中级美国英语全文打印版

1. Rome Wasn't Built in a Day English is an international language. Therefore, it is necessary for us to learn it. It can be rewarding or just a waste of time. It's up to you. It depends on how you study it. Here are some tips about learning English. First, don't be afraid to make mistakes. You will learn from them. Second, you must not be shy. Be thick-skinned and speak up! Finally, you mush be patient. Remember, "Rome wasn't built in a day." 2. How to Improve Your English Mack is talking to his friend Don. M: Hi, Don! How are you doing in your English class? D: Not so well, I'm afraid. M: What's the problem? D: I'm not improving. Tell me, how come your English is so good? M: Well, uh…I have an American girlfriend. D: Aha! That's it. Now I know what to do. (He runs off.)M: Hey, Come back! I was just kidding! 3. The City of Song p.13 Listening to music is the favorite pastime of many people all over the world. This is especially true for people living in Vienna, the city of song. Being the home of Mozart, this city is the birthplace of classical music and the waltz. Music fills the air in Vienna. Going to public concerts is often free of charge. And don't forget, Vienna is also home to the world famous Vienna Boys' Choir. No wonder people say Austria is always alive with the sound of music. 4. He Who Hesitates Is Lost p.21 Mike is in Vienna with his girlfriend Daisy. M: Are you having a good time, Daisy? D: Are kidding? I'm having the time of my life. I loved the concerts. M: Concert going is fantastic but what else can we do? D: Biking along the banks of the river Danube could be fun. M: It sounds like a great idea! D: Let's do it then. M: You're right. As they say, "He who hesitates is lost." 5. Bungee Jumping p.26 Bungee jumping looks like fun. It makes me nervous just to watch someone do it. It certainly takes a lot of guts to jump one thousand feet above the water with only a rope tied to your legs. It scares me just to think about it. However, it is something I really want to do one day. Some people think I'm crazy. They say to jump is foolish enough, but to have to pay for it is madness. I don't agree. For me, to live a short and exciting life is far better than to live a long and boring one. Whatdo you think? 6. Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained p.35 Lisa and Bill are talking about their future. L: What's your goal in life, Bill? B: To fly in the sky and feel as free as a bird. L: That's easy. B: What do you mean? L: Go bungee jumping. B: You mush be kidding. It's too dangerous. L: Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. 7. Doctor Death p.39 Whether very sick people should be helped to end their own lives is a question many people cannot answer. However, Dr.Kevorkian is an exception. That he has done this more than twenty times is known to everyone. Some say what he is doing is immoral. They call him Doctor Death. Others say what he is doing is merciful. They call it mercy killing. Whether Dr.Kevorkian should be allowed to continue doing this is a real problem for the government. There seem to be two sides to the argument. Which side are you on? 8. No Hearts or No Brains? P.52 Helen and Dick are talking about the previous article. H: I don't understand how people can think Dr. Kevorkian is doing the right thing. D: Well, helping people die with dignity is not that bad, in it? H: Don't you know ? Where there is life, there is hope. D: Come on. Be realistic. Those people who want to die are suffering. It's better that they go quickly and painlessly. H: All you men have no hearts. D: And all you women have no brains. 9．Be Thoughtful Being thoughtful simply means thinking of others before yourself. What you say or do will have an effect on others. So it is important that you think before you say or do anything. In this way,you can avoid hearting others' feelings. Moreover, a thoughtless act or remark can spoil a perfect relationship. Remember these rules. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. Likewise, if you think what you do will hurt others, don't do it. After all, what goes around comes around. 10. What Are Friends For? Jane meets her old friend, Fred. J: Hi, Fred! How's everything? F: Not so good, I'm afraid. Supporting a family is becoming more and more difficult these days. J: What you say can't be more true. Everything is so expensive. I can hardly make ends meet myself. F: Oh, really? Do you need any money? What I have is not much, but I can loan you some. J: I'm OK. Thanks for being so thoughtful anyway. F: What are friends for? 11. Power without Pollution p.69 Pollution is a big problem in almost all the big cities of the world. City people are, therefore, becoming more and more worried about how they can get rid of pollution. They are also concerned about whether the government is doing enough to protect the environment. However, people in Ireland don't have these worries. They are sure that they have found the answer to the problem. They use windmills. These windmills can create power without creating pollution. This method is so successful that other countries are thinking of doing the same. Why not? What works for Ireland can work for any other country. 