【突破英文对话】Could You Explain a Little More 你能再解释一下吗

3. Could You Explain a Little More 你能再解释一下吗 

 

 

【对话】

A: What do you think is harder, reading or writing? 

B: Well, they’re completely different. Reading is passive¹, and writing is active. 

A: I don’t think I understand what you mean. Could you explain a little more? 

B: In reading you need to recognize language by seeing the words on the page and knowing what they are. In writing you have to produce language, you have to create your own words on a blank page. 

A: Oh, now I see what you mean. When you’re reading, you are just looking, but when you are writing, you are actually doing something! 

B: A reading knowledge of a language is larger and different from a writing knowledge. Don’t you think so?

A: I think I see what you mean. I can read Shakespeare but I definitely² can’t write it. 

B: Exactly. 

A: So I have another question for you. What do you think is harder, speaking or understanding? 

B: They’re both harder than reading or writing. 

A: In what way?

B: Because they are direct communication with another person, and there’s a time limit. This time limit is the most serious problem for foreigners, even for those who know lots of English. 

A: You are making me feel really discouraged. 

B: I’m not trying to discourage you. I’m trying to help you. You have to live with these difficulties. Isn’t it better to know about them? The more you know about what you have to face, the better you’ll do. I promise! 

1 passive   

adj.被动的；消极的

参考例句：

• He has a passive expression on his face.他脸上有一种漠然的表情。
• It lands the manager in a passive position.它使经理处于被动地位。

2 definitely   

adv.一定地，肯定地；明确地，确切地

参考例句：

• The team will definitely lose if he doesn't play.如果他不参加比赛，这个队肯定会输。
• I shall definitely be home before six o'clock.6点以前，我一定回家。