懂你英语Level-4-unit-2

Level 4 unit 2 part1ListeningThe earth was formed by about 4.6 billion years ago.The first life appeared about a billion years later.The first plaints didn’t appear until around 2 billion years ago.Until about 580 million years ago, life forms were small and microscopic. Since that time, life has evolved into many different types or species. However, scientists estimate that more than 99% of them are now extinct.-When did the first plant appear on earth?–about 2 billion years ago.There have been several extinction events in the history of the Earth.In an extinction event, many life forms, or species of life, die out.The causes of mass extinction events are unsolved mysteries.These events are not predictable, and can happen at any time. Scientists think that some of them were started by asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions.Eventslike this can change the global conditions that life dependson.-What happens in an extinction event?–Many species of life become extinct.One major extinction event happened about 66 million years ago.That event may have been started by a large asteroid that hit the Earth. As a result, the dinosaurs and about half of all species on the planet, died out.When the asteroid hit the Earth, it started a chain of events.A chain of events is a series of events linked together, like a chain.-What may have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?–An asteroid hit the earth and started a chain of events.This particular chain of events happened over a period of months and years.When the asteroid hit the Earth, it caused a huge cloud of dust to enter the atmosphere.This cloud of dust blocked the sun and darkened the Earth for many months.Without enough sunlight, plants and plant-eating animals quickly died. With the deaths of so many plants and animals, the food chain collapsed This led to the deaths of many more species.-What caused the food chain to collapse?–The deaths of many plants and plant-eating animals.Mass extinction events have played an important part in the evolution of life.In fact, some extinction events have helps to accelerate evolution.For example, some mammals lived through the age of the dinosaurs, but they couldn’t compete.When the dinosaurs were removed, the mammals were able to compete more successfully.Once they could compete, mammals evolved to higher state.Without extinction events, perhaps we wouldn’t be here today.-What may accelerate the evolution of mammals?–the extinction of dinosaurs.Mammals couldn’t compete successfully with the dinosaurs, so their evolution was blocked.Scientists estimated that there had been at least 5 mass extinctions in the last 540 million years.They also believed that we have entered a new extinction event. Species are becoming extinct at a much faster rate than before. Instead of the asteroid or volcanic eruptions, the current event is a result of human activities.Humanactivities, for example, have led to global warming.-What is causing the current mass extinction event?–human activities-What do scientists believe has already started?–a new extinction event.Global warming is a result of an increasing in carbon gases in out atmosphere.These gases trap heat from the sun, so the Earth is getting warmer.As a result, sea levels are rising, and weather patterns are changing.In addition, we humans are destroying the habitats of many plants and animals.Cutting down forests, and polluting rivers destroys the habitats of many forms of life.-Why are sea levels rising?–With the rise in temperature, the polar icecaps are melting.There is no longer any doubt that this is happening.Species of life are disappearing at an increasing rate.Global temperatures are rising and weather patterns are changing. Scientists are warning us that fast action is necessary to save our future. Ifwe don’t act, we may go the way of the dinosaurs.This new extinction event is caused by humans.VocabularyThe body’s circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels.The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body through a network of arteries and veins.The digestive system breaks down and absorbs food into the body.It supplies the energy that the body needs for growth and repair.After digestion, excess food is turned into waste and eliminated from the body.The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.This is your body’s control system.It controls your muscles and organs, including your circulatory anddigestive systems.The respiratory system includes the nose and lungs.It brings air and oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.The lungs are where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed.The immune system protects the body against infections and diseases. Sneezing and fever are examples of how the immune system works.If an infection invades the body, the immune system attacks it.The nervous system regulates your heartbeat and digestion.For some diseases, the immune system uses white blood cells and antibodies to attack it.The digestive system is where food is broken down and absorbed into the body.The controlled use of fire allowed people to cook food and survive in colder climates.Fire provided light so