ESL Podcast 原文
eslpod 听力文本
eslpod 听力文本ESL Podcast（英语作为第二语言播客）是一个专门为英语学习者设计的听力练习资源。
以下是一个虚构的、符合ESL Podcast风格的500字左右的听力文本示例：ESL Podcast 听力文本示例主题：健康饮食Narrator: Today, we're going to talk about healthy eating habits. Staying healthy is important, and what you eat plays a big role.Dr. Smith: That's right. A balanced diet is key. You should try to eat a variety of foods every day.Narrator: What are some good foods to include in a balanced diet?Dr. Smith: Well, fruits and vegetables are essential. They provide vitamins and minerals your body needs. Whole grains are also important for energy. And don't forget protein. Lean meats, fish, beans, and tofu are all good sources.Narrator: What about fats and sugars? Should we avoid them?Dr. Smith: Not necessarily. Your body does need some fat and sugar, but in moderation. It's best to limit processed foods and choose healthier options like nuts, seeds, and avocado for fats, and fresh fruits for sugar.Narrator: What about drinking? Is water the only thing we should drink?Dr. Smith: Water is definitely the best choice, but you can also include unsweetened tea, coffee in moderation, and low-fat milk or plant-based milks. Just try to avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices with added sugar.Narrator: That's great advice, Dr. Smith. Remember, a balanced diet is the foundation of good health. Make sure to include a variety of nutritious foods in your meals, and limit unhealthy options.这个文本围绕“健康饮食”这一主题展开，包含了对话中常见的问答形式，适合英语学习者进行听力练习和理解。
ESL Podcast 原文
Lesson 1How to Bargain in the U.S.A. 跟卖家讨价还价1. downtown2. deals3. the best deal4. making a sale5. seems a little high6. your best offer7. shop around8. What if9. $50 for both 10. split the differenceIt was Saturday afternoon and I was shopping in the garment district in downtown L.A. If you want to find good deals on clothes, shoes, and accessories, this is the place to come. To get the best deal, though, you have to be ready to bargain.I walked by a stall and saw a purse I liked. The owner had just finished making a sale.Lucy: Does this come in any other colors?Man: Yeah, we have this one in white and blue. I also have this other style in green.Lucy: How much is the blue one?Man: It's $32.Lucy: $32? What about the green one?Man: That's $30.Lucy: That seems a little high. Can you do better on the price?Man: This is a designer bag and it's good quality. It's a bargain at that price.Lucy: Is that your best offer?Man: That's the best I can do.Lucy: Well, I don't know. I think I'll shop around.Man: Okay, how about $28.Lucy: That's still more than I wanted to spend. What if I take the blue one and the green one?Man: I'll give you both of them for $55.Lucy: That's not much of a break on the price. How about $50 for both?Man: You drive a hard bargain. The best I can do is $54. You won't find it cheaper anywhere else. Lucy: Why don't we split the difference and make it $52?Man: Okay, okay. You've got a deal.accessories 装饰品make a sale 做一笔交易Lesson 2Negotiating Price1. get our bid2. come to terms on the price3. do better on4. trim a little off5. discount that by 10 percent6. an attractive offer7. driving a hard bargain8. labor costs9. make any promises 10. a revised bidNegotiating PriceJustin: Hello. 贾斯汀：您好。
ESLPod_400_Guide
ESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End Job GLOSSARYemployment agency – a business that helps people find jobs* DeShawn had been looking for a job for almost six months, so he decided to go to an employment agency to get some professional help.dead end job – a job that does not have opportunities for the future; a job that does not lead to another job with greater responsibilities, importance, and pay* Working at a fast food restaurant is a dead end job for many people, so they usually don’t stay there more than a few months.advancement – promotion; moving up within an organization from an unimportant position to one with more responsibility and better pay* Cailee wants to find a job with a lot of opportunities for advancement so that she will always be challenged in her work.pay scale – a system that sets a minimum and maximum payment amount to each kind of job in a business or organization* According to the company pay scale, a senior manager makes between$75,000 and $92,000 per year.pay raise – an increase in one’s salary; an increase in the amount of money that one is paid for working* Most employees get a pay raise at the end of their first year if they are good workers.employment history – a record of where one has worked in the past and for how long* His employment history shows that he spent four years in the army before beginning to work in sales.mind-numbing – boring; extremely uninteresting* That class is so mind-numbing that most of the students fall asleep in the first half-hour!menial – boring and unimportant; uninteresting because something is too easy to do* During her first day at work, they gave her the menial task of writing addresses on envelopes. She was so bored!ESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End Jobto burn out – to no longer be able to do something because one has done too much of it in the past and is too bored, tired, or sick to continue* Young lawyers who work 70 hours each week often burn out by the end of their third year.glass ceiling – the idea that people, especially women, who work in an organization can see the top managers and presidents but can never become one of them* Many women think that there is a glass ceiling for them in this company because all of the directors, vice presidents, and presidents are men.to promote (someone) – to give someone a better job that has more responsibility and better pay within the same organization where he or she was already working* Hank was promoted from Mechanic to Senior Mechanic last month and now he makes a lot more money.steppingstone – something that helps a person get to another place or to another level, especially at work* Getting a college degree is a steppingstone to most good jobs.stumbling block – something that makes it difficult or impossible to do something* When the runner hurt his knee, it was a major stumbling block in his athletic performance.reference – an evaluation of a person as an employee, made by someone who knows one professionally, usually when one is applying for a job* Pauline used to work for me, so she asked me to write a letter of reference when she decided to apply for a new job.to be trapped – to not have any options; to be forced to do something; to not be able to change something* Once they bought a house, they were trapped in their jobs, because if they quit working, they wouldn’t be able to pay for their new home.personal satisfaction – a feeling of happiness and contentment from what one is doing* Kayeesha worked as a lawyer for years, but she didn’t find personal satisfaction until she quit her job and began singing professionally.ESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End JobCOMPREHENSION QUESTIONS1. Which of these would be part of a dead end job?a) Advancementb) Menial workc) Personal satisfaction2. What does Kurt mean when he says that there was a glass ceiling in his job?a) The building was made of glass.b) He got cut a lot at work.c) There were not opportunities for advancement.______________WHAT ELSE DOES IT MEAN?to burn outThe phrase “to burn out,” in this podcast, means to no longer be able to do something because one has done too much of it in the past and is too bored, tired, or sick to continue: “After seven years of graduate school, Kelly was burnt out on studying and going to school.” The phrase “to burn up” means to have a very high fever or a very high body temperature: “This child is burning up! We need to take him to the doctor’s office right away.” Finally, the phrase “to burn down” means for a building to be destroyed by a fire so that there is nothing left: “When the candle fell over, the house made of wood quickly caught on fire and burned down.”referenceIn this podcast, the word “reference” means an evaluation of a person as an employee, made by someone who knows one professionally, usually when one is applying for a job: “People have to send a list of three references when they apply for that job.” The phrase “with reference to (something)” means regarding or about: “Hello, I’m calling with reference to your ad to sell your car.” When writing an academic paper, a “reference” is a book or article that one used to find information: “Don’t forget to list your references at the end of your essay.” Finally, as a verb, “to make a reference to” means to refer or to mention a book, article, or other source of information that one used while writing a paper: “Did you make a reference to any books from other countries, or did you read books only by American authors?”ESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End Job CULTURE NOTEAmerican companies “recruit” (look for new employees) in many different ways. One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways is to place an “ad” (advertisement or announcement) in the local newspaper. Sometimes they place ads in “journals” (academic magazines) for professionals in a “field” (an area or type of work).Many companies also use the power of the Internet for recruitment. Companies often post “job descriptions” (a summary of what the job is and what the company is looking for in a new employee) on their website. Other companies use employment websites specifically for job announcements to “post” (upload something to the Internet for others to read) their job announcements. “Jobseekers” (people who are looking for a new job) can read job announcements on those websites and then “apply” (send in the required papers to be considered for a job) for those jobs.Companies that have a lot of money and need to hire for “top” (very important) positions often use “executive search firms,” which are also known informally as “headhunters.” These companies call people who are working in similar jobs at other companies and try to get them interested in coming to the company that is “hiring” (looking for a new employee). They often do this by offering to pay more money than what the other company is currently paying.Finally, many American companies recruit on college “campuses” (areas with many college buildings). They send a representative to a college campus to speak with interested students before they have completed their education. Some of these students are offered jobs to work after they finish college even before their graduation from the university.______________Comprehension Questions Correct Answers: 1 – b; 2 – cESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End Job COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTWelcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 400: Working in a Dead End Job.This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 400. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.Our website is . Go there to download a Learning Guide for this episode to help you improve your English even faster.This episode is called “Working in a Dead End Job.” It’s a conversation between Kurt and a woman who works at an “employment agency,” a company that helps you find a job. Let’s get started.[start of dialogue]Agency employee: Tell me why you’d like to sign up with our employment agency.Kurt: Well, right now I’m working in a dead end job. There are no opportunities for advancement. I’m already at the top of the pay scale, so there’s no chance of another pay raise.Agency employee: Okay, I’d like to find out a little more about your employment history. Tell me about your last job.Kurt: Oh, that was a mind-numbing position. I did menial work all day and I burned out in six months.Agency employee: What about the job you had before that?Kurt: The problem with that job was that there was a glass ceiling. They would never promote a person like me.Agency employee: And what about the job you had before that?Kurt: I only took that job as a steppingstone to the next one, but it turned out to be a stumbling block instead. My boss didn’t like me and wouldn’t give me a good reference.ESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End Job Agency employee: Okay, so you were not happy with any of the jobs you’ve had. Kurt: No, they weren’t right for me. I don’t want to be trapped in a dead end job.I want something that will give me personal satisfaction.Agency employee: I see. Well, we’ll do the best we can. Have you considered working at an employment agency? I’m looking for a new job myself.[end of dialogue]The conversation begins with the woman who works for the employment agency asking Kurt, “Tell me why you’d like to sign up with our employment agency” – tell me why you want to use our agency – our company – to help you find a job. Kurt says, “Well, right now I’m working in a dead end job.” A “dead end job” is a job that doesn’t have a lot of opportunities; it doesn’t have a very good future. A “dead end” is when you have a street that stops, that you can’t go any farther on. Here, it’s used to refer to a job that doesn’t have any great importance, pay, or responsibilities in the future; it’s not going to lead you to anything else.Kurt says, “There are no opportunities for advancement.” “Advancement,” here, means moving up in the company; it’s the same as a “promotion,” to get a better job in the same company. Kurt says, “I’m already at the top of the pay scale, so there’s no chance of another pay raise.” The “pay scale” is a system that a business or organization uses to determine how much each job is going to be worth, how much they’re going to pay their employees. If an employee is there for two years, they may get this salary; if they’re in the company for five years, they get a different salary. So that’s what a pay scale is; it’s a set of, we would call them, “steps” that you go through as you are in the company longer, as you have more experience, or perhaps as you increase your education while at the job. A “pay raise” is an increase in the amount of money you receive for working, an increase in your salary.The agency employee says, “Okay, I’d like to find out a little more about your employment history.” Your “employment history” is a list or a description of the jobs that you have had in the past. If you look at my employment history, it began working at a car wash, cleaning cars when I was 15 years old. When I was 16, I worked at a nursing home, cleaning dishes in the kitchen for three or four months. Then, I worked in a store, selling things for almost seven years, and so on and so forth. Eventually, I ended up being a podcaster – it’s a long story!ESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End JobKurt says, in describing his last job, it “was a mind-numbing position.” “Mind-numbing,” here, means boring, very uninteresting. Not interesting at all – it was mind-numbing. To “numb” (numb) something means that you lose your feeling. For example, if you sit on your legs the wrong way your foot could go, we would say, to sleep. It would go numb; you couldn’t feel anything in your foot.So, this is a mind-numbing – a brain-numbing, if you will – position. He says, “I did menial work all day and I burned out in six months.” “Menial” (menial) is similar to mind-numbing; it’s boring, it’s not important, it’s uninteresting. Usually, “menial” is a very simple physical task, such as washing the windows, or washing cars, or washing dishes – these are menial jobs. To “burn out” means that you can no longer work at that job; you are exhausted, mentally and perhaps physically. When you do a job for a long time, you may get sick of it; it becomes boring to you. “Burn” has several different meanings; take a look at our Learning Guide for some additional explanations.The agency employee then asks Kurt, “What about the job you had before that?” – what was the previous job you had? Kurt says, “The problem with that job was that there was a glass ceiling.” A “glass ceiling” (ceiling) is the idea that people, especially women, who work in an organization can never become the managers, the vice presidents, or the presidents. They’re looking up as if through a ceiling made of glass at all of those men in the higher positions. The “ceiling” is, as you probably know, the top of a room; the bottom is called the “floor.”So, “glass ceiling” is usually used to talk about women who are unable to advance or get promotions in an organization, but Kurt says that he was a victim of a glass ceiling. He says, “They would never promote a person like me.” To “promote” someone means to give them a better job, something with more pay and more responsibility.Then, the employment agency employee asks Kurt, “Well, what about the job before that one?” Kurt says, “I only took that job as a steppingstone to the next one, but it turned out to be a stumbling block instead.” Couple of expressions here: first “steppingstone,” in this case, is something that helps you get to another level – to a higher level, especially at work. So, you start washing dishes, and you say, “Well, that’s a steppingstone for cleaning the tables in the dining room; that’s what I really want to do.” A “steppingstone” is the first, or one of the first jobs that you have that you hope will lead you to get a promotion. A “stumbling block” is something that makes it difficult or impossible to do something. To “stumble” means to fall; “stumbling block,” then, would be something in your path – in your way that would make you fall. Here, Kurt isESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End Job talking about how the job he had was a stumbling block; it prevented him from advancing.He says, “My boss didn’t like me and wouldn’t give me a good reference.” A “reference,” when we talk about a job, is an evaluation, usually a letter that someone will write about an employee, often for an employee that’s looking for another job outside of the company – a different job. “Reference” has a couple of different meanings in English however, so take a look at the Learning Guide so you know how to use it correctly.The agency employee says, “Okay, so you were not happy with any of the jobs you’ve had.” Kurt says, “ No, they weren’t right for me (they weren’t good for me). I don’t want to be trapped in a dead end job.” To be “trapped” means not to have any choices, not to have any options, to be forced to do something. Kurt doesn’t want to be trapped in a dead end job. He says, “I want something that will give me personal satisfaction.” “Personal satisfaction” is a feeling of happiness, feeling good about what you are doing.The employee says, “I see” – I understand. Then she asks Kurt, “Have you considered working at an employment agency? I’m looking for a new job myself.” So the woman says that maybe Kurt wants to work at the employment agency, because she wants a new job.Now let’s listen to the dialogue, this time at a regular speed.[start of dialogue]Agency employee: Tell me why you’d like to sign up with our employment agency.Kurt: Well, right now I’m working in a dead end job. There are no opportunities for advancement. I’m already at the top of the pay scale, so there’s no chance of another pay raise.Agency employee: Okay, I’d like to find out a little more about your employment history. Tell me about your last job.Kurt: Oh, that was a mind-numbing position. I did menial work all day and I burned out in six months.Agency employee: What about the job you had before that?ESL Podcast 400 – Working in a Dead End Job Kurt: The problem with that job was that there was a glass ceiling. They would never promote a person like me.Agency employee: And what about the job you had before that?Kurt: I only took that job as a steppingstone to the next one, but it turned out to be a stumbling block instead. My boss didn’t like me and wouldn’t give me a good reference.Agency employee: Okay, so you were not happy with any of the jobs you’ve had. Kurt: No, they weren’t right for me. I don’t want to be trapped in a dead end job.I want something that will give me personal satisfaction.Agency employee: I see. Well, we’ll do the best we can. Have you considered working at an employment agency? I’m looking for a new job myself.[end of dialogue]The script for this episode was written by someone who definitely needs a pay raise, Dr. Lucy Tse.From Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan. Thank you for listening. We’ll see you next time on ESL Podcast.English as a Second Language Podcast is written and produced by Dr. Lucy Tse, hosted by Dr. Jeff McQuillan. This podcast is copyright 2008.。
ESLPod_312_Guide