12. Stop the Noise p.77 Mr. Chen is talking to his neighbor Mrs. Wang. C: May I have a word with you? W: Sure. What's the problem? C: It's about your son. I'm tired of his making so much noise at all hours of the day. W: I'm sorry. I'm sure he's not doing it on purpose. C: I'm sure he's not. But we can do without the noise pollution, you know? W: You're absolutely right. By the way, how was your party last night? It sure sounded like you had a great time. C: Uh… 13.Health Comes First p. 81 Smoking is bad in that it is harmful to one's health. In spite of the fact that doctors have even warned that it causes cancer, people still keep on smoking. In some Western countries, however, people are beginning to kick the bad habit. They realize that health should come first. To help them quit smoking, there are laws against cigarette advertising and smoking in public places. This is praiseworthy except that Western countries are now selling cigarettes in the East in greater numbers than ever. That they are doing this is immoral, don't you think? 14. Quit Cold Turkey p.89 Jane is talking to her boyfriend. J: You promised me that you were going to give up smoking. What's that in your hand? B: I'm sorry. I really want to except that every time I get nervous, I can't help smoking. J: That's just an excuse. B: No. It's true. I've tried everything: chewing gum, biting my fingernails and even meditation, but nothing works. J: Well, if you want to be with me, you'll just have to quit cold turkey. B: That will work! 15. Don't Rely on Luck! P.93 Passing exams is every student's dream. Failing them is their nightmare. So, to realize their dreams, many students try anything. They even go to fortunetellers, buy lucky charms and follow old customs. In Korea, many students bury something personal in the university they want to enter. They believe that these things will act as magnets and "pull" them into the university. Whether it works or not, nobody really knows. At least it does ease the students' minds about passing exams. Remember, though, you can't always rely on luck. There is no substitute for hard work. 16. Study or Flunk p.101 Kim bumps into her classmate, Pak. K: What's the matter, Pak? You look depressed. Did someone just die or what? P: Well, someone is going to soon. K: Oh, my God! Really? Who is it? P: Me. I flunked the exam and my dad's going to kill me. K: How come you flunked? I thought you did everything the fortuneteller told you to do. P: I thought so, too. I was sure of passing. That's why I went to see him this morning. K: Well, what did he say? P: He said I flunked because I did everything very well except that I forgot one thing. K: What's that? P: I didn't study! 17. A Computer Car p.105 You are in a strange city. It's late at night and you're tired. But you can't find your hotel. You sigh a deep sigh. It seems like you are dreaming a terrible dream. What is happening? This situation often happens to people who travel by car. But it may become a thing of the past. New auto computers are being designed to tell you how to reach your destination. A small screen in your car displays a map of the city and shows you where you are. Just give the computer the name of your hotel. You'll see it on the map. To top it off, a voice will give you directions while you drive. With a car like this, what else would you expect. Nothing is perfect p 111 The computer in Dan's car is helping him reach his hotel. D: OK, computer, how do we get there? C: go one block and take a left. D: that looks easy. (He turns right.) C: Left! I said "left", you idiot!" D: Sorry! Wow, you don't have to get so angry. C: I'm sorry. I guess I'm just having a bad day. D: a bad day? You're a computer! How can you have a bad day? C: Well, I think I've got a virus. D: Ha! And I thought computers could never be wrong. 19. Blame it on Men p114 What's the real reason women get fat? It's not chocolate or ice cream. According to a recent report, which was published in London, it's men! A magazine suggested men have a special warning written on their foreheads:" I can make you fat!" what do you think of that idea? The report claims that when women fall in love, they tend to eat more. When they get married, they cook more. And when they get pregnant, of course, they gain weight. They blame it on men. So, girls, if you want to lose weight, you don't have to go on a diet: just dump your boyfriends! 20 A Weighty Problem p 123 Eve and Adam are talking. E: Do you know I've put on 5 kilos since going out with you? A: Why's that? E: You're always taking me to fancy restaurants. A: Well, you don't have to eat so much when we eat out, you know. E: But I can't resist all the delicious food. A: Besides, it's not cheap. E: I guess you're right. Maybe I should start cooking again. (Adam turns pale.) A: Uh… Let's just forget about your weight problem, OK? I don't care how fat you are. E: really? 