that people could work and socialize for longer hours.With the invention of agriculture people could grow food and settle into communities.By growing food, people could spend less time hunting and more time for other things such as art.The domestication of animals allowed people to raise and use animals for food and work.By raising herds of animal such as sheep, humans had a regular supply of meat and clothing.The strength of animals such as horse and ox was used for working transportation.The development of tools and machines has resulted into more efficient manufacture and construction.With better tools and machines work can be done with fewer people at much lower cost.The development of science and engineering has improved many thingsincluding communications.With understanding of electricity, telephones and radios allow people to communicate over long distances.Science and engineering breakthroughs are rapidly changing the way we live our lives.Science and engineering have changed the way we communicate with each other.The use of machines has reduced the number of people needed to make things.With the development of agriculture, people had more time for other activities.The ability to raise herds of animals gave human a regular supply of meat and clothingDialogueM: I took a vocation last night.W: What are you talking about? Where did you take your vocation?M: I didn’t go anywhere. I just spent an evening without my smartphone. W: How was it?M: It was great. I got a real magazine and read it with no interruption.It was very peaceful.W:Yes, I haven’t done that in a long time.-If someone is interrupted, they have to…-stop what they are doing.-What hasn’t she done in a long time?–She hasn’t spent time without her smartphone.-What made the evening different?–He didn’t use his smartphone.M: You know what? I’m beginning to hate smartphones.W: Really? But you can’t live without one, right?M: Yes, that’s the problem. These things are changing the way people live.-What can’t people live without?–People can’t live without smartphones.-How does he feel about smartphones?–He’s beginning to hate them.W: Yes, I just saw a documentary about that. A husband was complaining to his wife that she was spending toomuch time on her smartphone.-What happened to the couple?–They got a divorce.-What was the wife spending too much time doing? –playing on her smartphone.M: It’s a bit ironic. Don’t you think? Smartphones were supposed to bring people together, but they are pullingpeople apart.W: Yes, you’re right.M: Hey, just a minute. I’ve got a message on my smartphone and it can’t wait.-What do they think is ironic about smartphones?–Instead of bringing people together, they are pulling themapart.Boss: Hey, wake up and get back to work. What’s wrong with you? Employee: I’m on my break, sir. And I have a bad headache.Boss: Well, we’re not paying you to sleep. If you’re going to sleep, sleep someplace else.Employee:Yes, sir. Sorry. It won’t happen again.Boss: You had better not.-How did the employee treat the manager?–respectfully.Employee: Just a minute. Don’t talk to me like that.Boss: What did you say?Employee: You hurt me. You don’t have to treat people like that. Boss: Well, if you don’t like it, I suggest you leave.Employee: OK, I will. I‘ve had enough of you. I’ll get a job somewhere else.-How does the employee feel?–angry.Level 4 unit 2 part2ListeningThis man is holding a piece of fruit in his hand.The piece of fruit is either an orange or an apple.We can’t see which it is because we can’t see inside the box.The probability that it is an orange is equal to the probability that it is an apple.It may be an apple and it may be an orange.It’s got to be one or the other.It can’t be anything else.-What’s the probability that it’s a banana?–The probability is 0%.It may be an apple but it can’t be a banana.Now let’s look at it from the man’s point of view.From his point of view, the probabilities are different.From his point of view, the probability that he has an orange is 100% or 0%.That’sbecause he knows what he has.For him, there is no uncertainly.If he has an orange, the probability is 100%.If he doesn’t have an orange, the probability is 0%.He either has it, or he doesn’t.-From our point of view, what’s the probability that it’s an orange?-50%.From our point of view, the probability that he has an orange is 50%. From his point of view, the probability that he has an orange is 100% or 0%. Sothe probability depends on your point of view.-What’s the probability that it’s a banana?–a 0% probability.The probability depends on your point of view, or how much you know. People see things from different points of view.Thisoften leads to arguments between people.Here are some examples.From this man’s point of view, he is relaxing.He needs to relax because he has been working too hard.Hehasn’t been getting enough sleep.-If his wife shouts at him and tells him to get up and do something… -he may shout back and refuse to help her.His wife sees things differently.She isn’t aware of how hard he has been working.From her point of view, he is doing nothing.However, she knows what needs to be done around the house. It isn’t fair that she had to work while he does nothing.