II. Listening Skills
Listening for Telephone Numbers
1. W: I’m wondering if the weather will be good for us to go cycling on Saturday.
M: Let’s call the weather office. I know the phone number. It’s 661-3047. If the weather is going to be bad, we’ll have to wait for another week.
Q: What’s the phone number for the weather office?The phone number for the weather office is 6613047.
2. W: I’m so sorry, but the general manager isn’t back yet. Can I take a message for him?
M: Yes. Please ask him to call me 843-2057.
Q: At what number will the general manager return the call?The general manager will return the call at 8432057.
3. M: Do you have Simon’s mobile phone number? A well-known scientist from the States is giving a speech on global warming in the Science Museum. I’m sure Simon would be interested.
W: Let me see… His number is 13032108585.
Q: What is Simon’s mobile phone number?Simon’s mobile phone number is 13032108585.
4. M: Hello, I’m calling to check on the school sports meet.
W: Yes, sir, how can I help you?
M: There’s been so much rain lately; I was wondering if it’s postponed.
W: It has been postponed because of the weather, but for further information, please contact 54362163, extension 205.
Q: What number should be the man dial for the further information about the sports meet?
The man could dial 54362163, extension 205 for further information about the sports meet.
5. M: Hello. I’m calling form Beijing. I’ve learned from the Internet that a hurricane is approaching Miami. I’d like to call one of my friends there immediately. Can you tell me how to make an international call?
W: What number are you calling, sir?
M: His number in Florida is 511-0897.
W: Well, first, dial 011, then dial 1, the area code for North America, and then the area code 305 for Miami. After that, dial your friend’s number.
Q: What is the complete number the man should dial to reach his friend in Miami?
The an should dial 01113055110897 to reach his friend in Miami.
III. Listening In
Task 1: Weather Forecasting
We all know that it’s not possible for man to control the weather. But we can tell what important changes there will be in the weather in the short term. This is called weather forecasting. Many people rely on the weatherman to provide that information, but one method of weather forecasting is simply to use your eyes and brains. For example, if you see a rainbow in rainy weather in the evening, this is a sign that the weather will soon be clear and fine. Sometimes distant objects such as hills and tall trees seem to be very clear and near; this is a sign of much water vapor in the air, and then rain will probably come. If a fog appears just about sunrise in the morning, then the day will be arm. If the sunset is mostly red in color, then the following day will be fine. If the stars twinkle at night, then fine weather will come the next day.
1.B 2.D 3.C 4.A 5.D
Task 2: Wrong Weather Forecast
M: Hey, Jane! Does everyone know what time to meet us this weekend for the picnic?
W: Yeah. They’ll all be here at eleven sharp! I’ve got all the food and drinks for the barbecue, and Tom is bringing the grill.
M: OK. I’ve got that old net; we can use that for beach volleyball.
W: Oh, I forgot to tell you. I’ve invited Class 2 and 3 as well. We’ll be able to have a volleyball match, one class against another; that’ll be great fun.
M: Did you check the weather? I hope it’s going to stay nice for the weekend; we can’t have a picnic in the rain.
W: No worries! I watched the weather forecast last night, and the weatherman said it’s going to be fine—maybe a little cloudy, but DEFINITELY no rain!
(next morning)
M: There’s terrible weather! It’s raining buckets!
W: There’s no way we can go out in that. Those weatherman are useless—I hope they had a picnic today too.
M: I don’t know what’s happened to the weather these days. When I was little, we never had this much rain in the summer.
W: I AGREE. And have you noticed that winter is warmer now as well? We always used to get snow in January. Now winter is more like spring!
M: You’re telling me. I bet it’s all the pollution and the hole in the ozone layer that’s changing the weather.
W: Oh, global warming and all that.
M: I guess we’ll have to take a rain check on the picnic.
They are planning to have their picnic on the weekend.
They will be able to have a volleyball match, one class against another.
It’ll be fine, and maybe a little cloudy, but there’ll be definitely no rain.
Those weatherman are useless.
All the pollution and the hole in the ozone layer are responsible for the changeable weather.
Task 3: Global Climate Change
Today, scientists have found that the greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere have changed the global climate. These gases are largely due to human activities, such as the burning up of gas, coal and oil, and the destruction of forests. It is estimated that the average surface temperature of the earth will rise by 1.5-3.5℃ by 2100. This rate of warming is significant. The oceans will heat up and glaciers will melt. As a result, the global average sea level is expected to rise by 15-95 cm by 2100. In that case all coastal cities will be at risk as a result of flooding and storm surges. Also, around the world weather events such as storms and floods will become more frequent and intense. Clearly, global climate change is becoming a great threat to our environment. So we must take effective measures to produce fewer greenhouse gases that cause it.
Global climate is causes by the greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere. These gases are largely due to the burning up of gas, coal and oil, and the destruction of forests. Scientists estimate that, by 2100, the average surface temperature of the earth will rise by 1.5-3.5℃ and global average sea level will rise by 15-95 cm. All coastal cities will be at risk as a result of flooding and storm surges. Clearly, global climate change is becoming a great threat to our environment.
Task 4: An Announcement
Friday looks really good. Sunny all day with a daytime temperature of 70 degrees. But bundle up Friday night, as the temperature will drop sharply. On Saturday, it will be cold and cloudy in the morning with strong winds. In the afternoon, there’s a good chance of snow flurries, and the temperature will only reach 37 degrees! On Sunday morning it will be cloudy, with some rain showers in the afternoon. But temperatures will rise to 50 degrees.
IV. Speaking Out
Now Your Turn
Lisa: Sarah, would you mind not keeping the window open? All my papers have been blown off the desk and onto the floor!
