were hungry now, so we buy some fried         82__________

chicken to eat as we have walked around. Just as we finished       83__________

eating, Kate noticed some dresses in a store window. She was       84__________

readily to shop, leaving me look around for a trashcan so that we      85__________

wouldn’t litter.

第二節(jié) 書面表達(dá)（滿分25分）

觀察左面的一幅漫畫，用英語寫一篇100―120左右題為“Birds with Weak Wings”的短文。

要求：1、簡(jiǎn)要描述漫畫內(nèi)容；

2、說明圖示所反映的社會(huì)現(xiàn)狀；

      3、發(fā)表自己的觀點(diǎn)和看法。

      4、參考詞匯：農(nóng)民工（off-farm workers）

2008年普通高中畢業(yè)班教學(xué)質(zhì)量調(diào)研考試

1―5 ACACB                        6―10 CABBC                  11―15 CABBA              16―20 CBBCA

21―25 BDDAC                        26―30 DBCBA                   31―35 ABCAD                 36―40 BCADB

41―45 CACBB                       46―50 DACDB                   51―55 CDADA                56―60 CDCAA

61―65 BCBBC                         66―70 DCBAC                    71―75 DDACD

短文改錯(cuò)：

Kate and me, high school classmates, often spend a lot of                    76___I_______

time shop together. I enjoy Kate’s friendship, but one of her                  77__shopping_

habit is really starting to bother me. When there aren’t any                   78__habits__

trashcans around, she just throws her trash on∧ground.                  79___the_____

One Saturday afternoon, we went to their favorite part of             80___our_____

town. The busy streets and a large number∧stores made it a great           81__of______

place to shop. We were hungry now, so we buy some fried                 82__bought__

chicken to eat as we ha\ve walked around. Just as we finished                83___ha\ve___

eating, Kate noticed some dresses in a store window. She was               84    √    

readily to shop, leaving me look around for a trashcan so that we            85___ready__

wouldn’t litter.

書面表達(dá)：

There stands a tall tree in which there is a beautiful house called the city’s primary school. Under it, five little birds, on whose backs are written five characters which mean “children of off-farm workers”, are sitting on the ground, with their eyes looking at the house well above. How they want to fly into the house, but their wings are too weak.

As we know, a lot of off-farm workers come to cities to earn their living. They try their best to serve the city, but they can’t afford the expensive schooling for their children.

I hope there will be enough schools for the off-farm workers’ children; this way we can enjoy a better life together.

(words: 117)

M: Hello, madam. Thanks for pulling over.

W: OK, where to go, sir?

M: No.213, Highland Street.

W: Yes, sir. The taxi will be there in 10 minutes.

M: What’s on at the theater this evening?

W: It’s said that “Beyond” will give a performance.

M: What time will it start?

W: Er…7:30 pm. It’s 7 o’clock by my watch.

M: Can I see your manager Mr. Black at the moment?

W: Sorry, but he is not free until eleven.

M: Would ten to one be convenient?

W: Yes, he’s free then.

W: Have you heard of the Sao Paulo Fire?

M: Yes, it is said that over 200 people died in this fire. A big tragedy!

W: Yes, but do you know I am one of the very lucky people who escaped from the fire?

W: You’d better take a heavy sweater. The nights are cold even in summer.

M: OK, and do you think it might snow? Will I need my boots?

W: No, it never snows there in July. But it might rain. Don’t forget your raincoat.

M: Thank you for telling me.

W: I keep meaning to ask you. Are you happy that you work in the shipping department?

M: To tell you the truth, I’m sorry that I changed my job and came to the shipping department. I wish I hadn’t done it.

W: Really? Why?

M: Because the work is tiring and the people in that section are not friendly.

W: That’s too bad! I’m sorry to hear that. What do you plan to do?

M: Well, I hope the bank is willing to take me back.

W: Is that likely?

M: I don’t know.

W: Well, I hope things work out for you.

M: Thanks.

W: Darling, I suggest we build a new house, as rainwater always comes in through the ceiling when there are storms.

M: Yeah. We should think about it right away. We have to build it before the rainy season comes. 

W: Of course. Let’s figure out what we should prepare to build the house.

M: First, bricks, we have to buy at least fifteen thousand bricks.

W: Erm. Yeah. I think we can go to the South Brickmark to buy sixteen thousand bricks. If they are not enough, we can order some more later.

M: Good. We also have to get some sand and logs and…

W: Well. Finally, we have to get some stones for the base.

M: Yes, I nearly forgot. I will buy the bricks, sand and the stones first, and then I’m going to the wood market for the logs.

W: OK, darling. I will draw some money out.

W: Good morning. May I speak to the accountant, please?

M: I’m sorry. He’s not in this morning. Who’s speaking, please?

W: Jane Thompson of Furniture World. Have you got any idea when he will be back?

M: I’m afraid he probably won’t be back until late this afternoon. Would you like to call again or would you like to leave a message?

W: I’d like to leave a message if you don’t mind passing it on to him.

M: No, I don’t mind at all. Would you mind spelling your name and your telephone number, please?

W: Jane Thompson. That’s T-H-O-M-P-S-O-N. My number is 88923470. And the code for the area is 061.

M: And what’s the message?

W: Well, I was wondering if he could send a cheque for the office furniture your company ordered last week.

M: OK, I’ll let him know as soon as he comes in this afternoon.

M: How are you feeling, Linda? 

W: Much better. Thanks. I’ve rested all day, with only the television as my companion. In fact, all this week, I seem only to have the energy to watch TV.

M: What did you watch today?

W: I started with some game shows this morning. I tried to answer the questions; I’m really wild about them.

M: What did you watch next?

W: At 2:00, I switched to Channel 8 and watched a movie. It was terrific.

M: I’m glad that you enjoyed it. I read that there was a new Hoffman movie this afternoon. I thought you liked him.

W: I do, but I had already watched enough TV. I did some (housework) homework instead. I was so focused on doing it that I lost track of time. By the time I finished, it was already over. So I watched the news on Channel 17.  

M: Did anything important happen?

W: A bank was robbed this afternoon. They had a reporter covering the event live. The live coverage made the news seem lifelike. It was very exciting.

M: Excuse me, Madam. I wonder if you could help us.

W: Of course.

M: I would like to take a picture. Could you …?

W: Do the honors? Of course. How about using the lake as a backdrop?

M: Sure. Here’s my camera.

W: That’(t)s the kind I like. OK. Say “cheese”. Are you just visiting Seattle?

M: No, we’ve moved here. We’ve been here for about two weeks.

W: That’s great! Welcome to the Emerald City! Oh, my name is Jenny Burney.

(W)M: My name is Tony. Tony Lee.

W: Tony. It’s very nice to meet you. So, how does it feel to be living in America?

M: It feels a bit strange. Seattle is beautiful, but it just doesn’t feel like home. Not yet, anyway. But it’s growing on us.

W: That’s good. Listen, how would you like to join me for coffee and a bit to eat? There’s a good place not far from here.

M: OK. Thank you very much.