-If he gets up and helps her…-She may not appreciate his help.-From the husband’s point of view, what’s he doing?–He is relaxing.When people see things from different points of view, they often come to different conclusions.Thesedifferences can cause real communication problems.People often argue with each other because they see things from a different point of view.VocabularyEarthquakes are caused by forces deep within the earth.When the earth shakes, buildings can collapse, and people can be buried inside.An explosion is a rapid, violent, release of energy.Explosions can be caused by chemical reactions, such as inside an engine.A spark can ignite mixture of gases, and release energy for good or destructive purposes.Accidents are often caused by people doing foolish things, or by not being careful.One major cause of accidents is driving too fast.Accidents with fire can be very serious and can result in very painful injuries.Epidemics are the rapid spread of diseased such as the flue or Ebola. Throughout history, epidemics have killed millions of people.Storms are caused by changes in the atmosphere, results in high winds and heavy rains.Thunderstorms are caused by electric charges in the atmosphere that produce lighting, which can cause forest fires.Some storms cause flooding, and major damage to homes and cities.To reduce the danger of an explosion, it’s important to prevent gas leaks inside the home.Many forest fires are caused by lightning.Epidemics have killed more people than all wars and natural disasters. Followers of the Islam religion are called Moslems (Muslims).These Moslems are praying inside mosque.Moslems are called to prayer five times a day, beginning just before sunrise.Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, Who lived morethan 2000 years ago.Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God.Christians often gather in churches or cathedrals to worship.Follower of the Judaism are somewhere called Jews.These Jews are meeting inside synagogue, which is a place of worship and study.Judaism was founded over 3500 years ago, in the Middle East. Judaism was based on the teachings of Moses, who they believed is the most important prophet. Buddhismbegan in India, and is based on the teachings of the Buddha.The religion is about 2500 years old.Some Buddhists practice a form of the meditation in which they empty their mind of any thought.Hinduism is the world’s third most popular religion and is the main religion of India.Hinduism has no founder, and is the mixture of many beliefs.Some Hindus believe in the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.Jews believe that Moses is the most important prophet.DialogueW: Do you have any more information about the location of the missing aircraft?M: No, we don’t. The only information we have is that it disappeared. W: What about the last communication with the aircraft?M: The last communication was about 15 minutes before it disappeared. W: Was there anything unusual in the communication?M: No, there wasn’t anything unusual. Nothing pointed to any kind of problem.W: Anyway, we are confident that we’ll find it. It’s a large aircraft so it shouldn’t be difficult to find.M: How many countries are helping with the search?W: Right now we have search teams from 3 countries starting the search. M: It’s a big area to search, so can you give us an estimate about how long it will take?W: Yes, it’s a big area, so it might take a long time. But we won’t give up. We’ll search until we find it.-How long do they plan to search for it?–They plan to search for it until they find it.M1: Have they found the wreckage yet?M2: What are you talking about?M1: You know, the airplane that disappeared last year.M2: Oh yes. Now I know what’s you’re referring to. Yes, they found some pieces of it.-How much of the airplane have they found?–some pieces.M1: What about the black boxes?M2: No, they still haven’t found the black boxes.M1: It’s hard to believe they still don’t know what happened.M2: Perhaps they’ll never know, especially if they don’t find the black boxes.M1: Whatever happen to it, there is no good reason why a modern airline is allowed to disappear.M2:I agree with you.Level 4 unit 2 part3ListeningAlcatraz is a small island in San Francisco Bay, 1.5 miles from San Francisco.From Alcatraz, you can see the famous Golden Gate Bridge.Alcatraz is also famous, and is now a major tourist attraction. Touristscan reach the island by boat from the city.-What can people see from Alcatraz?–The Golden Gate Bridge.Alcatraz has often appeared in movies, including Escape from Alcatraz, which was made in 1979.One reason it’s famous is because it used to be a prison, a very special prison.It was designed for prisoners who were causing trouble in other prisons, such as trying to escape.It was a maximum security prison, so escape was almost impossible. The waters around it are cold and only very strong swimmers can swim from the island to San Francisco.-What kind of prisoners was it designed for?–prisoners who were troublemakers.-Why is it famous?–It used to be a very special prisonThe first group of prisoners arrived in 1934.There were 137 prisoners including bank rubbers and murderers.They came by train from another prison in the state of Kansas.During that trip, there was heavy security.The prisoners were under guard and handcuffed.Nobody wanted them to escape.