Sarah: I’m sorry. I didn’t realize the wind was so strong. You’re working on a paper?
Lisa: Yeah, it has to be turned in this Wednesday.
Sarah: Oh, I almost forgot! I’m going to give a presentation tomorrow morning, and I haven’t read a word yet!
Lisa: Come on, you shouldn’t leave everything till the last minute.
Model 2 It’s terrible!
Now Your Turn
Ashley: Wow! What a wind! It’s terrible, isn’t it, Kathy?
Katherine: You bet. There’s a dust storm blowing up.
Ashley: Yeah. You could get blinded if you go outside.
Katherine: The weather forecaster recommends staying indoors.
Ashley: That’s the best we can do.
Model 3 Take care
Now Your Turn
James: How do you like my new motorcycle, Robert? I’m going to ride it into town.
Robert: It’s cool1 But don’t you think it’s snowing too hard today?
James: I don’t mind. What I really like is style, and riding a motorcycle is really stylish.
Robert: Take care. Safety counts more than style.
James: I know. But it’s thrilling to ride in the snow.
Robert: Then, you’ll have to run the risk of having a bad fall.
V. Let’s Talk
Emma: Michael, whereabouts in China are you from?
Michael: I was born in Beijing, but I live in Shanghai now. How about you?
Emma: I’m from Scotland.
Michael: Oh? What’s it like?
Emma: Well, the weather is pretty cold there. Actually, most of Scotland is cols and often wet. I’m sure it’s the coldest part of the British Isles.
Michael: Beijing is very cold in winter too, although it’s more of a dry cold, if you know what I mean. However, I like winter; it’s my favorite season. Summer is just too hot!
Emma: Well ,I think you’re lucky to have a hot summer. Scotland’s summer is pretty miserable, wet and cold.
Michael: Do you think people’s personalities are defined by the climate they live in?
Emma: Well, that’s an interesting idea. I think there’s definitely something in it, because when the weather is hot, I easily lose my temper, but when it’s cooler, I feel much calmer.
Michael: If it’s raining I always feel depressed. I cry along with the weather!
Emma: Spring always makes me feel happy; the birds are singing and the whole atmosphere seems cheerful.
Michael: Hmm, I agree. I think spring is my favorite season too.
Emma: What about the winter blues? What are they?
Michael: Well, that means you’re down in the dumps, because the weather’s so gloomy and cold. You feel all sad and blue! I often get them.
Emma: Oh, I don’t. I love winter, but I suppose you could say I get the summer reds! I always see red in the hot weather and get into arguments and stuff.
Michael: A,B,E,G
Emma: c,d,f,h
For Reference
A
A, complain about the awful weather.
What awful weather! It’s going to rain, I think.
B, agree with A and complain about the weather forecast.
I think so. Why did the weather forecast say it’s going to be fine today? They always make such mistakes!
A, promise you will never believe the weather forecast.
Yeah. How can they be so stupid? I’ll never believe the forecast anymore!
B, make a suggestion about what you do today.
Forget about it. We can go to see a movie. What do you think?A, say what you think of B’s suggestion.
OK, maybe we don’t have other choices.
B
A, complain about the hot weather.
Ugh, I’ve had enough of these dog days. I am sweat all over.
B, invite A to swim and take a sunbath.
Why not go swimming and take a sunbath with me?
A, say you are good at skiing but mot swimming.
I am not a good swimmer. I wish I could go skiing in the North.
B, persuade A to swim by promising to be his/her guide and lifeguard.
Oh, come on. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I’ll be your guide and lifeguard. Do come with me. Alright?
A, give your response to the invitation.
No, the sun burns your skin. I’d rather sit before an electric fan eating ice creams.
VI. Furthering Listening and Speaking
Task 1: Dust Storms
American researchers say dust clouds from dry African deserts may be a threat to human health in the United States. The dust may contain many small organisms that could be dangerous. Each year, huge storms form in the Sahara desert of northern Africa. Winds carry the dust across the Atlantic Ocean. The movement of dust has been increasing in recent years because of longer periods settles in South America. From June to October, the winds change and transport the dust to North America, Central America and the Caribbean. More than half of the dust that reaches the United States settles in the sate of Florida. For many years, it has caused the skies there to turn red. There is probably a link between the dust storms and higher rates of allergies and breathing problems in people in this area.
1. human health dust clouds
2. the Sahara Atlantic Ocean South America
3. October Central America the Caribbean
4. the United States Florida the skies
5. dust storms allergies breathing problems
Task 2: Mental Energy and Season
You may not believe that our mental energy varies from season to season. But some people think that it does. Research has shown that climate and temperature have a definite effect on our mental abilities. Scientists have discovered that cool weather is much more favorable for creative thinking than is summer heat. Spring spears to be the best period of the year for thinking. People seem to be a lot sharper in spring than they are in any other season. One reason may be that in spring people’s mental abilities are affected by the same factors that bring about great changes in nature. Fall is the next-best season, then sinter. Summer seems to be the best time to take a long vacation from thinking. This does not mean that all people are less intelligent in summer than they are during the rest of the year. It does mean, however, that the mental abilities of most people tend to be lowest in summer. Be aware of these facts, and you will bring your talent into full play.
1.F 2.T 3.F 4.F 5.T
Task 3: Raining in My Heart
The sun id out
The sky is blue
There’s not a cloud to spoil the view
But it’s raining
Raining in my heart
The weatherman says fine today
He doesn’t know that you’ve gone away
And it’s raining
Raining in my heart
Oh misery, misery
Oh what’s gonna become of me?
I tell myself
My blues won’t show
But I know that soon all my tears will flow
Come a raining down
Raining in my heart… |