王强口语 第一册 Short conversation 021

　　Lesson Twenty-one
Short Conversations
Read aloud the concersation two times, and then listen to the tape without looking at the text.
The Gold Watch Chain
Whittaker: The most beautiful gold watch chain she had ever seen was hanging up there in the display case. Just the perfect gift to buy for her guy, Guy. For a moment she was dumbstruck....
Madge: %*&$#@!
Whittaker: Then she turned to Morley and asked...
Madge: How much is that watch chain in the window?
Morley: The one hanging there on the nail¹?
Madge: Yes, how much is that watch chain in the window?
Morley: I don't think that watch chain's for sale. But I'll check!
Whittaker: Morley dashed  into the store...and came back in a flash!
Morley: My dad said that even though it's a priceless² heirloom...
Madge: Yes?
Morley: He'd be willing³ to let it go...
Madge: Yes, yes?
Morely: For a mere⁴ 20 dollars.
Whittaker: Madge tried her best to be brave.
Madge: I don't suppose he'd take $1.87 now and the rest when we live happily ever after?
Morley: I don't think so.
Whittaker: But it was obvious to her now that it was time for drastic⁵ action.

1 nail   

n.钉子，指甲；vt.用钉钉牢，使固定，使集中于，揭露

参考例句：

• He drove a nail into the wall.他把钉子钉在墙上。
• In order to hang the picture,he had to hammer a nail.为了挂那幅画，他必须钉枚钉子。

2 priceless   

adj.无价的，极其珍贵的

参考例句：

• It is a priceless treasure.这是一件无价之宝。
• The findings could be priceless.这些调查结果可能是极为重要的。

3 willing   

adj.愿意的，自愿的，乐意的，心甘情愿的

参考例句：

• We never lack food and clothing if we're willing to work.如果我们愿意工作,就不会缺吃少穿。
• He's quite willing to pay the price I ask.他很愿意照我的要价付钱。

4 mere   

adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过

参考例句：

• That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不过是重复了你以前讲的话。
• It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去纯粹是浪费时间。

5 drastic   

adj.严厉的，极端的，激烈的，猛烈的

参考例句：

• His view brings a drastic argument.他的观点引起激烈的争论。
• The situation brings home to us the need for drastic preventive actions.这种情况使我们深切地感到采取极端的行动是必要的。