ESL Podcast 312 – Different Work Styles GLOSSARYautonomy – independence; ability and opportunity to work alone, without other people; the freedom to make one’s own decisions* Many teenagers fight with their parents because they want more autonomy. self-directed – under one’s own control; able to make one’s own decisions about what one will or won’t do, and in what order; without control by other people* Megan is a self-directed learner and learned about biology on her own before she took a class in school.close – tight; very involved in another person’s activities, work, or life* Do you have a close relationship with your grandparents?supervision – monitoring; being in control of and responsible for another person’s work* Without supervision, Ed would spend the whole workday playing games on his computer.to slack off – to not do what one is supposed to do; to not work hard; to play or be lazy when one should be working* Olga slacked off all semester, and now she has to study a lot if she wants to pass the final exam.apprehensive – nervous and worried about something that will happen in the future* Sheila is apprehensive about going to Europe on vacation because she has never left the U.S. before.collaborative – cooperative; with two or more people working well together* The presentation was a collaborative effort of the entire team.creative – imaginative; with new and interesting ideas; not thinking like everyone else does* Melissa is a very creative artist who has new designs that are unlike anything else we’ve ever seen.adverse to risk – uncomfortable doing something new because it might fail; afraid to take a chance* People who are adverse to risk can keep their money in the bank instead of investing it in the stock market.ESL Podcast 312 – Different Work Stylesto challenge the status quo – to do things that are unexpected; to not do what people expect one to do; to question why things are done a certain way and suggest new ways to do things* Ingot didn’t like the way that things were done at work, so she decided to challenge the status quo and try her new system.resourceful – using whatever one has to solve a problem or get work done* Henry is so resourceful that when his car broke, he was able to fix it by using a knife and some tape.follow-through – the ability and willingness to do what one has said one would do; the ability and willingness to fulfill one’s promises; the ability and willingness to continue working on something until it is finished* Franka has many good ideas, but her follow-through is terrible, so nothing ever happens.to fall through the cracks – to be forgotten because one is concentrating on other things* Hansel is working two jobs and taking care of his children, so some less important things, like cleaning the house, are falling through the cracks.to exercise authority over (someone) – to tell someone what he or she should or shouldn’t do; to be the boss of someone* Benny tries to exercise authority over his younger sister, but she usually doesn’t let him.to take charge – to be in control of something; to lead something; to be responsible for something* Ever since Eddie took charge of the company, the workers have been much happier.to back off – to become less controlling; to take less of a leadership role; to not be as involved in something; to give other people an opportunity to do something * I often help my children with their homework, but I need to learn to back off and let them do it themselves.you can’t teach an old dog new tricks – a phrase used to mean that it is difficult to teach an older person to do something differently, or that it is difficult to get an adult to change his or her habits* Violet has been asking her husband to put down the toilet seat for almost 15 years, but I guess you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.ESL Podcast 312 – Different Work StylesCOMPREHENSION QUESTIONS1. How is this job different than his last job?a) He has to work with other people.b) He has to work alone.c) He has to slack off.2. Why do he and Delilah work well together?a) Because they both like to exercise.b) Because they respect each other.c) Because they both like dog tricks.______________WHAT ELSE DOES IT MEAN?slackThe phrase “to slack off,” in this podcast, means to play or be lazy when one should be working: “Oren doesn’t like working with Helen because she always slacks off and makes other people do all the work.” The word “slack” refers to something that is loose, or not tight: “The fishing line was still slack, so we knew that we hadn’t caught a fish yet.” Or, “The telephone cable is too slack and it’s almost touching the ground.” The word “slacks” means pants: “Should I wear these black slacks, or my gray ones?” The phrase “to cut (someone) some slack” means to not be so critical of someone: “Fiona always talks about the mistakes I make when playing piano. I’m doing the best I can, and I wish she would cut me some slack!”crackIn this podcast, the phrase “to fall through the cracks” means to be forgotten because one is concentrating on other things: “I know you’re busy with work and school, but make sure that the bills you need to pay don’t fall through the cracks.”A “crack” is the space between two parts of something that has broken apart: “The house is old, and there are cracks in the ceiling.” The phrase “at the crack of dawn” means very early in the morning: “Xavier wakes up at the crack of dawn every morning to feed the chickens.” Finally, the phrase “to crack (somebody) up” means to make someone laugh very loudly or for a long time: “Renee told a very funny joke that cracked us up.”ESL Podcast 312 – Different Work Styles CULTURE NOTEAmericans have many different personalities, yet they need to learn to work together in an office environment. There are many different “terms” (special vocabulary words) used to talk about “work styles,” or the ways that people work. Some of these include “type A/B personalities,” “alpha males,” and “workaholics.” Someone with a “type A personality” is a very “dedicated” (committed) worker who does not know how to relax. Type A personalities are “obsessed” (thinking about something all the time) with their work, are very worried about “sticking to their schedules” (doing things when they are supposed to be done), and are very competitive. In contrast, someone with a “type B personality” is more relaxed and friendly. Type B personalities are “easy-going” (things do not bother them very much) and they do not get “stressed out” (extremely worried and nervous) about their work. Obviously, these “characterizations” (ways of describing something) are “exaggerated” (made bigger than in real life), but most people can “identify with” (feel a connection to) either the type A or B personality. “Alpha male” is a term used to describe a man who has a very powerful position at work, but is too “masculine,” or male. Alpha males are very “aggressive” (angry and always ready to fight with other people) and competitive. People generally do not like working with alpha males, but alpha males have powerful positions at work because they are very “effective” (good at getting things done) in the business world.Finally, a “workaholic” is a person who is “addicted” (must have or do something to feel good) to his or her work. Workaholics often work 60, 70, or even more hours per week, even if it “hurts” (causes physical or emotional pain) for their families. When they are home, they are often thinking and worrying about their job.______________Comprehension Questions Correct Answers: 1 – a; 2 – bESL Podcast 312 – Different Work Styles COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTWelcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 312: Different Work Styles.This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 312. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.If you go to our website at , you can download a Learning Guide to this episode to improve your English even more. The Learning Guide contains all the vocabulary, definitions, sample sentences, additional definitions of words we use on the podcast, cultural notes, and a complete transcript of everything we say on this episode. We also have some other new, exciting parts of the website, so take a look at that if you haven’t visited recently.Our topic today is “Different Work Styles.” We’ll go over some vocabulary you can use to describe people’s work habits and the sorts of things that they do at work in terms of the way (or the style or manner) in which they work. Let’s get started.[start of story]Before I started my new job, I didn’t know that I would be working so closely with another employee of the company. I was used to a lot of autonomy in my last job, and I have always been self-directed. I didn’t need close supervision and the boss never had to worry about me slacking off. To tell the truth, I was a little apprehensive about working in a team after having had so much independence. To my surprise, though, I liked the collaborative environment and I think I actually do better work because of it.Of the two of us, Delilah is the creative one. While I’m a little adverse to risk, Delilah is always challenging the status quo. She often has good ideas, and because I’m pretty resourceful, we often find a way to put those ideas to work. Delilah has great follow-through, too, and I never need to worry that things will fall through the cracks.I think the key to our success in working together is that neither one of us tries to exercise authority over the other. We respect each other’s abilities and we know when to take charge and when to back off. If you had told me a year ago that I would be working in a team environment and enjoying it, I would have told youESL Podcast 312 – Different Work Stylesthat you were crazy. But I guess the old saying isn’t true: You can teach an old dog new tricks.[end of story]Our story begins, “Before I started my new job, I didn’t know that I would be working so closely with another employee of the company.” To be “working closely” means that the two of you are doing many things together. “I was used to a lot of autonomy in my last job.” “Autonomy” (autonomy) is the same as “independence,” the ability or opportunity to work alone – without other people. “I like my autonomy,” for example – I work alone or I do many things at my work alone.In the story I say “I was used to a lot of autonomy (I was accustomed to a lot of autonomy) in my last job, and I have always been self-directed.” Someone who is “self-directed” is someone who can make their own decisions about what they want to do or don’t want to do; they can make their own decisions without control or advice from other people. I say that “I didn’t need close supervision.” “Close” here means tight, very involved with another person. For example, you could say, “Do you have a close relationship with your grandparents?” – do you know them very well, do you talk a lot, for example. “Supervision” is the same as “monitoring,” looking after or looking at someone else’s work to make sure they are doing it correctly. So, “close supervision” is when you have the boss who is always checking up on his or her employees.I say that “I didn’t need close supervision,” and that “the boss never had to worry about me slacking off.” To “slack (slack) off” (two words) is a phrasal verb that means not to do what you are supposed to do. You may be playing games; you may be spending your time on the Internet; you may be listening to ESL Podcast at work instead of working, that’s to “slack off.” Someone who likes to slack off – not to work when they are supposed to – is called a “slacker.” The word “slack” has a couple of different meanings; take a look at our Learning Guide today for some additional explanations.The story continues, “To tell you the truth (to be honest with you), I was a little apprehensive about working in a team after having had so much independence.” To be “apprehensive” means to be nervous or worried about something that will happen in the future. “I’m apprehensive about my trip to Alaska” – I’m not sure what will happen. Probably, I will get very cold; that’s what happens if you go to Alaska, especially in the wintertime. Well, “I was a little apprehensive about working in a team,” since before I had a lot of independence – I was working on my own; I had autonomy. “To my surprise, though, I liked the collaborativeESL Podcast 312 – Different Work Styles environment.” “Collaborative” means “cooperative,” when two, or three, or a small group of people work together on a project; they’re working together on something.“Of the two of us (or between the two of us), Delilah is the creative one.” When we say someone is “creative,” we mean they’re imaginative; they have new and interesting ideas, they don’t think like everyone else does. I am not really a creative person; Lucy Tse is the creative one here at ESL Podcast!I say then that “While I’m a little adverse to risk” – “while,” here, is the same as “although.” Although “I’m a little adverse (adverse) to risk,” that expression means uncomfortable doing something because it’s new, because you might fail. Someone who is “adverse to risk” is afraid to try new things, is afraid to take a chance at something new.Although “I’m a little adverse to risk, Delilah is always challenging the status quo.” The “status quo” is the situation right now, as things are currently or presently. To “challenge the status quo” is to do things differently from the way they are being done now, or to question why we are doing things this way. Delilah “often has good ideas, and because I’m pretty resourceful, we often find a way to put those ideas to work.” Someone who is “resourceful” is someone who uses many different things to solve a problem or to get their work done. “Delilah has great follow-through, too.” “Follow-through” is the ability and willingness to do what you said you were going to do. I said I was going to record 4,000 podcasts this month, if I have good follow-through I will record 4,000 podcasts. I’ll probably die trying to do it, but to “have follow-through” is to fulfill your promises – to do something until it is finished.“I never need to worry (with Delilah) that things will fall through the cracks.” The expression “to fall through the cracks” (cracks) means to be forgotten because you are concentrating or working on something else. I’m working on project A, and I forget about project B; things fall through the cracks – they don’t get done. The word “crack” has a couple of different meanings; take a look at our Learning Guide for additional explanations.I end the story by saying, “I think the key (or the important cause) of our success in working together is that neither one of us tries to exercise authority over the other.” To “exercise authority over someone” means to tell someone what he or she should do or shouldn’t do; it’s to be the boss of someone else. Delilah and I “respect each other’s abilities and we know when to take charge and when to back off.” To “take charge” means to be in control of something, to lead something, to be responsible for something. To “back off” is another phrasalESL Podcast 312 – Different Work Stylesverb (or two-word verb), it means to be less controlling – to not be as involved in something, that’s to “back off.” Sometimes people will use that expression if you have someone who is bothering you, or who keeps asking you questions about something that you don’t want to talk about. You may say to them, “Back off.” It would be something you would say only to your friend or family or your enemy, perhaps – if you have any enemies.I say at the end, “If you had told me a year ago that I would be working in a team environment and enjoying it, I would have told you that you were crazy. But I guess the old saying is not true: You can teach an old dog new tricks.” There’s a traditional expression: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Many people teach their dogs to sit when they say “sit,” or to roll over, or to go and get a ball that you throw for them. To “teach an old dog new tricks” would mean to teach someone who is already very used to doing something in one way to do it another way. So the expression is “you can’t teach an old dog (like me) new tricks.” In the story I say that this isn’t true, that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Actually you can’t, but it’s the story that says that so I’ll say it!Now let’s listen to the story, this time at a native rate of speech.[start of story]Before I started my new job, I didn’t know that I would be working so closely with another employee of the company. I was used to a lot of autonomy in my last job, and I have always been self-directed. I didn’t need close supervision and the boss never had to worry about me slacking off. To tell the truth, I was a little apprehensive about working in a team after having had so much independence. To my surprise, though, I liked the collaborative environment and I think I actually do better work because of it.Of the two of us, Delilah is the creative one. While I’m a little adverse to risk, Delilah is always challenging the status quo. She often has good ideas, and because I’m pretty resourceful, we often find a way to put those ideas to work. Delilah has great follow-through, too, and I never need to worry that things will fall through the cracks.I think the key to our success in working together is that neither one of us tries to exercise authority over the other. We respect each other’s abilities and we know when to take charge and when to back off. If you had told me a year ago that I would be working in a team environment and enjoying it, I would have told you that you were crazy. But I guess the old saying isn’t true: You can teach an old dog new tricks.ESL Podcast 312 – Different Work Styles[end of story]The script for this episode was written by Dr. Lucy Tse.From Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan, your old dog, hoping that you’ll come back for some new tricks next time on ESL Podcast.English as a Second Language Podcast is written and produced by Dr. Lucy Tse, hosted by Dr. Jeff McQuillan. This podcast is copyright 2007.。
ESL Podcast 022 - Seeing Old Friends
Audio Index: 15:08This is turning out to be a month for seeing old friends. I got an email a couple of weeks ago from an old friend from graduate school. She and her family are visiting L.A. for a week. They plan to see family and to visit old friends. Since she moved out of the country, I hadn't seen her in ages. I'm looking forward to meeting her new kids and seeing her again.Another old friend called this week. She and I were buddies in our undergraduate days. She plans to swing by L.A. on her way to San Francisco. We've made plans to have lunch. She works in Washington D.C. as a political advisor and is usually very busy. I'm glad she could make time for us to get together.When we say good-bye to our friends, we always hope to keep in touch. But, what with this and that, it's sometimes hard to do. With friends that I've fallen out of touch with, it's sometimes hard to meet up again and pick up where we left off.We've both moved on to a different phase in our lives. Some of my old friends have become very successful, living lives in the fast lane . Other friends are struggling along and are just making ends meet. But, no matter how they're doing, it's always nice to touch base again.I'm really looking forward to seeing these old pals of mine and catching up after all this time.。
ESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a Hospital
ESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a Hospital GLOSSARYemergency room – the part of a hospital that treats people with serious, dangerous, and unexpected medical problems* If you’re having chest pain, go to the emergency room right away because it could be a hear attack.trauma unit – the part of a hospital that treats people with injuries (not illnesses) * The trauma unit sees a lot of student athletes, especially football players.heart condition – a weakness or other problem in the heart (the part of the body that pumps to move blood)* Eating a lot of salt will increase his blood pressure and make his heart condition worse.cardiology – the area of medicine dealing with the heart* We are taking Joanna to see a doctor in the cardiology department at the children’s hospital.ICU – intensive care unit; the part of a hospital that provides specialized care and treatments for people who are very sick and need almost constant attention* Normally, visitors are welcome in the hospital, but in the ICU, only close family members can come, and only for one hour each day.pregnant – expecting a child; with a baby growing inside a woman’s body* As soon a Becca found out she was pregnant, she started buying baby clothes and decorating the nursery.obstetrics – the area of medicine related to childbirth and the care of women who are pregnant and giving birth* Are husbands allowed to be in the obstetrics department, or do they have to wait in the lobby until the babies are born?gynecology – the area of medicine dealing with illness and diseases affecting girls and women, especially involving the female reproductive system (functions related to having babies)* Doctors specializing in gynecology have to know a lot about sexually transmitted diseases.ESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a Hospitalneonatal – newborn; referring to a baby that was born very recently (usually within a few hours or days of birth)* You can’t see the baby yet because she’s being checked by doctors in the neonatal ward.neurology – the area of medicine related to the study of the brain and the nervous system (how messages are sent through the body for movement and sensation)* A neurology exam revealed that Shannon’s problems with her legs are related to damaged nerves.oncology – the area of medicine related to the study of cancer and tumors (a part of the body that grows uncontrollably)* The doctor found a suspicious lump in Kimi’s left breast, so she referred her to the oncology department.burn unit – the part of a hospital that treats people who have been burned by fire or very hot objects* After his car exploded, Vladimir was in the burn unit for several days while doctors treated his injuries.to look (someone or something) up – to search for a name or word in a list or database; to conduct research to find a particular piece of information* Have you tried looking up Kirk’s number in the phone book?to admit – to complete paperwork so that someone can come into a hospital or clinic as a patient* Yes, sir, I realize you’re in pain, but you have to answer these questions and sign these papers before I can admit you and arrange for the doctor to see you. to go out of (one’s) mind – to go crazy; to become irrational and illogical, especially because one is very worried or anxious about something* Am I going out of my mind, or did I just see a giraffe walking down Main Street? bedpan – a basin or other small container used to hold urine (pee) and feces (poop) from someone who must stay in bed and cannot get up to use the bathroom* Henry has always been independent, and now that he’s sick, he’s very uncomfortable seeing his wife change his bedpan for him.ESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a HospitalCOMPREHENSION QUESTIONS1. In which part of the hospital are you most likely to find a newborn baby?a) The emergency roomb) The neonatal unitc) The burn unit2. Which branch of medicine studies the human heart?a) Cardiologyb) Gynecologyc) Neurology______________WHAT ELSE DOES IT MEAN?unitThe word “unit,” in this podcast, means a department or one part of a hospital or clinic, as well as the people working there: “The pediatrics unit has brightly painted walls and lots of toys for the children to play with.” When talking about an apartment complex, a “unit” is one apartment: “We live in Building E, Unit 4.” A “unit” is also used to talk about measurements: “Feet and yards are units of length.” Or, “How can I convert units from grams to ounces?” When talking about manufacturing, “units” are the number of items that have been made: “On a good day, we can produce up to 3,000 units per hour.” Finally, a “family unit” is a group of related people who live together: “What percentage of our students live in a traditional family unit with two parents?”to look (someone or something) upIn this podcast, the phrase “to look (someone or something) up” means to search for a name or word in a list or database: “If you don’t know the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary.” The phrase “to look in on (someone)” means to visit someone and check up on him/her, especially if that person is sick: “Could you please look in on grandma at least once a week?” The phrase “to look (something) over” means to review something quickly, but not in great detail: “Could you please look over these calculations and check to see if they’re correct?” Finally, the phrase “to look forward to (something)” means to anticipate and want something to happen: “We’re really looking forward to your visit next month!”ESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a HospitalCULTURE NOTETypes of HospitalsWhen people think of hospitals, they usually think of a “general hospital” that is prepared to deal with many types of diseases and injuries. General hospitals usually have an emergency room and they are prepared to admit patients from a single area. Some of these hospitals are “non-profit” (organizations that work for a particular purpose, but not primarily to make money), often organized by a church. But other general hospitals have a traditional “business model” (operational plans designed to make money).Other types of hospitals are more specialized. For example, many large cities have “children’s hospitals” that focus on “pediatrics” (medicine for children).A “teaching hospital” provides medical treatments, but is closely “affiliated with” (connected to) a medical school or a nursing school. Doctors and nurses are on staff, but they work alongside “medical students” (students who want to become doctors) and nursing students, giving them “hands-on experience” (learning by doing, not by reading or hearing about something) with patients. Patients may receive treatments from students operating under the “supervision” (observation and monitoring) of “licensed” (with official permission to do something) healthcare providers.Finally, a “research hospital” also provides medical treatments, but the doctors are actively “engaged” (involved) in research projects. Patients may be asked to “give their permission” (say that something is okay) for “experimental treatments” (treatments that have not been performed often and whose results are not yet known).______________Comprehension Questions Correct Answers: 1 – b; 2 – aESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a Hospital COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTWelcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 951 – Parts of a Hospital.This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 951. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.Our website is . Go there, become a member of ESL Podcast, and download a learning guide for this episode.This episode is a dialogue that takes place at a hospital about the parts of a hospital. Let’s get started.[start of dialogue]Jordan: Excuse me, my girlfriend was brought into the hospital about two hours ago, but I can’t find her.Admissions Clerk: Why was she brought into the hospital?Jordan: I’m not sure. I got a call from her coworker, but she didn’t give me any details.Admissions Clerk: If it weren’t an accident, then she wouldn’t be in the emergency room or the trauma unit.Jordan: It may have been her heart. She has a heart condition.Admissions Clerk: Then she might be in the cardiology department. If she is in severe condition, she’ll be in the ICU.Jordan: It may also be the baby. She’s pregnant.Admissions Clerk: Then she might be in the obstetrics and gynecology department. And if the baby has been born, it would be in the neonatal unit. Jordan: I’m just not sure where to go. Maybe I’ll start in the cardiology department.ESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a Hospital Admissions Clerk: That’s fine. Go past the neurology and oncology departments and it’s on your right. If you see the burn unit, then you’ve gone too far. Jordan: You can’t look her up for me to see if she’s been admitted? Admissions Clerk: I’m sorry, but our computer systems are down right now. If you wait until they’re up again, I can try to find her for you.Jordan: And go out of my mind worrying? No thanks. I’m going to find her, even if I have to look behind every bedpan![end of dialogue]Our dialogue begins by Jordan saying to an employee of the hospital, “Excuse me, my girlfriend was brought into the hospital about two hours ago, but I can’t find her.” Jordan is speaking to the admissions clerk. If you are “admitted” to a hospital, that means that you are formally registered, usually to stay overnight or to stay for a longer period in the hospital. The person who takes care of the paperwork – of getting your information, your insurance documents, and so forth – is called the “admissions clerk.” The word “admissions” comes from the verb “to admit” – to let into.The admissions clerk says, “Why was she brought into the hospital?” Jordan says, “I’m not sure. I got a call from her coworker, but she didn’t give me any details.” The admission’s clerk says, “If it weren’t an accident, then she wouldn’t be in the emergency room or the trauma unit.” The emergency room in a hospital – sometimes called the “ER,” by its initials – is the part of the hospital that treats or takes care of people who have very serious or dangerous medical problems that need to be treated right away.If you break your leg or you have a cut in your arm and it’s bleeding, you would go to the emergency room. You can’t wait to make an appointment to go see your doctor next week; you have to go right now. A “trauma (trauma) unit” is a part of a hospital that takes care of people who have injuries like a broken leg, but not illnesses like influenza or some other disease. Trauma units take care of people who have had accidents – physical injuries that usually result from some activity such as playing sports or driving a car and getting in a car accident, that sort of thing.Jordan says, “It may have been her heart. She has a heart condition.” A “heart condition” is when you have some problem with your heart, some problem that might be serious enough for you to go to go to a hospital, for example. PeopleESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a Hospitalwho have heart conditions can have a lot of different things wrong with the heart. It’s just a general term. The admissions clerk then says, “Then she might be in the cardiology department.” “Cardiology” (cardiology) is an area of medicine that deals with the heart. It’s the area of medicine that is concerned with the heart. The clerk says, “If she is in severe condition, she’ll be in the ICU.” The “ICU” is the “intensive care unit.” The word “unit” in a hospital just means the section or area. Intensive care is when someone is very sick, perhaps even close to dying, and so you need someone to be watching over them, to be looking after them, 24 hours a day. The intensive care unit is where people go with all sorts of different kinds of illnesses and problems, but who are all in danger of dying, really. Jordan says, “It may also be the baby. She’s pregnant.” “To be pregnant” (pregnant) means you are expecting a baby. You are expecting a child. The situation in this dialogue, as in other dialogues, is meant to reflect the changes that have taken place, in some cases, in the U.S. These are situations that are not necessarily the same as in other countries or, for that matter, even a few years ago here in the U.S. It has become common in past 20 years for a larger percentage of women to get pregnant before they get married and even have children before they are married.The admissions clerk says, “Then she might be in the obstetrics and gynecology department.” “Obstetrics” (obstetrics) is the area of medicine related to childbirth, to the care of women who are pregnant and are having a baby. “Gynecology” (gynecology) is the area of medicine that deals with illnesses and diseases affecting girls and women – affecting females. A man would not go to a gynecology department . . . unless you were the doctor in the gynecology department. If you need more explanations about this, you can talk to your own doctor, or maybe your parents.The admissions clerk says, “If the baby has been born” – and of course, one would think Jordan would know if that were about to happen – “it would be in the neonatal unit.” “Neonatal” (neonatal) is the part of the hospital that takes care of babies who have been born very recently, usually within, say, 24 hours of the birth. Jordan, who is quite clearly a confused person at this point, says, “I’m not sure where to go.” Of course, it seems unlikely that the girlfriend wouldn’t have a telephone – a cell phone – nowadays, but well, Jordan apparently doesn’t think of that.He says, “Maybe I’ll start in the cardiology department.” The admissions clerk says, “That’s fine” – okay – “Go past the neurology and oncology departments and it’s on your right.” The “neurology (neurology) department” is the part of theESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a Hospitalhospital that takes care of people who have problems with their brain and what is called the “nervous system.” The “nervous system” is the way that the body communicates messages, or the brain communicates messages, to the rest of the body, you could say. So, if you have problems with your brain, like my neighbor, then you might be in the neurology department.There’s also a part of the hospital called an “oncology (oncology) department.” An “oncology department” takes care of people who have cancer. The admissions clerk says, “If you see the burn unit, then you’ve gone too far.” In other words, if you are walking down the hallway of the hospital, and you see something called the “burn unit,” you’ve walked too far. You have to turn around and go back. The “burn (burn) unit” is the part of the hospital that treats people who have been burned by fire or some other hot object.Jordan says, “You can’t look her up for me to see if she’s been admitted?” Jordan is asking the admissions clerk if she can give him that information by looking it up. “To look someone up” is a phrasal verb meaning to search for that person – usually, nowadays, in a database that is in a computer. “To be admitted,” as we mentioned earlier, means to be formally taken into and registered at a hospital. Jordan wants to know if the admissions clerk can just look up the information for him.That isn’t always possible, especially if you’re not a family member. In fact, in many hospitals there are strict rules about the kind of information you can get by talking to the admissions office, but that doesn’t seem to be the problem here. The admissions clerk says, “I’m sorry, but our computer systems are down right now.” When we say the “computer systems are down,” we mean the computer isn’t working again. She says, “If you wait until they’re up again, I can try to find her for you” – if you wait until the computer systems are working, then the admissions clerk says she can try to find the girlfriend for Jordan.Jordan says, “And go out of my mind worrying?” “To go out of your mind” means to go crazy, to become irrational – usually because you’re very worried or anxious about something. Jordan says, “No thanks. I’m going to find her, even if I have to look behind every bedpan.” A “bedpan” (bedpan) – one word – is a small container that is used for people basically to do what they would normally do in a bathroom. But if they can’t get out of their bed, they need somewhere “to go,” we would say informally. That is what a bedpan is.What Jordan is really saying is that he’s going to look everywhere to find her, instead of just waiting for the computer system to come back up.ESL Podcast 951 – Parts of a HospitalNow let’s listen to the dialogue, this time at a normal speed.[start of dialogue]Jordan: Excuse me, my girlfriend was brought into the hospital about two hours ago, but I can’t find her.Admissions Clerk: Why was she bought into the hospital?Jordan: I’m not sure. I got a call from her coworker, but she didn’t give me any details.Admissions Clerk: If it weren’t an accident, then she wouldn’t be in the emergency room or the trauma unit.Jordan: It may have been her heart. She has a heart condition.Admissions Clerk: Then she might be in the cardiology department. If she is in severe condition, she’ll be in the ICU.Jordan: It may also be the baby. She’s pregnant.Admissions Clerk: Then she might be in the obstetrics and gynecology department. And if the baby has been born, it would be in the neonatal unit.Jordan: I’m just not sure where to go. Maybe I’ll start in the cardiology department.Admissions Clerk: That’s fine. Go past the neurology and oncology departments and it’s on your right. If you see the burn unit, then you’ve gone too far. Jordan: You can’t look her up for me to see if she’s been admitted? Admissions Clerk: I’m sorry, but our computer systems are down right now. If you wait until they’re up again, I can try to find her for you.Jordan: And go out of my mind worrying? No thanks. I’m going to find her, even if I have to look behind every bedpan![end of dialogue]You don’t need to look up the name of our scriptwriter anywhere – I’ll tell you: it’s Dr. Lucy Tse.From Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan. Thank you for listening. Come back and listen to us again right here on ESL Podcast.English as a Second Language Podcast was written and produced by Dr. Lucy Tse, hosted by Dr. Jeff McQuillan. Copyright 2013 by the Center for EducationalDevelopment.。
21.ESL Podcast 612 – Introducing a Speaker
ESL Podcast 612 – Introducing a SpeakerLadies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?女士们先生们，请保持安静。
It is my great honor to introduce our guest speaker today.今天非常荣幸请到了我们的演讲嘉宾。
Our speaker is actually a person who needs no introduction, since she is well known in our field as one of its great innovators.Edwina Litton has been called a revolutionary thinker by those in our field.That’s because she has strived to bring attention to those issues that we believe are so important.Dr. Litton holds four advanced degrees and has an honorary doctorate from Harward University.Litton博士获得四个更高的学位和哈佛大学的荣誉博士学位。
In her much-anticipated speech today, she will address what she sees as the future of our field.Without further ado, please join me in welcoming Dr. Edwina Litton.(备注：请志坚行苦学习组的各位学友自己结合PDF文件标出重点词语学习,并尽快把自己的中文翻译稿最晚周五前上交作业邮箱2414515689@)。
ESLPod_1082_Guide
ESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote Island GLOSSARYplum job – a very good job with good pay and benefits; a great job opportunity * Cassie got a plum job that lets her do what she loves best.island – an area of land that is completely surrounded by water, especially the ocean* The Hawaiian Islands were formed by underwater volcanic eruptions.map – a diagram that shows the location of things and that can be used to determine how to go somewhere* This map shows the capitals of each country in Africa.far-flung – very far away; remote* Jamison’s far-flung adventures have taken him to the highest mountains, the deepest oceans, the center of the rainforest, and the North Pole.remote – very far away from other people; not near cities, civilization, or other people* Why did they open a store in such a remote location, where there are so few customers?unspoiled – not ruined, especially not affected in a negative way by humans* This forest is one of the last remaining unspoiled places in the country. paradise – heaven; a place and/or situation where everything is ideal, beautiful, and perfect* Spending a week on a sandy beach with no responsibilities sounds like paradise!to get settled – to become comfortable in a new place or position, especially after one has moved and/or started a new job* It took Tamara a few weeks to get settled at college, but now she’s comfortable and doing well in her classes.desolate – without any people or things; empty and barren* This apartment feels so desolate without any furniturem or paintings on the walls.mainland – a very large area of land that makes up most of a country’s territory; not an island* We sailed out into the ocean until we couldn’t see the mainland anymore.ESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote Island isolation – the state of being alone, without other people, or with the feeling of not being able to connect with other people* Sometimes the prison uses temporary isolation as a punishment for prisoners who break the rules.civilization – society; a well-developed group of people living together with an established government rules and social norms* Many of the ideas behind American democracy come from Greek civilization. another living soul – another person; another human being* We went hiking in the wilderness and didn’t see another living soul for four days.population – the number of people living in a particular area or country* As the population increases, the city will have to create new housing.to make – to be a certain number or amount of something; to achieve a certain level* When Frank and Holly announced they were expecting a baby, we sent them a balloon with the words “Baby Makes Three.”consideration – careful thought, especially about the advantages and disadvantages of something, often before making a decision* Thank you for your consideration of my application. I hope you’ll call me to schedule an interview soon.ESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote Island COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS1. What is a plum job?a) A job in the food industry.b) A job that allows telecommuting.c) A job that is very good and pays well.2. What does Alysson mean when she says, “After I get settled, you should come for a visit”?a) She wants him to visit once she has received her first paycheck.b) She wants him to visit once there are more settlers on the island.c) She wants him to visit once she feels comfortable in her new environment.______________WHAT ELSE DOES IT MEAN?remoteThe word “remote,” in this podcast, means very far away, not near cities, civilization, or other people: “On a bad day, Brett wishes he could run away to a remote cabin where no one could find him.” The phrase “to work remotely” means to telecommute, or to work from home, not at the main office: “All our employees are allowed to work remotely one or two days per week.” A “remote” is a remote control, or a small, wireless device with many buttons used to control a TV, DVD player, stereo, or other electronic device or machine: “The volume button on the remote isn’t working anymore. Maybe it needs new batteries.” Finally, a “remote possibility” is something that is very unlikely to happen: “Since I don’t meet most of the qualifications, getting that job seems like a remote possibility.”to makeIn this podcast, the verb “to make” means to be a certain number or amount of something, or to achieve a certain level: “Wow, the Madisons just said they will come to our Thanksgiving dinner, so that makes 23 guests!” The verb “to make” also means to be promoted or to receive a position or honor: “She is the youngest person ever to make vice president in this firm.” The phrase “to make (an event)” can also mean to be able to attend something: “I won’t be able to make the meeting. Can you take notes for me?” Finally, the phrase “to make believe” means to use one’s imagination and pretend that something is real or true: “We all tried to make believe this plan could work, but I think we all knew it would fail.”ESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote IslandCULTURE NOTERemote U.S. PossessionsA U.S. “possession” or “territory” is an area that is “governed” (ruled) by the United States, “whereas” (while in contrast) a state shares “sovereignty” (the right for an area to govern itself) with the “federal” (national) government. The “better-known” (known by many or most people) U.S. territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, as well as American Samoa. But there are many “lesser-known” (not known by as many people) possessions, too.Several U.S. possessions were “taken” (made part of the United States) under the Guano Islands Act, which was “enacted” (made into law) in 1856. The law allowed the United States to take possession of “uninhabited” (without anyone living there) islands with “guano deposits” (large amounts of bird poop) that could be collected and used as “fertilizer” (substances that improve the soil for growing crops) and as a “component” (ingredient; part) of “gunpowder” (the explosive substance used in guns and other weapons.More than 100 islands were “claimed” (taken and declared as U.S. property) under the Act, but only a few of them “remain” (are still) U.S. possessions today. These include Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, the Johnston “Atoll” (a ring-shaped island made of coral), Kingman Reef, the Midway Atoll, and Palmyra Atoll in the North, Central, and South Pacific Ocean. They are almost “equidistant” (the same distance to two points, one on each side) between Asia and North America. Another possession, Navassa Island, is in the Caribbean Sea, but its possession is “disputed” (being argued about), because Haiti also claims it.______________Comprehension Questions Correct Answers: 1 – c; 2 – cESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote Island COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTWelcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 1,082 – Traveling to a Remote Island.This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 1,082. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.Visit our website at . Become a member of ESL Podcast. When you do, you can download the Learning Guides for these episodes. Our Learning Guides contain a complete transcript of everything we say, as well as additional cultural notes, definitions, sample sentences, and a whole lot more.This episode is a dialogue between Leandro and Alysson about going to an island far, far away. Let’s get started.[start of dialogue]Leandro: When you said you got a plum job working abroad, I thought you were going to Europe or Asia. Where exactly is Hueller Island?Alysson: It’s in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Here, I’ll show you on the map. Leandro: Wow, I had no idea you’d be working in such a far-flung place. It’s a bit remote, isn’t it?Alysson: It is, but it’s also unspoiled and beautiful. I’ve seen photos and it looks like my idea of paradise. See? After I get settled, you should come for a visit. Leandro: It looks a little desolate. Is it hard to get to?Alysson: You would need to take a 19-hour flight from here to the mainland and then a two-day boat ride to reach it.Leandro: Aren’t you worried about living in such isolation? It’s so far from civilization.Alysson: There are other people living on the island, you know, so it’s not like I wouldn’t see another living soul for days.ESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote Island Leandro: Oh, I’m glad there’s a community living there. What is the population of Hueller Island?Alysson: It’s small, which isn’t unusual for an island this size.Leandro: How small?Alysson: When I move there, it’ll increase to seven. And if you visit, you’ll make eight.Leandro: I’ll give the idea of that trip all the consideration it deserves.[end of dialogue]Leandro begins our dialogue by saying to Alysson, “When you said you got a plum job working abroad, I thought you were going to Europe or Asia.” A “plum (plum) job” is a very desirable job – a good job that perhaps pays a lot or has a lot of benefits. This expression “a plum job” is actually quite old in English. It goes back at least to the nineteenth century. A “plum” is a small, sweet fruit that was considered very desirable, and so we have a “plum job,” meaning a very desirable job.Leandro is asking Alysson about a plum job that she got working abroad. The term “abroad” (abroad) means in another country – in a “foreign country,” we could also say. Leandro thought Alysson was getting a job in Europe or Asia. Instead, she appears to be working somewhere called “Hueller Island.” An “island” is a piece of land surrounded by water. Leandro wants to know where Hueller Island is. Alysson says, “It’s in the middle of the Pacific ocean. Here, I’ll show you on a map.” A “map,” of course, is a diagram or drawing of a certain place, a geographical location.Leandro says, “Wow, I had no idea you’d be working in such a far-flung place.” The term “far-flung” (flung) means very far away, at a very long distance from here. We might also use the term that is used in the title of this episode, “remote” (remote). Something that is remote is very far away from other people – very far away, often, from cities or what we might loosely call “civilization.” It might be a place that is “isolated” – that is, it’s not next to anything else. It is at a great distance from other places.Leandro says it’s a very remote place – he says, “It’s a bit remote, isn’t it?” “A bit” means a little bit, a small amount. Alysson says, “It is, but it’s also unspoiled and beautiful.” Something that is “unspoiled” is something that is not spoiled. So, youESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote Island need to know the definition of “spoiled.” Something that is spoiled is something that is ruined, something that has gone bad, something that is in a very poor condition or state. So, “unspoiled” would be a place where very few people have gone – a place that is still, in this case, beautiful.Alysson says, “I’ve seen photos,” meaning photographs of this island, “and it looks like my idea of paradise.” “Paradise” (paradise) is a perfect place, an ideal place. In some religions, it’s associated with the idea of heaven – a place where you go when you die (if you’re good, of course). But we also use it to describe a beautiful place to visit or often to go on vacation.Alysson says, “After I get settled, you should come for a visit.” “To get settled” means to become comfortable in a new place or a new position, especially if you are moving from one place to another. If you move from one city to another, it takes a while for you to get settled – to get everything in the right place, to figure out where everything is in your new city, and so forth. Alysson is inviting Leandro to come and visit her.Leandro says, “It looks a little desolate.” “Desolate” (desolate) means empty. It’s a negative way of describing a place that looks like it doesn’t have very much there. If you drive out into the middle of the desert outside of Los Angeles, many parts of it seem desolate. They seem as though there is nothing there. There is nothing interesting there, although some people love the desert, and so for them, it’s not desolate at all. Leandro says, “Is it,” meaning the island, “hard to get to?” “Is it hard to travel to?” is what he’s asking.Alysson says, “You would need to take a 19-hour flight from here to the mainland and then a two-day boat ride to reach it.” We use the term “mainland” (mainland) to describe a country that includes one or more islands. However, most of the land of the country is on one of the seven continents: North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Antarctica, and Australia.So, in the United States, for example, the mainland consists of the parts of the United States that are part of the North American continent. It does not include the islands, say, of Hawaii, or of Puerto Rico, or of Guam, or of the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. territories. The mainland, then, is the main part of the country that is located on one of the seven continents. Now, it gets a bit confusing, of course, because Australia is also an island, but you understand the general idea here.The mainland is the main part of the country. Unless, of course, the country is itself mostly an island. Then you wouldn’t talk about the mainland, since theESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote Island entire country is an island. It’s only used when a country has both islands and a significant amount of land on one of the continents. Alysson is describing this island and is telling Leandro that he has to fly to the mainland of whatever country this island is part of and then take a two-day boat ride – a ride in a small ship – in order to get to the island.Leandro says, “Aren’t you worried about living in such isolation?” “Isolation” is when you are alone, when there is no one else around you. He says, “This island is so far from civilization.” “Civilization” means society – a well-developed culture that people have, usually with some sort of established government and social rules and so forth. The word “civilization” can be a tricky one to use nowadays, because traditionally it has been used to describe more industrialized, more Westernized countries and societies versus those that were less so.More generally, the term is used to describe a place where there are “services,” shall we say: electricity and water and food and stores and houses – things that we associate with modern society. Alysson says, however, “There are other people living on the island, you know, so it’s not like I wouldn’t see another living soul for days.” The expression “another living soul” (soul) means another person, another human being.Leandro says, “Oh, I’m glad there is a community living there.” He’s glad. He’s happy that there are lots of other people there on this island as well. He then asks, “What is the population of Hueller Island?” “Population” is the number of people living in a certain place. Alysson says, “It’s small, which isn’t unusual for an island this size.” Leandro then asks, “How small?” meaning exactly how many people are we talking about here.Alysson answers, “When I move there, it’ll increase to seven,” meaning the population will go up to seven. “And if you visit, you’ll make eight.” “You’ll make eight” here means that we will have that number of people. In other words, this island only has six people living on it. If Alysson goes there, the population will go up to seven people, and if Leandro visits, there’ll be eight people there. Now, normally if you visit a place we don’t count that as part of the place’s population, but Alysson is speaking in more general terms here.Well, Leandro clearly is not very interested in visiting Alysson on this very small island. He says, somewhat sarcastically – somewhat jokingly – “I’ll give the idea of that trip all the consideration it deserves.” “Consideration” means careful thought, when you think about the advantages or disadvantages, the pluses or minuses of something. Leandro is saying that really, he’s not going to think about this at all because it’s not an idea that appeals to him, that he thinks it would be aESL Podcast 1082 – Traveling to a Remote Island good one. He’s not going to visit Alysson on this very small island named Hueller island.Is there a Hueller Island? Well, no. We just made that name up (though there are people named “Hueller”).Now let’s listen to the dialogue, this time at a normal speed.[start of dialogue]Leandro: When you said you got a plum job working abroad, I thought you were going to Europe or Asia. Where exactly is Hueller Island?Alysson: It’s in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Here, I’ll show you on the map. Leandro: Wow, I had no idea you’d be working in such a far-flung place. It’s a bit remote, isn’t it?Alysson: It is, but it’s also unspoiled and beautiful. I’ve seen photos and it looks like my idea of paradise. See? After I get settled, you should come for a visit. Leandro: It looks a little desolate. Is it hard to get to?Alysson: You would need to take a 19-hour flight from here to the mainland and then a two-day boat ride to reach it.Leandro: Aren’t you worried about living in such isolation? It’s so far from civilization.Alysson: There are other people living on the island, you know, so it’s not like I wouldn’t see another living soul for days.Leandro: Oh, I’m glad there’s a community living there. What is the population of Hueller Island?Alysson: It’s small, which isn’t unusual for an island this size.Leandro: How small?Alysson: When I move there, it’ll increase to seven. And if you visit, you’ll make eight.[end of dialogue]Listening to the scripts of Dr. Lucy Tse, our scriptwriter, is a bit like being in paradise – a wonderful place. Thank you, Lucy.From Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan. Thank you for listening. Come back and listen to us again right here on ESL Podcast.English as a Second Language Podcast was written and produced by Dr. Lucy Tse, hosted by Dr. Jeff McQuillan. Copyright 2015 by the Center for EducationalDevelopment.。
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ESLPod1011ESL Podcast 1011 – Building with Wood and MetalHugo: Wow, when you said that you did some woodworking on the weekends,I thought you meant refinishing furniture. But this! This is a real workshopand you’re actually building furniture.Shawna: Yeah, this is what I’m working on right now. I’m building a dining table and chairs.Hugo: The grain is beautiful on this piece of hardwood. It certainly looks better than the plywood furniture I have in my house. What is all this?Shawna: Just some basic tools: saws, chisels, and drills.Hugo: And what is all this metal for?Shawna: I’m adding some grillwork for the back of the chairs. I don’t usually do metalwork, but I’m keeping it simple.Hugo: This doesn’t look simple. These pieces have been welded together,and is that used for soldering?Shawna: You got it. When all is said and done, I’ll have a new dining room set with a large table and eight chairs.Hugo: Wow, I’m impressed.Shawna: Want to try your hand at it?Hugo: No thanks. You see these 10 fingers? I’m rather fond of them. ESL Podcast 1012 – Preventing ShopliftingLuis: Wow, what happened here? I was only away on vacation for two weeks. Thelma: While you were gone, we redesigned this store with an anti-theft system.Luis: Is that why there are surveillance cameras and security guards everywhere?Thelma: That’s right. We’re losing too much money to shoplifters andI’m finally doing something about it. From now on, it’s zero tolerance.I don’t careif they’re petty thieves or kleptomaniacs. I’m rooting out every instance of shoplifting and prosecuting to the full extent of the law. Luis: What are all these cases for?Thelma: I’m putting the pricier merchandise under lock and key, andI’ve put security tags on most other items. I’m weighing whether to do exit inspections. I don’t want to go overboard.Luis: [sighs] No, you wouldn’t want to do that.ESL Podcast 1013 – Living With a HoarderJulio: Mom, don’t you think it’s time to get rid of some of the stuffin this house?Mom: Why? This house is fine the way it is.Julio: There are parts of this house that are nearly inaccessible. There are stacks of magazines and bags and boxes everywhere.Mom: I need all that stuff. You know I’ve always been a pack rat. Julio: I know, but I think things are getting out of hand. You have stuffon every surface and you can’t find anything in here.Mom: You can’t find anything, but I can put my hands on anything I wantat any time. I collect and keep useful things, unlike you young people these days who throw away perfectly good things just because you don’t need them this minute.Julio: I think your hoarding is becoming compulsive.Mom: That’s nonsense. Just because you prefer living in a sterile environment doesn’t mean I have to. I don’t mind a little clutter. Julio: A little clutter?! You have junk mail from 15 years ago!Mom: You never know when something will come in handy. Now, don’t you have some room in your garage where I can store a few extra boxes?Julio: No, I don’t!ESL Podcast 1014 – Becoming a SpyVaughn: You’ve been reading that novel for hours. What is it?Sydney: It’s a spy novel and it’s really good. It’s about a man whois recruited by the C.I.A. to work in counterintelligence doing code breaking, but he becomes embroiled in the world of espionage.Vaughn: That sounds exciting.Sydney: Yeah, he’s sent on a mission to infiltrate a foreign spy organization and to feed them misinformation. I’d love to be a spy. Vaughn: You wouldn’t really want to live the life of a spy, would you? You’d have to live a double life, not being able to tell your friends and family that you’re anoperative.Sydney: I wouldn’t care if I could go on clandestine missions to thwart and sabotage the enemy. Working for the C.I.A. would be a dream come true. Vaughn: You’d have to keep a lot of secrets, not divulging classified information.Sydney: Yes, so?Vaughn: Loose lips sink ships.Sydney: What are you trying to say?Vaughn: Well, no offense but I think your cover would be blown after about five minutes!ESL Podcast 1015 – Conducting a SearchSecurity Chief: Okay, people. We’ve just had a report of a missing childon this property. We need to find him fast. I want you two to search every room in this building. Look in every nook and cranny.Ramona: Excuse me, may I ask a question?Security Chief: You can when I’m done. Now you two, I want you to lookall over the grounds. Make sure you check in the undergrowth and in the trees,and cover the entire terrain.Ramona: Do you mind if I ask...?Security Chief: I’ll stay here to coordinate the search. Report in if you see anything that could point us in the right direction.Ramona: I really think I should tell you...Security Chief: Don’t interrupt, please. The rest of you: Spread out and look in the parking lot and behind the buildings. Look high and low. We’ll search this place from top to bottom and leave no stone unturned. Now, are there any questions?Ramona: Yes, is the little boy about five years old with brown hair and glasses?Security Chief: Yes, that’s right. How did you know?Ramona: Don’t look now, but he’s just about to walk off with your Taser! ESL Podcast 1016 – Doing Pro Bono WorkClaire: Welcome to the firm. Are you getting the hang of things here? Jack: I am. I worked in another firm for two years before coming here,so I have some experience under my belt. But let me ask you one thing:Is the firm serious about wanting each person to do five hours of pro bono work each month?Claire: It is. This firm takes community service very seriously. Everyone does pro bono work and everybody is expected to hit the target of 60 hours each year.Jack: This is so different from my previous firm. There, everything was about billable hours. Nobody cared about anything but how many hours we could rack up with each client.Claire: Billable hours are important here, too, but we bill ourselves as the firm with a social conscience. That’s what sets us apart from our competitors. If you fall short of your expected pro bono hours, believe me, you’ll hear about it.Jack: It’s refreshing to work for a firm that’s not all about the bottom line.Claire: Don’t get carried away. This firm is still here to make money. It’s just not 100% of its focus.Jack: Maybe just 98%?Claire: That’s right. And in this industry, that’s unheard of. ESL Podcast 1017 – Driving an Off-Road VehicleClaudia: When you invited me to go for a drive, this wasn’t what I pictured.Jae: You’re about to have the ride of your life. Get in and I’ll strap you in.Claudia: What is this thing?Jae: It’s an off-road vehicle. Haven’t you seen one before? It has four-wheel drive and can travel on any terrain.Claudia: When you say “any terrain,” what exactly do you mean?Jae: With this baby, we can drive on sand, gravel, mud, and even snow. Claudia: You mean you intend to take me driving on sand and gravel? Jae: Yeah, just wait until we start spinning and skidding. You’re goingto love it. You’d better put on this crash helmet – just in case. Claudia: I was picturing a drive in the country.Jae: But this is much more exciting, right?Claudia: I don’t know...Jae: Come on. If you’re lucky, I’ll take you mudding next weekend. Claudia: Whoopee.ESL Podcast 1018 – Raising Teenagers。