21 Coffee Bathing P 127. When the Japanese as you "Would you like some coffee?" think twice before you answer. In Japan, it is quite popular to have a "coffee hath." For about US$20, you can get a ground coffee bath; that is, they "boil" you in coffee. The coffee smells good, but you'll probably feel the heat. It sounds like fun, doesn't it? Well, the Japanese don't do it for fun. They believe it helps cure diseases. Who knows? Maybe it's true. But in spite of what they say, I'll just take my coffee in a cup, thank you. 22. Whiskey or Coffee? P135 Jack and his Japanese friend, Norie, are on their way home from school. N: what a hard day I had at school! I feel like having a coffee or something. J: Me too. N: Let's go to Rick"s Coffee Shop. J: That sounds good. (They are at the coffee shop.) N: What kind of coffee do you like? J: I feel like having an Irish coffee. N: Ok. I'll have the same. (After two cups Norie is drunk.) N: Why am I feeling tipsy? J: There's whiskey in Irish coffee, you know. N: Why didn't you tell me? Boy, it can be dangerous to have a simple cup of coffee with an American. 23. Earthquake Survival Tips P140 Would you know what to do during a really big earthquake? Experts have looked into the matter carefully. It may be worth your while to look over the following tips they have for us. If the ground begins shaking while you are driving, pull over and stay in your car. If you are in a building, try to get near a strong wall. The corner of a room or the space under a big doorway is the safest. As soon as the quake is over, check the gas pipe in the building. Gas fires often result from earthquakes. These tips may prove to be lifesavers. We should, therefore, keep them in mind. Remember to always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. 24. Just Like a Woman p151 Jenny and Andy are having a cup of coffee at a café. J: Hey, Andy. Did you feel that earthquake yesterday? A: Sure. I was at work. Some of the women in the office felt dizzy and screamed. J: You know, the ground shook so violently that I was terrified. A: That sounds just like how a woman would feel. J: I guess we women should be brave like you, Huh? A: Of course! (Jenny shakes the table with her leg.) Aaagh! Earthquake! Help! (He gets under the table.) J: Look at you ___I was just playing. You're worse than a woman. You even sounded worse than the women at the office. A: Uh… I knew it was just a joke. I was only trying to scare you. J: Ha! I bet! 25. Restaurant Dos and Don'ts P156 When you want to eat at a Western restaurant, you should first consider making a reservation. If not, you risk having to wait for a long time for a table. When eating, the Japanese and some Chinese are in the habit of slurping their food. By doing so, they show their host how much they like the food. Westerners find eating soup this way most unpleasant. They also consider picking one's teeth and putting on makeup at the table no-nos. and when it comes to tipping, they just leave some money on the table. The amount is up to you, but it's usually 15 to 20 percent of the check. 26. The Missing Tip p168 Chen is in America. His American friend, Daisy, suggested having lunch with him at a restaurant. C: Why's that waiter so angry? D: Those people who just left didn't seem to give him any tip, which made him angry. C: Is that absolutely necessary here? D: Kind of. It's the custom. You can't really avoid leaving at least a small tip. C: But suppose the service is bad? D: In that case, of course, we don't leave one. C: And does the waiter know that's why you didn't give him a tip? D: Exactly. It's just like telling him off. C: No wonder he's so angry. D: Well, in fact, the people did leave him a tip, but that kid over there took it. 27. Thank Your Lucky Stars p173 I remember when I was a young boy, life was tough. My parents made me do many things for them. For example, they had me do the laundry, the dishes and the house cleaning. They even got me to work part-time to help with the family expenses. If I was naughty, they would spank me. They would not let me go outside the house for days. Nowadays, life is quite different for kids. Parents can't force them to do anything. On the contrary, it seems as if children can get their parents to do anything for them. Parents and teachers are even afraid to spank children for fear of being sued. It amazes me , therefore, whenever I hear youngsters complain. Instead, they should be thanking their lucky stars. 