2012年ESL之商务英语 22 Working Shifts

 

Working Shifts 

Lisette: You’re the new kid on the block, aren’t you? 

Danny: Yeah, it’s my first day. 

Lisette: I’m Lisette. 

Danny: I’m Danny. Nice to meet you. 

Lisette: You’re lucky to be starting on the day shift. When I started working here umpteen¹ years ago, I had to work the graveyard² shift for two years before I got the day shift. 

Danny: I guess I am lucky, but I wouldn’t mind working any shift, even double shifts, once I get up to speed. My wife and I are expecting our first child and we need to save up. 

Lisette: Oh, yeah? Congratulations! Well, there are always people who want time off and need someone to cover for them. You can usually pick up extra hours and shifts that way. Sometimes, there’s even overtime³, but the veteran workers get first dibs. 

Danny: I can understand that. Well, if you ever need anybody to cover for you, just give me a shout. 

Lisette: All right, I’ll keep it in mind. Maybe I can help you save up for a diaper or two. 

 

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse 

1 umpteen   

adj.多的，大量的；n.许许多多

参考例句：

• That punk got into umpteen fights.那个混混打斗无数。
• I told him umpteen times,and yet he can't remember.我跟他说过好几百回了，可是他就是记不住。

2 graveyard   

n.坟场

参考例句：

• All the town was drifting toward the graveyard.全镇的人都象流水似地向那坟场涌过去。
• Living next to a graveyard would give me the creeps.居住在墓地旁边会使我毛骨悚然。

3 overtime   

adj.超时的，加班的；adv.加班地

参考例句：

• They are working overtime to finish the work.为了完成任务他们正在加班加点地工作。
• He was paid for the overtime he worked.他领到了加班费。