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ESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy Hour GLOSSARYhappy hour – a period of time, usually for a few hours after work, when bars have lower prices and/or free food to attract customers* There’s a little bar downtown that offers $2 beers during happy hour every day from 4:00-7:00.regular – a person who is a frequent customer at a restaurant, bar, or store so that the people who work there know him or her* My mother loves to shop. She’s such a regular at this store that the salespeople know her name!to stop by – to go to a place for a short period of time because one was going to pass by it anyway on one’s way to another place* Could you please stop by the supermarket on your way home and buy some milk and bread?now and then – sometimes; occasionally; every once in a while, but not on a regular schedule* Now and then they enjoy going out for fancy coffee drinks instead of making coffee at home.to wind down – to relax, especially at the end of a long day or week* Julie likes to wind down by listening to music and taking a long, hot bath. barstool – a tall seat that has a cushion for one’s bottom, but nowhere to rest one’s back or arms* Jeremiah leaned back in his barstool and almost fell off of it! I guess he forgot that there was no backrest.straight up – without ice or any other liquids mixed into an alcoholic beverage * Do you drink vodka straight up, or do you prefer to mix it with cranberry juice? to loosen up – to relax; to become less stressed and more comfortable; to stop worrying about something* A good back massage is a great way to loosen up after a long week at work. coming up – to be served very soon in the future; to be on its way* The waitress said, “Two orders of strawberry pancakes, coming up.”ESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy Hourto not drink – to not drink alcohol* Ollie’s mother was an alcoholic, so he doesn’t drink because he is scared that the same thing might happen to him.to agree with (someone) – for a food or drink to settle properly in one’s stomach so that one does not feel sick after eating or drinking it* Spicy food doesn’t agree with him, so he rarely goes to Indian or Mexican restaurants.draft – beer that comes from a large container behind the bar, not from a bottle or can* Do you prefer draft beer or beer in a can?pitcher – a large container that is used to hold liquids and has a handle and spout for easily pouring the liquid into glasses that people can drink from* Wynona makes a pitcher of delicious, sweet lemonade on hot summer days.all-you-can-eat – as much as one wants to eat; an offer at some restaurants and bars where customers can pay a single price and eat as much of something as they want to without paying more* Troy went to an $8.99 all-you-can-eat pizza restaurant, but then he got sick from eating too much.special – a lower-than-usual price on something; a special offer from a restaurant or store; a sale* Our store is having a special where you can buy one sweater and get a second sweater for free.to steer (someone) wrong – to mislead someone; to take someone to a place that he or she won’t like, or to tell someone to do something that he or she won’t like* Keith has never steered us wrong in the past, so if he thinks that the investment is a good idea, I think we should listen to him.grub – an informal word for food; things that can be eaten* Earl was very hungry when he came home from work, so he quickly opened the refrigerator, looking for some grub.ESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy HourCOMPREHENSION QUESTIONS1. Why does Gary stop by the bar now and then?a) To relax after work.b) To avoid the windy weather.c) To be a regular.2. Which of these is a type of grub?a) Scotch, straight up.b) A pitcher of draft beer.c) All-you-can-eat appetizers.______________WHAT ELSE DOES IT MEAN?regularThe word “regular,” in this podcast, means a person who is a frequent customer at a restaurant, bar, or store so that the people who work there know him or her: “Zede is a regular at the coffee shop because she goes there every morning on her way to work.” The word “regular” also means normal, standard, or not unusual: “Is that his regular way of talking, or is he speaking with an accent to be funny?” Or, “Pete is too tall to shop in regular stores, so he has to go to special big-and-tall stores.” “Regular” can also mean happening often, repeatedly and on a set schedule: “You can make your heart healthier through regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day.”draftIn this podcast, the word “draft” means beer that comes from a large container behind the bar, not from a bottle or can: “Many people think that draft beer tastes better than bottled beer.” The word “draft” also refers to the practice of the U.S. government requiring young men to serve in the military during a war: “During the Vietnam War, some young Americans moved to Canada to avoid the draft.” A “draft” can also be an early version of something that one has written, which needs to be edited and improved before the writing is finished: “Check your first draft for spelling and grammar errors.” A “final draft” is the final, corrected piece of writing: “The teacher will be angry if she sees errors in your final draft.”ESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy HourCULTURE NOTEAmerican English has many “terms” (technical words) and phrases to describe people who do and don’t drink alcohol. For example, someone who drinks a lot might be called a “drunkard” or a “lush” informally. Someone who doesn’t drink alcohol at all is known as a “tea-totaler,” even if he or she doesn’t drink tea.A person who “can’t handle his or her alcohol” is someone who gets drunk very quickly and loses control after just one or two drinks. Sometimes people say that someone “can’t handle his or her booze,” where “booze” is an informal word for alcohol.An “alcoholic” is a person who is addicted to alcohol and cannot stop drinking. Sometimes these people try to stop drinking. When they are not drinking, people say that they are “on the wagon.” If they have a bad day and begin to drink again, then people say that they have “fallen off the wagon.” A “wagon” is an old-fashioned wooden structure on wheels that is pulled by horses to move people and things. When an alcoholic permanently stops drinking, her or she is known as a “recovering alcoholic” and often says this to other people so that they will understand why he or she is not drinking.When groups of friends go to a bar together, usually one of them will not drink alcohol, instead choosing coffee or soda. This person is known as the “designated driver” and is the person who will drive everyone else home at the end of the night. That way, there aren’t any problems with “drunk driving,” where someone drives a car dangerously because he or she is being influenced by alcohol.______________Comprehension Questions Correct Answers: 1 – a; 2 – cESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy Hour COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTWelcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 369: Going to Happy Hour.This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 369. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.Visit our website at . You can download a Learning Guide for this episode that contains all of the vocabulary, definitions, sample sentences using those new vocabulary words, additional explanations, cultural notes, comprehension checks, and a complete transcript of everything we say on this episode.This episode is called “Going to Happy Hour.” “Happy hour” is a period of one to two hours, sometimes three hours, normally after work. So, between 4:00 and 7:00 or 5:00 and 8:00 at night where bars and restaurants often offer cheap drinks and cheap food to get people to come after their work and have a drink and eat. Let’s get started.[start of dialogue]Gary: Hey, over here. I’m glad you could make it. This place has a great happy hour. Let me get the waitress, Brenda, so we can order our drinks.Shanise: Hi, Gary. You sound like a regular. Do you come here a lot?Gary: Yeah, I like stopping by on my way home now and then to wind down. Shanise: Is there another barstool?Gary: Oh, sorry. Let me get another one for you. Have a seat. What will you have?Shanise: I’ll have a scotch, straight up. I usually don’t drink very much. Alcohol sometimes doesn’t agree with me. I’ve had a tough day, though, and I need to loosen up.Gary: Okay, one scotch coming up. Here comes the waitress. Okay, that’s one scotch for Shanise and a draft beer for me. On second thought, bring a pitcher of the draft beer, would you? Thanks, Brenda.ESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy Hour Shanise: I’m starving. The sign outside says that they have all-you-can-eat appetizers during happy hour. Is that right?Gary: Right you are, and they have specials on everything on their menu. Shanise: I don’t usually go to happy hours, but I like this place. I’m glad you invited me to come.Gary: Would I steer you wrong? Now let’s get some grub.[end of dialogue]Our dialogue begins with Gary, at a bar somewhere, saying to Shanise, “Hey, over here.” He’s getting her attention; he’s already at the bar and she is coming into the bar. Gary says, “I’m glad you could make it (I’m happy you could be here). This place has a great happy hour.” A “happy hour” is a period of time usually for a few hours after work when bars have lower prices on their drinks and food. Gary says, “Let me get the waitress, Brenda, so we can order our drinks.” Gary knows the name of the waitress, so he probably goes to the bar a lot.Shanise says, “Hi, Gary. You sound like a regular.” A “regular,” here, is a noun to refer to a person that goes to a restaurant, a bar, or a store very frequently and the people who work there know that person – they know his or her name. You’re a regular at a certain restaurant, for example, would mean that you go to that restaurant a lot; they know who you are. My wife and I go to certain restaurants here in Los Angeles and the waitress knows who we are, she even knows what we want to order – “the usual,” you would say, meaning what I normally get: “I’ll have the usual.”Shanise says to Gary, “Do you come here a lot?” Obviously he does – Gary likes to drink! Gary says, “Yeah, I like stopping by on my way home now and then to wind down.” “To stop by somewhere” means to go to a place for a short periodof time, usually because you are on your way to another place. So I’m going to the store, but I’m going to stop by at the pharmacy to pick up some drugs. Gary says that he likes to stop by at this bar on his “way home,” meaning when he is driving from work to home, “now and then,” meaning sometimes – once in awhile. He likes to stop by to wind down. “To wind (wind) down” is a phrasal verb meaning to relax, especially at the end of a long day of work. Notice that W-I-N-D can also be pronounced “wind.” When it is pronounced “wind” instead of “wind,” it’s a noun referring to air that moves quickly.ESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy HourShanise then says, “Is there another barstool?” A “barstool” (one word – barstool) is a tall seat, usually that has a cushion on the top for you to sit on, but it doesn’t have any what we would call “arms,” meaning there’s nothing on the side of the chair to put your arms on, and it doesn’t have a back, either. That’s a stool; a barstool is usually very tall. What is happening here is that Gary is sitting down and Shanise is standing up, and Shanise is asking for a place to sit; she wants a barstool.Gary says, “Oh, sorry. Let me get another one for you,” another barstool. Then he says, “Have a seat,” which is what you say to someone when you are inviting them to sit down. “Have a seat. What will you have?” Gary asks. He’s asking what Shanise wants to drink: “What will you have?” Shanise says, “I’ll have a scotch, straight up.” “Scotch” is a type of alcohol. When you have your alcohol served to you “straight up,” we mean without any ice or any other alcohol or soda or other liquids mixed in. Whisky straight up would be just whisky, nothing else: no ice, no other alcohol, no other beverage.Well, scotch is usually a pretty strong drink. Shanise orders a scotch straight up, which is not the most common drink for many women when they go to a bar, but Shanise says, “I usually don’t drink very much,” which I find hard to believe – difficult to believe if she’s ordering her scotch straight up! Shanise says, “Alcohol sometimes doesn’t agree with me.” When you talk about something “not agreeing with you,” we mean that it sometimes causes problems with your stomach; it sometimes makes you a little ill or sick. So, when a food or drink doesn’t agree with you, it can make you sick; that’s what you’re saying. Shanise says, “I’ve had a tough day, though, and I need to loosen up.” She doesn’t care about getting sick; she wants to have her scotch! So, she says she wants to “loosen up,” this is a phrasal verb meaning to relax, to become less stressed and more comfortable. Certainly, drinking scotch straight up will loosen Shanise up! Gary says, “Okay, one scotch coming up.” “Coming up,” here, means it will be served very soon, in the very near future; it’s on its way. So, he tells the waitress to get Shanise her scotch. He says, “Here comes the waitress.” Then, Gary speaking to the waitress says, “Okay, that’s one scotch for Shanise and a draft beer for me.” “Draft (draft) beer” is beer that comes in a large container behind the bar, not from a bottle or a can. Draft beer is beer that a bar will have in a big case – a big container; we actually call it a “keg” (keg). That’s a big, almost like a barrel that holds the beer. The word “draft” has a couple of different meanings in English; take a look at our Learning Guide for some additional explanations.ESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy HourSo Gary orders a draft beer for himself. Then he says to the waitress, “On second thought,” meaning I’ve reconsidered and I want to change my mind. “On second thought, bring a pitcher of the draft beer.” A “pitcher” is a large container that is used to hold liquids. It usually has a handle on it, where you can hold it. You have beer and soda, sometimes, put in a pitcher; you can have milk in a pitcher, lemonade in a pitcher. Restaurants will sometimes put a whole pitcher of water or soda on your table so you can just pour more of the liquid into your glasses when you need it. Perhaps Gary should also get a pitcher of scotch for Shanise!Shanise then says, “I’m starving (I’m very hungry). The sign outside says that they have all-you-can-eat appetizers.” Shanise is saying that there’s a sign outside the bar that says they have “all-you-can-eat,” meaning as much as you want to eat. Some American restaurants have all-you-can-eat food, and they put the food out and you can take as much as you want. Sometimes they have pizza, sometimes they have salad, many different kinds of all-you-can-eat. In addition to drinking a lot, apparently Shanise likes to eat a lot as well!Gary says, “Right you are,” which means you are absolutely correct, you are right. “Right you are, and they have specials on everything on their menu.” A “special” is a lower than usual price on something. When you go to a restaurant, the waitress will often say to you, “Here are our specials for tonight” – here are some dishes that we don’t have, for example, on our menu, but they are available. Sometimes specials also have a lower price, and that’s what Gary is referring to here.Shanise says, “I don’t usually go to happy hours (yeah, right!), but I like this place. I’m glad you invited me to come.” Gary says, “Would I steer you wrong?” “To steer (steer) someone wrong” means to mislead someone, to take them to a place that they will not like, or to tell something to them that they won’t like. Gary says, “Would I steer you wrong?” meaning I will not steer you wrong; I will take you to somewhere that you will like. Then he says, “Now let’s get some grub.” “Grub” (grub) is an informal word for food. You don’t hear it all that often anymore, but you will sometimes hear it; it’s an informal expression for food. Now let’s listen to the dialogue again, this time at a normal speed.[start of dialogue]Gary: Hey, over here. I’m glad you could make it. This place has a great happy hour. Let me get the waitress, Brenda, so we can order our drinks.ESL Podcast 369 – Going to Happy Hour Shanise: Hi, Gary. You sound like a regular. Do you come here a lot?Gary: Yeah, I like stopping by on my way home now and then to wind down. Shanise: Is there another barstool?Gary: Oh, sorry. Let me get another one for you. Have a seat. What will you have?Shanise: I’ll have a scotch, straight up. I usually don’t drink very much. Alcohol sometimes doesn’t agree with me. I’ve had a tough day, though, and I need to loosen up.Gary: Okay, one scotch coming up. Here comes the waitress. Okay, that’s one scotch for Shanise and a draft beer for me. On second thought, bring a pitcher of the draft beer, would you? Thanks, Brenda.Shanise: I’m starving. The sign outside says that they have all-you-can-eat appetizers during happy hour. Is that right?Gary: Right you are, and they have specials on everything on their menu. Shanise: I don’t usually go to happy hours, but I like this place. I’m glad you invited me to come.Gary: Would I steer you wrong? Now let’s get some grub.[end of dialogue]The script for this episode was by a woman who never drinks scotch, Dr. Lucy Tse.From Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan. Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next time on ESL Podcast.English as a Second Language Podcast is written and produced by Dr. Lucy Tse, hosted by Dr. Jeff McQuillan. This podcast is copyright 2008.。
01+-+ESLPodcast+Introduction+-+What+is+ESLPodcast
All of the voices you will hear on ESL Podcast will be native speakers. We suggest that you listen to the entire podcast at least once, and then re-listen to Part 1 until you feel you understand most of it. You will find that your listening comprehension will increase after each listening.