28. Going on a Diet p.184 Little Johnny is talking to his mother. J: How come you always make me do things I don't want to? M: What do you mean? J: Well, for instance, you always force me to eat steaks, pork chops and chicken, day in and day out. M: Ok. What do you want? J: All I want is vegetables and fruit from now on. M: What's wrong with you? Are you sick? J: No, but I want to go on a diet. M: Why? J: Everyone's calling me Fatty at school. M: Oh… I get it now. 29. Just a Dream p.188 One day I was at home listening to music when suddenly I felt a pain in my neck. As I tried to turn my head, I head my neck crack. I got the fright of my life. I was so scared that I could feel my legs trembling. "What's the matter with me?" I thought to myself. Just then, I felt myself slapped by someone. I opened my eye and saw my teacher standing over me with an angry look in his face. I realized then that I had been dreaming. I didn't mind getting caught dozing off in class. I was happy what happened was just a dream. 30. Yes, Sir p.194 The teacher wakes me up from my dream. T: Get up, you lazybones! M: Oh… sorry, sir, I must have fallen asleep. T: You bet. And we could see you shaking like a leaf. M: Really? Wow! Thank goodness I was dreaming. T: What? You were dreaming in class and you are happy about it? M: Uh…yes, sir. T: What? Do you take me for a fool? M: Yes, sir…I mean no, sir. T: As punishment you are to write, "I must not sleep in class" 100 times. M: No. Sir. T: Wrong. You should say, "yes, sir." M: Whatever, sir. T: Oh, I give up. M：Good, sir. 31. Good Feng Shui in New York p.199 Feng shui, or geomancy in English, is becoming more and more popular in America. The Chinese consider feng shui old news, but to Americans, it's something brand-new. Store and home owners are consulting feng shui masters for advice. How did this ancient Chinese tradition make its way across the seas? The answer is quite simple. Chinese businessmen have been building high rises in America. They deem it necessary to rely on feng shui experts, just as they would at home. More and more wealthy Americans are beginning to believe in geomancy. They say that geomancers in New York make US$250 an hour! In view of this, we can foresee a bright future for geomancy in America. 32. Goldfish, Souls and Coffee Table p.208 Ms. Smith, an American, is talking to Mr. Ting, an expert on feng shui. S: What changes would you suggest for my house? T: I think that you should get an aquarium with goldfish. S: Why? T: Goldfish bring good luck. S: Ok. Anything else? T: You should also get rid of that mirror in front of your bed. S: Why? T: Your soul travels at night. It must find its way back to the body. The soul might see your body in the mirror and get confused. S: Hmm…really? What else? T: Um… (He bumps into a coffee table.) ouch! And get rid of this table. S: Why? It's just a coffee table. T: It's dangerous. It will bring you bad luck. S: Uh… are you sure? 33. A Deadly Current p.213 It is a pity that every summer a few people drown at the beach. In some cases, these people were good swimmers. So how did it happen? Riptide! Riptide is a strong underwater current. It moves quickly away from shore and out to sea. It appears suddenly and pulls its victim under and far off shore. Therefore, people should make it a rule never to swim too far out from the beach. If you find yourself in a riptide, don't panic. And by no means should you try to go against the tide and swim back to shore. You'll tire yourself out and probably drown. Instead, swim parallel to the beach. A riptide is very narrow. So just a few strokes in the right direction and you'll be out of danger. 34. A Lifesaving Kiss p.222 Tonya is a beautiful lifeguard. She has just saved Marvin from drowning in the ocean. M: I feel a little groggy. T: That's natural. You nearly drowned a minute ago. M: you saved my life! You're my savior! T: Don't get too excited. A minute ago you weren't breathing, and I had to give you CPR. M: Oh, I wish I could remember that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation with such a beautiful woman as you. T: Take it easy, OK? M: Oh, wait… I feel faint again. T: Nice try, buddy, but don't even dream about it. 35. A Sense of Security p.227 Some people take the view that sometimes in life we have to take chances in order to make progress. I admire such people. It certainly takes courage to take risks. Maybe it's due to my upbringing, but I am the type who likes to play it safe. People like me believe in the saying, " A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Conservative as it may be, it keeps me out of trouble. I must confess, however, that such a lifestyle may, at times, be boring. Admittedly, my life is not half as colorful or exciting as other people's, but at least it gives me a sense of security. 36. The Sex Maniac p.237 Randy is consoling his friend Steve, whose girl friend has just left him. R: Come on, Steve. No point in crying over spilt milk. S: I shouldn't have let her go. R: Forget her. There're plenty of fish in the sea. S: But there's only one that I like. R: How do you know if you haven't tried others? S: You know me. I am a one-woman man.R: You're a fool! S: And you're a s