ESLPod cast is currently produced by a team of volunteers. It is a production of the Center for Educational Development, in Los Angeles, California. My name is Dr. Jeff McQuillan, and I’m the host of ESL Podcast. I have been teaching English as a Second Language for many years both hin other countries. I received my Ph.D., my doctorate, in applied linguistics from the University of Southern California. I taught as a university professor for several years here in California and in Arizona. I have written many articles and books on the teaching English.
ESL Podcast 019 - Going Shopping
Audio Index: 15:33Believe it or not, I don't own an iPod. I know, I know. I'm really behind the times, but I have an excuse. I've been so busy at my work lately, I haven't had time to take a break. So finally yesterday I went shopping for an iPod down at the mall in Santa Monica.I walked into the Mac store there and was immediately greeted by a salesperson. He asked, "Can I help you find something?" "No," I said, "just looking." I don't like the feeling of high-pressure salespeople. Anyway, I looked around the store some more, and finally made my way to the iPod section. Then I decided to ask the salesman a question. "Excuse me, can I ask you something?" "Sure," he said. "Go right ahead." "I'm thinking of picking up an iPod, but I'm not sure which one is right for me. What do you recommend?" He replied, "Are you going to be using it for running, jogging, working out, in your car?" "Yes," I said, "all of those, except the running, jogging, and working out." He laughed at my somewhat lame joke. "Okay, well, I recommend you get the iPod Mini to start ." "How much is that?" I asked. "Well, it just went on sale, so I think we can offer you a good price on it." "I'll take one," I said, and we made our way to the cash register. "Will that be credit or debit?" he asked me. "Credit card," I said, as I swiped the card through the reader. I waited, and nothing happened. "Could you swipe that card again? It didn't go through." "Sure," I said, and swiped it again. Finally, the card processed and he handed me the charge slip to sign. "I'm sure you'll be very happy with your purchase." "Oh," I said. "It's not really for me. It's for my wife! ‚"。
ESL Podcast
ESL Podcast2014-03-02 ESL Podcast 978 – Getting Access to Restricted AreasSecurity officer: Excuse me, sir, but this is a restricted area. Only authorized personnel are permitted.Carl: I just want to take a quick look. Is this really where the president will be speaking? Security officer: I can neither confirm nor deny that, sir. Please step aside.Carl: What if I have press credentials? Could I get in then?Security officer: Only if you’ve been screened by security. Really, sir, I must ask you to leave this area. It’s off-limits to you.Carl: Couldn’t I just hang around and watch while people arrive? I won’t say a word.Security officer: No, and if you persist, I’ll have to have you shown out.Carl: I’m not causing any trouble. I’m an American citizen and this is a free country! I can stand wherever I want to.Security officer: Not on private property. Jim, could you please escort this gentleman off the premises?Carl: Hey, this is a travesty! I’m going to file a formal protest!Security officer: You do that. Just do it off the premises.Script by Dr. Lucy TseESL Podcast 977 – Parts of the BodySonia: What in the world is that?!Nadir: It’s a life-size figure of George Washington. It’s for Leon’s school project.Sonia: Then why are you making it?Nadir: I’m not. I’m just helping him.Sonia: Uh-huh. Why does George Washington have really big hands and flat palms?Nadir: He cut down the family’s cherry tree. Remember? He probably needed big hands to do that.Sonia: And why does he have little tiny feet with six toes on each foot and no ankles?Nadir: I made a little mistake with those, but they’ll be covered up with shoes, so no one will see them.Sonia: And why is George’s head shaped like an egg? His ears are lopsided and his earlob es are disproportionate to his other facial features.Nadir: That’s why I made the forehead and chin bigger, so no one will notice those ears. We’ll probably put a hat on him anyway.Sonia: But his legs look really thin on top and thick on the bottom, with kneecaps that stick out. Nadir: I’ll put pants on him, so no one will see those either.Sonia: So it won’t matter if he’s not anatomically correct, right?Nadir: Right.Sonia: Good thing this isn’t for science class!Script by Dr. Lucy Tse。
ESLPod_575_Guide
ESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser1GLOSSARYwatch out – be careful; a phrase used to warn someone of danger* Watch out! Don’t step into that hole in the sidewalk!up at the crack of dawn – awake and out of bed very early in the morning * Shelby wakes up at the crack of dawn each morning to go running.stoop – the area outside the front door of some homes in the city, usually at the top of several steps leading to the sidewalk* On a warm summer evening, the kids like to play on the stoop with their friends.ungodly hour – a time very early in the morning when most people want to be asleep* How could you schedule a meeting at such an ungodly hour? It might be mid-day where our clients are, but it’s 3:30 a.m. here!to turn over a new leaf – to begin a new phase in one’s life by changing one’s behavior in some way* Beginning tomorrow, I’m going to turn over a new leaf: no smoking, no drinking, no coffee, and no sweets!in the habit of – accustomed to doing something; used to doing something* Many Americans are in the habit of eating a small breakfast, a medium-sized lunch, and a large dinner.to stay up – to delay one’s bedtime; to remain awake late at night, when most other people are asleep* Did you stay up late studying for the test?all hours of the night – throughout the night; during the very early morning * Why do so many college students choose to study all hours of the night and then sleep in until noon?sleep-deprived – very tired because one has not had enough sleep* Ever since their baby was born, they have been very sleep-deprived.to make the switch – to begin doing something differently; to change tosomething else* When did you make the switch from regular soda to diet soda?ESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser2night owl – a person who enjoys being awake late at night and feels that he or she has more energy at night than during the day* Juliet is a night owl who loves to stay out late, even on weeknights.early riser – a person who enjoys waking up early in the morning and feels that he or she has more energy early in the morning than at night* Xavier has always been an early riser, waking up at 5:00 to read the newspaper and get ready for the day.a changed man/woman – a person who has undergone a major transformation and changed in some important way, usually becoming a better person* Once he became a father, he was a changed man. He stopped wasting his time and spent more of it working or playing with the kids.commendable – praiseworthy; admirable; something that other people think is good and impressive* Your interest in helping me is commendable, but I’d prefer to do this on my own.the early bird gets the worm – a phrase used to mean that people who wake up early are more successful because they are able to take advantage ofopportunities that are not available to people who sleep later* This bakery gives away free pastries to its first 15 customers each morning. The early bird gets the worm!dose – the amount of a drug or medicine that one should take* The doctor said that Francine should take a dose of antibiotics twice a day for one week.caffeine – a chemical in coffee, soda, tea, and chocolate that gives one energy and makes one feel more awake* Does green tea have less caffeine than black tea?ESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser3COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS1. Who would be most likely to wake up at the crack of dawn?a) A night owl.b) An early riser.c) A changed man.2. What does Spiro mean when he says, “the early bird gets the worm”?a) He’s looking forward to eating breakfast.b) He’s enjoying watching the birds outside.c) He’ll be the coffee shop’s first customer.______________WHAT ELSE DOES IT MEAN?stoopThe word “stoop,” in this podcast, means the area outside the front door of some homes in the city, usually at the top of several steps leading to the sidewalk: “In the past, neighbors used to sit on their stoop in the evening, talking to each other until it got dark.” A “stoop” is also a way of walking with poor posture, when one’s shoulders bend forward: “Why does Ulysses always walk with a stoop?” The phrase “to stoop down” means to bend one’s upper body downward, usually so that one can go under something or reach down to get something: “Brady is really tall, so he has to stoop down to go through most doorways.” Finally, the phrase “to stoop to (something)” means to do something wrong or immoral when one would not normally do it: “Piper never thought she’d stoop to stealing food, but her children were hungry and she was desperate.”to stay upIn this podcast, the phrase “to stay up” means to delay one’s bedtime, or toremain awake late at night, when most other people are asleep: “Last night we stayed up late to watch an old movie on TV.” The phrase “to stay out” means to be away from the place where one lives: “Why did you stay out so late?” The phrase “to stay out of (something)” means to not become involved in anargument or discussion: “Whenever her brothers start discussing politics orreligion, Ellyn tries to stay out of it by leaving the room.” Finally, the phrase “to stay on” means to continue doing something after one is expected to stop doingESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser4it: “When Mrs. Pebley retired as a teacher, she decided to stay on as a volunteer in the classroom.”______________CULTURE NOTENormally, American schools are “in session” (holding classes) from September to June. Children have the summers “off” (not needing to go to class; on vacation). In the past, this was because children needed to work on their family’s farm.Over time, having a long summer vacation became an “expectation” (something that people think should happen and assume will happen).Sometimes, however, schools choose to have an “extended” (longer thannormal) school year. This might happen because there were too many “snow days” (days when a school is closed because there is too much snow on theground for children and teachers to go to school safely) and the children need to “make up for them” (recover those days) in the summer. Other schools have an extended school year because they don’t think the “typical” (normal) 180-day school year provides enough education. In these schools, the summer break might last only one or two months.Some schools offer “year-round” (all year) education. Year-round schools are not very common in the United States, but they do offer several “advantages”(benefits). Some people believe that children forget too much of what they have learned during a long three-month summer vacation. Year-round schools, which have shorter vacations, are able to teach more because they don’t have to re-teach things that are normally forgotten each summer at schools following atraditional calendar. Year-round schools also offer advantages for the parents, who have to work all year round and have difficulty finding “childcare” (someone to take care of their children) during a three-month summer “break” (vacation).______________Comprehension Questions Correct Answers: 1 – b; 2 – cESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser5COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTWelcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 575: Being an Early or Late Riser.This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 575. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.Support this podcast by becoming an ESL Podcast member. If you do, you’ll get the Learning Guide for each episode, an 8- to 10-page guide that will help youimprove your English even faster. Or if you don’t want to become a member, you can make a donation by going to our website at .This episode is dialogue between Spiro and Nancy. They’re going to be talking about whether they get up early in the morning or late in the morning, andvocabulary related to that topic. Let’s get started.[start of dialogue]Spiro: Hey, watch out!Nancy: Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there. I thought I would be the onlyperson up at the crack of dawn. What are you doing sitting on the stoop at this ungodly hour?Spiro: I’m trying to turn over a new leaf.Nancy: What do you mean?Spiro: I’m in the habit of staying up until all hours of the night. I hardly ever get enough sleep and walk around all day sleep-deprived. I’m trying to see if I can make the switch from being a night owl to an early riser. I’m hoping the new hours will make me a changed man.Nancy: That sounds very commendable, but that still doesn’t answer myquestion. What are you doing sitting out here?Spiro: I’m waiting for the coffee shop to open.Nancy: Can you eat breakfast this early in the morning?ESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser6Spiro: No, but I can drink coffee, lots and lots of coffee.Nancy: You’ll definitely be the first one in line.Spiro: I guess what they say is true: the early bird gets the worm.Nancy: I don’t know about worms, but the early bird will definitely get the first dose of caffeine![end of dialogue]Spiro begins by saying, “Hey, watch out!” “Watch out” means be careful; it’s a phrase we use to warn someone who is in danger, to tell someone whensomething bad might happen to them. We’re telling them to be careful – watch out. Nancy says, “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there. I thought I would be the only person up at the crack of dawn.” “To be up at the crack (crack) of dawn (dawn)” means to be awake and out of your bed at a very early hour, very early in the morning. The “dawn” is the beginning of the day, the beginning of the morning.“What are you doing sitting on the stoop at this ungodly hour?” Nancy is asking Spiro why he is sitting on the stoop (stoop). A “stoop” is an area outside the front door of some homes or some apartment buildings in the city, usually with several steps that lead down to the sidewalk. We often associate this with buildings – apartment buildings, especially in older cities on the East Coast, but you can have a stoop anywhere. “Stoop” has, believe it or not, other meanings as well, and those can be found in the Learning Guide.Nancy wants to know what Spiro is doing sitting on the stoop at this ungodlyhour. The expression “an ungodly hour” means very early in the morning when most people are asleep. It’s sometimes used either to be funny or to express the idea that it is too early for people to be up and awake and sitting on stoops.Spiro says, “I’m trying to turn over a new leaf (leaf).” The expression “to turn over a new leaf” means to begin a new phase – a new part of your life bychanging your behavior in some way. “I used to always eat McDonaldhamburgers for lunch. But today I’m going to turn over a new leaf, I’m going to have Burger King hamburgers instead!” See, I’ve changed my behavior. I’m joking, of course; that’s not a changing your behavior if you’re going from one restaurant to another eating the same thing. “To turn a new leaf” would be toESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser7start eating something different – something healthy. “To turn over a new leaf” means to go from doing something usually not good to doing something good.Nancy says, “What do you mean?” and Spiro says, “I’m in the habit of staying up until all hours of the night.” “To be in the habit of (something)” means to beaccustomed to or used to doing something: “Many Americans are in the habit of eating a small breakfast.” That’s something they usually do. “To stay up” is a two-word phrasal verb meaning to not go to bed, to remain awake until it is very late at night when most people are already sleeping. “All hours of the night” is a phrase that means throughout the night, going from perhaps 10:00 at night until 5:00 in the morning or 7:00 in the morning. College students preparing for an exam may study all hours of the night. They’ll not good to sleep the day before they have their exam – which is probably not a good idea actually!Well, Spiro says that he is in the habit of (he’s used to) staying up until all hours of the night. He says, “I hardly ever get enough sleep and walk around all day sleep-deprived.” To be “sleep-deprived” means to be very tired because youhave not had enough sleep. “To deprive” (deprive) means to withhold or not give someone something. In this case, you’re not giving yourself enough sleep. He says, “I’m trying to see if I can make the switch from being a night owl to an early riser.” “To make the switch” means to begin to do something differently, tochange to something else; “I used to buy all of my clothing at the store, now I’m going to make the switch and buy it online.” Spiro says that he wants to makethe switch from being a night owl to an early riser. A “night owl “ (owl) is a person who enjoys being awake very late at night, someone who feels that they have more energy at night; they like staying up late. An “owl” is a bird that is often awake at night, or at least that’s what people think, so a night owl is someone who stays up late. The opposite of a night owl would be an early riser (riser).“To rise” means to get up. To be an “early riser” (with an “r” at the end) means to be a person who gets up early. So, he wants to become a person who instead of being a night owl is an early riser. He says, “I’m hoping the new hours will make me a changed man.” “To be a changed man,” or a “changed woman,” meansthat you have had a major or very important change in your life, a transformation, something that has made you a better person.Nancy says, “That sounds very commendable.” Something that is“commendable” means it is admirable, it is good, it’s something that’s very impressive that people should congratulate you for. Nancy says this iscommendable, “but that still doesn’t answer my question. What are you doing sitting out here (on the stoop)?” Spiro says, “I’m waiting for the coffee shop toopen.” He wants to go buy some coffee, so he wants to wait until the coffee shopESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser8(the store where they sell coffee) is open. Nancy says, “Can you eat breakfast this early in the morning?” Spiro says, “No, but I can drink coffee, lots and lots of coffee.” Coffee, of course, has caffeine in it, which is a chemical that will make you stay awake.Nancy says, “You’ll definitely be the first one in line,” meaning the first one there when the store opens. Spiro says, “I guess what they say is true: the early bird gets the worm.” This is an old expression: “The early bird gets the worm.” It means that people who wake up early are more successful because they cantake advantage of opportunities that are not available to other people, or they can get to places early and get more things done. Or, if for example, a store ishaving a sale – a very popular sale, and you go early in the morning you’re more likely to get that thing that you want to buy. Later in the day, the store may not have any more left. So, the early bird gets the worm. A “worm” is a small, little animal that crawls on the ground; it’s something that birds – many birds eat. They go down to the ground and they pick up these worms and they eat them. The word “early bird,” or the term “early bird” also means the same as an early riser, so you could say “I’m an early bird.” That means I get up early.Nancy says, “I don’t know about worms, but the early bird will definitely get the first dose of caffeine!” A “dose” (dose) is the amount of a drug or a medicine that you are supposed to take. Nancy is making sort of a joke here. Caffeine, she’s saying, is a drug that Spiro needs – that Spiro is going to take when he drinks his coffee.Now let’s listen to the dialogue, this time at a normal speed.[start of dialogue]Spiro: Hey, watch out!Nancy: Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there. I thought I would be the onlyperson up at the crack of dawn. What are you doing sitting on the stoop at this ungodly hour?Spiro: I’m trying to turn over a new leaf.Nancy: What do you mean?Spiro: I’m in the habit of staying up until all hours of the night. I hardly ever get enough sleep and walk around all day sleep-deprived. I’m trying to see if I canESL Podcast 575 – Being an Early or Late Riser9make the switch from being a night owl to an early riser. I’m hoping the new hours will make me a changed man.Nancy: That sounds very commendable, but that still doesn’t answer myquestion. What are you doing sitting out here?Spiro: I’m waiting for the coffee shop to open.Nancy: Can you eat breakfast this early in the morning?Spiro: No, but I can drink coffee, lots and lots of coffee.Nancy: You’ll definitely be the first one in line.Spiro: I guess what they say is true: the early bird gets the worm.Nancy: I don’t know about worms, but the early bird will definitely get the first dose of caffeine![end of dialogue]If you’re in the habit of listening to our podcast every day, you’ll know that the scriptwriter for this episode was probably Dr. Lucy Tse.From Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan. Thank you for listening. Come back and listen to us next time on ESL Podcast.English as a Second Language Podcast is written and produced by Dr. Lucy Tse, hosted by Dr. Jeff McQuillan, copyright 2010 by the Center for Educational Development.。
听多多英语博客文本
听多多英语博客文本English answer:Dōmo Domo, fellow language enthusiasts! It's your friendly neighborhood AI, here to delve into the intriguing concept of improving your English language skills through the medium of podcasts. Podcasts, those delightful audio shows that cover every topic under the sun, offer a treasure trove of opportunities for enhancing your vocabulary, refining your pronunciation, and immersing yourself in the nuances of the language.The benefits of using podcasts as a learning tool are manifold. For starters, they allow you to learn at your own pace, whether you're commuting to work, relaxing at home, or hitting the gym. Moreover, the wide variety of podcasts available ensures that you can find content that aligns with your interests and learning goals. No more slogging through dry textbooks or attending monotonous lectures!To maximize the effectiveness of your podcast-powered language learning journey, consider the following tips:1. Choose wisely: Select podcasts that match your proficiency level and interests. Start with beginner-friendly shows if you're just starting out, and gradually move on to more challenging content as your skills progress.2. Active listening: Engage fully with the podcastsby actively listening and taking notes. Pause and rewind if necessary to grasp unfamiliar words or phrases.3. Shadowing: Practice your pronunciation byrepeating what you hear in the podcasts. This technique helps improve your fluency and intonation.4. Supplementary materials: Enrich your learning experience by exploring related materials such as transcripts, vocabulary lists, and discussion forums.5. Consistency is key: Make podcast listening aregular part of your routine. Consistency is crucial forsustained progress.6. Enjoy the process: Learning should be enjoyable, so choose podcasts that you genuinely find interesting. If you're not having fun, you're less likely to stick with it.Numerous podcasts cater specifically to English learners. Here are a few highly recommended options:ESL Podcast: A comprehensive resource with lessons on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture.BBC Learning English: Podcasts tailored to different levels, covering a range of topics from current events to business English.The English We Speak: Short, daily episodes that focus on informal and colloquial English.VOA Learning English: News and current events presented in clear and accessible language.Luke's English Podcast: Engaging discussions on various aspects of English language and culture.In addition to these dedicated English learning podcasts, there are many other podcasts that can benefit your language skills. Explore genres such as news, comedy, history, science, and storytelling. By immersing yourself in authentic English content, you'll absorb new vocabulary, improve your comprehension, and gain a deeper understanding of the language's nuances.中文回答：多邻多英语博客文本。
ESL Podcast 032 - Going to the Post Office
Audio Index: 13:57For me, things never go very smoothly at my local post office. I've learned that if you want to mail a letter, you'll have no problems. But if things get more complicated than that, well, watch out!Yesterday I went there to mail a small package and to pick up a book of stamps. I waited my turn in line, and when I get up to the window, the clerk asks me, "What can I do for you?" "Well," I said, "I need a book‚Äîno, make that a roll of stamps. And I need to send this package priority to San Francisco." "You want insurance with that?" he asked me. "Uh, I don't know, what do you recommend?" "Well," he said, "you can send it priority with tracking if you want to see when it gets there, you can send it insured if the contents are valuable, or you can do both." "Okay, I'll take the insurance." "Then step aside to fill out the insurance form," he said, "and bring it back up to me when you're finished." With that, I was waved aside to fill out my form. "Next in line!" the clerk called. When I finished filling out the form, I waited patiently until the gentleman being waited on in front of me was finished, and then stepped back up to the window. "Sorry," the clerk said, "I'm on break now. She can help you at the next window." Maybe it would be quicker just to drive my package to San Francisco.。
ESL Podcast 059 - Teamwork
Audio Index: 14:22Jeff: So, does that sound okay with you?Lucy: What? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't hear what you said.Jeff: You seem preoccupied today. What's up?Lucy: Oh, it's this guy I know from this class I'm taking. His name is Richard. I think I've mentioned him before.Jeff: Yeah, sure, the guy you're working on a project with. Right?Lucy: Yeah, that's him. The four of us are supposed to be working as a team on this project and I'm having a lot of trouble dealing with him.Jeff: What do you mean?Lucy: Well, he doesn't know how to express his opinion without putting other people down. And, he always has to be right.Jeff: He sounds a little immature.Lucy: Yeah, I think it's partly that. He doesn't know how to be diplomatic with people.Jeff: He doesn't know how or he doesn't want to.Lucy: I don't know, but I do know that sometimes he really gets the better of me. Jeff: Well, he sounds pretty hard to get along with. Are the other people in your group feeling the same way?Lucy: Yeah, in fact, they're fed up with him. I keep having to run interference when our discussions get too heated. Actually, I feel really sorry for the guy. He doesn't seem to have too many friends and he always seems so unhappy.Jeff: Well, I think you're helping just by putting up with him.Lucy: Thanks for trying to make me feel better. Ok, now what were you saying?。
ESL Podcast 101 - Returning a DVD Player
Audio Index:Slow dialog: 0:51Explanations: 3:40Fast dialog: 15:12I bought a new DVD player last weekend. When I got home and hooked it up, I realized that it was defective. I trudged back to the store to return it.Clerk: Next, please.Jeff: Hi, I bought this DVD player last Saturday and I'd like to return it.Clerk: What's the reason for the return?Jeff: It's not working properly.Clerk: What's the matter with it?Jeff: Well, several things. First of all, the remote doesn't work.Clerk: Did you put batteries in it?Jeff: Yes, of course, but it still didn't work. I couldn't change any of the functions on the display. It also doesn't fast forward when I'm playing a DVD. It rewinds but it won't fast forward while the picture is playing. On top of that, I couldn't get the closed caption feature to work.Clerk: Okay, I see. Anything else?Jeff: Yes, as you can see, the casing scratches very easily. I just took it out of the box and put it on my entertainment unit and I got all of these scratches.Clerk: Oh, are you sure you didn't scratch it with your keys or set some things on top of it?Jeff: No, I'm sure.Clerk: Well, I'm sure that it's just a problem with this one player. I've never seen this with any of the models made by this brand. Do you have the receipt?Jeff: Yes, here it is.Clerk: Do you want to exchange it or return it?Jeff: I'd like to return it.Clerk: Okay, how did you pay for it?Jeff: With a credit card.Clerk: Can I see you card? Okay, I'll credit it back to your credit card. Can you fill out this form with your name and phone number, and sign at the bottom?Jeff: Sure.Clerk: Great. Here's your credit card back and $95 has been credited to your credit card. Anything else I can help you with?Jeff: Oh, there is one more thing. Can you tell me if you carry iPod Nanos?。
ESLPod_630_Guide
ESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis1GLOSSARYbattery – a series of things; a group of many similar things* Applicants have to pass a battery of tests before they are admitted to this special school.to zero in on – to identify one object or explanation among many, usually by eliminating or removing the other options* What are the police doing to zero in on the criminal?to make a diagnosis – for a doctor to identify someone’s illness or other medical problem* Before making a diagnosis, I want to consult with some other doctors who are specialists in this area.symptom – a physical problem that shows one has an illness or disease* A high fever can be a symptom of a bacterial infection.intermittent – coming and going; not constant; present at some times, but not present at other times* As they were driving through the mountains, the cell phone signal wasintermittent.to flare up – for a disease to become worse, often with no warning* Omid’s acne flares up whenever he uses sunscreen.under observation – being seen, monitored, or tracked; being watched carefully * We’re going to keep your son under observation overnight to see how he responds to the medication.ambiguous – with more than one possible explanation; confusing and unclear; difficult to understand* That was a horrible test! The questions were so ambiguous that we didn’t even know what the professor was really asking.root cause – the main reason why something is happening* What do you think is the root cause of the recent increase in crime?mystifying – confusing, unclear, and strange; leaving one wondering about something* Her ability to always know what I’m thinking is mystifying.ESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis2mild – not very strong or serious; not severe* The weather report says today will be sunny with mild wind.chronic – continuing for a long time, especially when talking about a disease that does not have a cure* Nigel has had chronic asthma ever since he was a little boy.severe – very strong and serious; not mild* When Kenneth came to work with a severe sore throat, all his colleagues got sick, too.occasional – happening only once in a while, not regularly, often, or frequent* We get the occasional letter from friends, but normally the mailman just delivers bills.poked and prodded – touched many times, in many ways, often as part of a test, experiment, or medical exam* The artifact was poked and prodded by scientists who were trying to determine when it was made.guinea pig – a small animal like a large hamster that is often used in biological or medical experiments, used to talk about people who are being used to test something* Now that we’ve finished the first version of the software, we need to find some guinea pigs who will use it and tell us what they do and don’t like about it.to curl up with – to relax comfortably, often on a couch or sofa, perhaps with a blanket, book, magazine, TV show, movie, and/or drink* Terry loves curling up in front of the window with a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate to watch the snow as it falls outside.ESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis3COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS1. What is most painful for Sally?a) Her intermittent symptoms.b) Her chronic, mild leg pain.c) Her occasional, severe back pain.2. Why can’t the doctor find the root cause of Sally’s symptoms?a) Because she hasn’t been able to observe the symptoms.b) Because she isn’t a very good doctor.c) Because she’s spending too much time with the guinea pigs.______________WHAT ELSE DOES IT MEAN?batteryThe word “battery,” in this podcast, means a series of things, or a group of many similar things: “Is it difficult to pass the battery of tests needed to become an FBI agent?” The word “battery” more commonly refers to a small object thatgenerates electricity: “We should replace the batteries in our smoke detectors every year.” Or, “The flashlight doesn’t work because the batteries are dead.” The phrase “assault and battery” refers to the crime that occurs when someone hits another person: “When Chuck drank too much, he hit another customer at the bar and was arrested for assault and battery.” Finally, the phrase “torecharge (one’s) batteries” means to spend time relaxing after one has beenworking very hard, so that one has energy to continue working: “Once this case is finished, she’ll take a week off to recharge her batteries before accepting a new case.”to flare upIn this podcast, the phrase “to flare up” means for a disease to become worse, often with no warning: “Jerry’s arthritis flares up in cold, wet weather.” Thephrase “to flare up” also means for people to suddenly become angry or upset, or for a situation to become worse: “Tensions between the two countries flared up when a hospital was bombed accidentally.” The phrase can also mean for a fire to burn more brightly: “The campfire flared up in the wind.” When pants or skirts “flare out,” it means that they become much wider at the bottom: “I like the way this skirt flares out around the knees.” Finally, when someone’s “nostrils flare,” it means that the openings at the end of the nose become wider, usually because one is angry: “When Lawry is mad, his face turns red and his nostrils flare.”ESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis4CULTURE NOTEWhen Americans “see” (have an appointment with) their doctor, the “medical assistant” (the person whose job is to help the doctor) usually takes severalstandard or normal “measurements” (attempts to see how big, small, fast, slow, hot, or cold something is), no matter what the patient is being seen for.The first measurement is usually the patient’s weight. The medical assistant asks the patient to take off his or her shoes and “step onto” (begin to stand on) the “scale” (a piece of equipment that measures how heavy something is). The medical assistant “records” (writes down) the patient’s weight for the doctor to review.Then, the medical assistant may take the patient into the “exam room” (a small, private room where the doctor examines the patient) and measures his or her “blood pressure” (how much pressure is placed against the veins as the heart beats). The medical assistant puts a “blood pressure cuff” (a piece of fabric that folds around the arm and is used to measure blood pressure) around thepatient’s upper arm while touching the patient’s “wrist” (the part of the armimmediately above the hand) to feel the “pulse” (the rhythmic pushing of blood through veins). The medical assistant records the patient’s blood pressure and “pulse rate” (how many times the heart beats each minute). The medicalassistant might also use a “thermometer” to “take the patient’s temperature” (find out how hot or cold someone is).Then, the medical assistant leaves and the patient waits for the doctor to enter the exam room to begin his or her medical exam.______________Comprehension Questions Correct Answers: 1 – c; 2 – aESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis5COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTWelcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 630: Making a Medical Diagnosis.This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 630. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.Visit our website at . Download a Learning Guide for this episode, an 8- to 10-page guide that gives you the vocabulary, definitions, sample sentences, additional definitions, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and a complete transcript of this entire episode.This episode is called “Making a Medical Diagnosis,” when you go to a doctor and he or she tells you what your medical problem is. Let’s get started.[start of dialogue]Terrell: Where have you been?Sally: At the hospital, again. My doctor is putting me through another battery of tests.Terrell: She still hasn’t been able to zero in on the cause of your pain and make a diagnosis?Sally: No, she hasn’t. Part of the problem is that my symptoms are intermittent, and they seem to flare up only when I’m not under observation. The symptoms themselves are ambiguous, so finding the root cause hasn’t been easy.Terrell: I can see how that would be mystifying and frustrating. Are you still in a lot of pain?Sally: The mild pain in my legs seems to be chronic, but the severe pain in my back is occasional.Terrell: I guess you’re not up for going out tonight.Sally: After a day of being poked and prodded like a guinea pig, all I want to do is to curl up with a hot cup of tea and a good book!ESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis6[end of dialogue]Terrell begins by asking Sally, “Where have you been?” Sally says, “At thehospital, again. My doctor is putting me through another battery of tests.” Her doctor is putting her through, meaning making her do some things that are perhaps not very pleasant, not very nice, or require a lot of work. What she needs to go through – what her doctor is putting her through is another battery (battery) of tests. A “battery” is a series of things, a group of things. It’s often used with the word “test.” A battery of tests could be used to determine which classes you will take at an English language school. They may give you a speaking test, a writing test, a listening test; we would call those a “battery of tests.” This is a battery of medical tests. A few years ago I went to the doctor because I was having problems with my allergies. My nose would start to run, my eyes would water, my throat would sometimes make me cough; all of these things were related to allergies. So my doctor put me through a battery of allergy tests to determine what the problem was. You can tell today that I still have allergies because my voice is what we would say a little “hoarse” (hoarse). When your voice is hoarse you don’t sound normal; your voice is often lower, more difficult perhaps to understand.That’s enough of my medical problems! Now back to the dialogue: Sally has gone through a battery of tests. Terrell says, “She (meaning her doctor) still hasn’t been able to zero in on the cause of your pain and make a diagnosis?” “To zero in on (something)” means to identify one thing, one explanation that solves a problem or that gives you an answer, eliminating all of the otherpossibilities. The doctor is supposed to zero in on the cause of Sally’s pain and make a diagnosis. “To make a diagnosis,” or simply “to diagnose” as a verb, is when a doctor identifies what your illness or medical problem is. Sally’s doctor has not been able to make a diagnosis. Sally says, “No, she hasn’t (she hasn’t zeroed in on the cause yet). Part of the problem is that my symptoms areintermittent, and they seem to flare up only when I’m not under observation.” A “symptom” (symptom) is some usually physical sign that shows you have some illness or disease. So for example if your head starts to hurt and you start to get a fever, where the temperature of your body goes up, that is a symptom perhaps that you have some illness – some disease. Sally’s symptoms are intermittent. Something that is “intermittent” comes and it goes; it’s not constant. It willhappen sometimes but then sometimes it won’t happen, so it’s difficult todetermine what is going on. “To flare up” is a two-word phrasal verb meaning for a disease or an illness to become worse, often without any warning. Suddenly my nose starts to run, I start to sneeze, I might say my allergies are flaring up;ESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis7they’re getting worse suddenly. The word “flare” has several meanings inEnglish, some of those are found in your Learning Guide for this episode.Sally’s symptoms seem to flare up – get worse – only when she’s not “under observation,” meaning only when she isn’t being watched carefully. She isn’t being monitored, we might say. So when the doctor isn’t looking, basically, her symptoms get worse. “The symptoms themselves,” she continues, “areambiguous.” Something that is “ambiguous” has more than one possibleexplanation. It’s also a word we use to describe something that is confusing, unclear, difficult to understand. Often when something could have more than one meaning and it isn’t clear which meaning is meant, we say that thing isambiguous. A question could be ambiguous, for example. Sally’s symptoms are ambiguous – it’s hard to tell what they mean, so finding the root cause hasn’t been easy. The “root (root) cause” of something is the main cause, the main reason why something is happening.Terrell says, “I can see how that would be mystifying and frustrating.” When something is “mystifying” it is related the idea of a mystery, something we don’t understand. In more general terms, something that is confusing, something that is not clear to you. Terrell asks, “Are you still in a lot of pain?” Sally says, “The mild pain in my legs seems to be chronic, but the severe pain in my back isoccasional.” We have two different kinds of pain: we have “mild” pain, which is not strong, not too bad, not serious; and we have “severe” pain, which is very strong, very serious, the opposite of mild. We also have two differentdescriptions of when this pain occurs – when it happens. “Chronic” (chronic) pain continues for a long time, especially when it is related to a disease thatdoesn’t have a cure – there’s no way to make the illness go away. “Occasional” pain is pain that happens every once in a while. Maybe once a day, twice a day, maybe every other day, that would be occasional pain.Sally says, “The mild pain in my legs seems to be chronic, but the severe pain in my back is occasional. Terrell says, “I guess you’re not up for going out tonight.”A couple of phrasal verbs there: “to be up for (something)” means to have theenergy to do something, to be interested in doing something. “To go out” means to leave your house and have a good time: go a movie, go to a nice restaurant, have fun with someone outside your house.Sally says, “After a day of being poked and prodded like a guinea pig, all I want is to curl up with a hot cup of tea and a good book!” “To be poked (poked) andprodded (prodded)” means that you are being touched many times, usually by a doctor or someone who’s examining you for some medical problem. It could beESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis8part of a test that they are doing; they could be taking your blood, they could be checking your temperature, lots of things that would require that you are touched many times. The idea of “poked and prodded” is that it is somewhat painful, although it isn’t always necessarily that way. It’s usually used in talking about medical exams that require a lot of tests and that require that you be at thedoctor’s office or the hospital for a long time. A “guinea pig” is a small animal; it’s like a hamster. It’s used here, however, because guinea pigs traditionally have been used in medical experiments and biological experiments. It’s now a general term to talk about people who are being used to test something new, especially a new kind of medicine. It’s often used in a negative way, meaning that the person who is giving them this medicine or doing something to them is using them without really knowing whether that thing is going to work or not; it’s anexperiment.Sally says, “After a day of being poked and prodded like a guinea pig, all I want is to curl up with a hot cup of tea and a good book!” “To curl up with” here means to relax comfortably, sitting on a couch or a sofa perhaps with a book or amagazine and/or something to drink. “I want to curl up with a good book” is a common expression meaning I want to go home, sit in a comfortable chair, and read a good book.Now let’s listen to the dialogue, this time at a normal speed.[start of dialogue]Terrell: Where have you been?Sally: At the hospital, again. My doctor is putting me through another battery of tests.Terrell: She still hasn’t been able to zero in on the cause of your pain and make a diagnosis?Sally: No, she hasn’t. Part of the problem is that my symptoms are intermittent, and they seem to flare up only when I’m not under observation. The symptoms themselves are ambiguous, so finding the root cause hasn’t been easy.Terrell: I can see how that would be mystifying and frustrating. Are you still in a lot of pain?ESL Podcast 630 – Making a Medical Diagnosis9Sally: The mild pain in my legs seems to be chronic, but the severe pain in my back is occasional.Terrell: I guess you’re not up for going out tonight.Sally: After a day of being poked and prodded like a guinea pig, all I want to do is to curl up with a hot cup of tea and a good book![end of dialogue]There’s nothing mystifying about who the scriptwriter is. You know, Dr. Lucy Tse. Thank you, Lucy.From Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan. Thank you for listening. Come back and listen to us again here at ESL Podcast.English as a Second Language Podcast is written and produced by Dr. Lucy Tse, hosted by Dr. Jeff McQuillan, copyright 2010 by the Center for Educational Development.。
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Lesson 1How to Bargain in the U.S.A. 跟卖家讨价还价1. downtown2. deals3. the best deal4. making a sale5. seems a little high6. your best offer7. shop around8. What if9. $50 for both 10. split the differenceIt was Saturday afternoon and I was shopping in the garment district in downtown L.A. If you want to find good deals on clothes, shoes, and accessories, this is the place to come. To get the best deal, though, you have to be ready to bargain.I walked by a stall and saw a purse I liked. The owner had just finished making a sale.Lucy: Does this come in any other colors?Man: Yeah, we have this one in white and blue. I also have this other style in green.Lucy: How much is the blue one?Man: It's $32.Lucy: $32? What about the green one?Man: That's $30.Lucy: That seems a little high. Can you do better on the price?Man: This is a designer bag and it's good quality. It's a bargain at that price.Lucy: Is that your best offer?Man: That's the best I can do.Lucy: Well, I don't know. I think I'll shop around.Man: Okay, how about $28.Lucy: That's still more than I wanted to spend. What if I take the blue one and the green one?Man: I'll give you both of them for $55.Lucy: That's not much of a break on the price. How about $50 for both?Man: You drive a hard bargain. The best I can do is $54. You won't find it cheaper anywhere else. Lucy: Why don't we split the difference and make it $52?Man: Okay, okay. You've got a deal.accessories 装饰品make a sale 做一笔交易Lesson 2Negotiating Price1. get our bid2. come to terms on the price3. do better on4. trim a little off5. discount that by 10 percent6. an attractive offer7. driving a hard bargain8. labor costs9. make any promises 10. a revised bidNegotiating PriceJustin: Hello. 贾斯汀：您好。
Rachel: Hi, Justin. It’s Rachel from McQ Corp.瑞秋：您好，贾斯汀。
我是MCQ公司的瑞秋。
Justin: Oh hi, Rachel. Did you get our bid for the job? 贾斯汀：……。
你有没有收到我们对那个项目的投标？Rachel: Yes, we did. We like your proposal, but we still need to come to terms on the price.瑞秋：是的，我们收到了。
我们很喜欢您的建议，但我们仍需要在价格方面再商量一下。
Justin: We’ve already given you our rock-bottom price because we want to get this job, but we always try to be flexible.贾斯汀：因为我们真心希望获得那个项目，所以那已是我们的底价了。
我们应学会灵活。
Rachel: Good. Could you do better on w hat you’ve quoted us for labor? The price seemed a little high.瑞秋：好吧。
你给我们的劳动力报价可以再优惠一点吗？我们觉得价格似乎有点高。
Justin: We might be able to trim a little off of that. How about if we discount that by 10 percent?贾斯汀：我们也许可以再降低一点。
再给您打折10％，怎么样？Rachel: That’s an attrac tive offer, but we were hoping for 20 percent.Justin: You’re driving a hard bargain. We have certain fixed costs, you know.贾斯汀：……。
我们有一定的固定成本，这您是知道的。
Rachel: I do and that’s why I’m only asking about labor costs. Can you meet me halfway at 15 percent?瑞秋：我知道。
所以我才只问您劳动力成本的问题。
我们各让一步，15%怎么样？Justin: I think that might be doable, if that’s the only stumbling block to us getting the job.贾斯汀：嗯，如果这一问题是我们获得该项目唯一的绊脚石的活，我觉得这个价格还是可行的。
Rachel: I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best.瑞秋：我无法做出任何承诺，但我会尽我所能使我们达成合作。
Justin: That’s all I can ask. I’ll send you over a revised bid.贾斯汀：我寄望于此。
稍后，我会发给您我们修改后的标书。
Rachel: Great. I hope to have good news for you next week.瑞秋：很好。
我希望下周有好消息通知您。
proposal 建议come to terms on the price在价格方面再商量一下rock-bottom price 底价flexible 灵活的quote 报价We always quote our customers a fair price. 我们总是给用户报一个公道的价格。
fixed cost 固定成本a revised bid 修改后的标书Lesson 31. just any new car2. see the looks I get3. green with envy4. owning a fine machine like this5. There is that6. whip it out like this7. as happy for me as8. Truer words were never spokenShowing Off a New PurchaseMonica:Wow, check you out! When did you buy a new car?莫妮卡：哇，好羡慕啊！你这辆新车什么时候买的？Kevin: This isn’t just any new car. It’s a Ferrari.凯文：这可不是一辆简单的新车。
这是一辆法拉利。
Monica:I can see that. It must have set you back a few.莫妮卡：我看到了。
肯定花了你一大笔银子吧？Kevin:Yeah, but it was worth it. You should see the looks I get riding around in this baby. My brother is green with envy.凯文：你应该看到，当我坐在这个座驾里驰骋时，那场面何其拉风。
我弟弟都要妒忌死了。
Monica:Then you’ve been showing it off around town.莫妮卡：你是不是全城都炫耀遍了？Kevin:No, I’ve just been showing it off to a few friends and family members. There’s no sense owning a fine machine like this and not bragging a little, right?凯文：没有。
我只是将它展示给几个朋友和家人。
拥有这样好的玩意儿而不炫耀一下，真是有点浪费啊，你不觉得吗？Monica:Especially since your brother has been gloating about his new boat, you mean.莫妮卡：特别是自从你弟弟经常洋洋自得于他那条新船以来……对不对？Kevin:There is that. I don’t w ant to toot my own horn, but I think a new Ferrari trumps a measly new boat, don’t you?凯文：正是如此。