-Where do the first group of prisoners come from?–They came from Kansas.The prison was designed to hold up to 336 prisoners.However, the average population was only about 270.Although there were several notorious inmate such as Al Capone, most of the inmates were not well known.Many had tried to escape from other prisons or working setter toviolent. If a man did not behave at another prison, he could be sent to Alcatraz. AtAlcatraz, there was just one inmate in each prison cell.-Why were prisoners usually sent to Alcatraz?–They caused trouble at other prisons.-A notorious inmate is one who…-is very well known.Prison life at Alcatraz was highly structured and boring.It was designed to teach prisoners to follow rules.They had four rights: food, clothing, shelter and medical care. Everything else was a privilege that had to be earned.Privileges included working, visits from family members and access to the prison library.There were also activities such as painting and music.Once a prisoner showed that he could follow the rules, he could be transferred back to another prison to finish hissentence.Alcatraz was used as a prison for 29 years.During that time, no prisoners escaped successfully.There were 14 escape attempts, involving 36 prisoners.23 were caught alive and 6 were shot and killed.2 men tried to escape twice.2 drowned and 5 were listed as missing and presumed drowned.The most violent escape attempt occurred on May 2nd 1946,when 6 prisoners tried to escape.Thatevent is called the battle of the Alcatraz.-How many prisoners escaped?–none.While it was in use, Alcatraz had some of the most notorious criminals in American history, such as Al Capone.AlCapone was a crime boss, who built his career in Chicago.The prison was finally closed in 1963.It was closed because it was too expensive to operate.-Why was the prison finally closed?–It was too expensive to operate.No prisoners ever escaped from Alcatraz.VocabularyA bar graph uses rectangle bars of different lengths to show and compare data.The lengths of the bars are proportional to the values they represent. The bars can be vertical, up and down, or horizontal.A circle graph, often called a pie graph, is shaped like a circle.It is divided into segments that look like pieces of a pie.Percentage are used to compare the segments, which are ordered from biggest to smallest.Line graphs are used to show the relationship between 2 variables such as time and distance.These variables are plotted on 2 axis, the x axis and the y axis.The x axis often shows time, while the y axis shows how quantities, such as distance, temperature, or profits,change with time.A flow chart is a type of graph that shows how a process or project flows from start to finish.A flow chart consists of start points, inputs, outputs and decision points. An organizational chart or org chart shows the structure of company.It shows how people and department within the company are connected.It defines the roles and responsibilities of people and departmentswithin the company.Line graphs are very good at showing how things change over time.An org chart shows how people and departments within a company are connected.A line graph uses connected points to show how things are related to each other.Laws are rules that people are supposed to follow.A system of laws governs the behavior of people within the country. Criminals are people who break the law.People who commit a crime are called criminals.Some criminals are very dangerous and need to be put in jail.A jail or prison is a place where criminals were lock behind bars, sometimes for many years.Prisons are designed to keep criminals away from other people.A court house is where someone charge with committing a crime goes on trial.In court evidence is present to show the guilty or innocent person on trial.When someone breaks the law, they may be arrested by the police.To arrest someone means to take and hold them until they go on trial. When a person is charged with breaking a law, they are tried in a court of law.An action that is against the law is an illegal action.An action that is follow the law is a legal action.Someone who is found guilty of committing a crime is sent to prison.DialogueW: May I help you sir?M: I’d like to change some US dollars into Japanese yen please.W: Yes, certainly, sir. How much would you like to change?M: I’d like to change 500 dollars.W: May I see your passport, please?M: I don’t have it with me, but I do have my driver’s license.Would that be ok?W: No, I’m sorry, sir. I need to see your passport. It’s the law.M: Look, I’m not asking for a loan. I just want to convert my dollars into yen. Why do I need my passport?W:I understand your frustration, sir. But that’s the law. I cannot do something that is illegal.-Why does the customer need his passport?–It’s required by law.M: Ok, do you have any suggestions?W: Sure, the easiest thing for you to do is to use a machine in one of the hotels near here. You can borrowsomeone’s passport and then do the conversion.M: So the machine doesn’t check my figureprints or anything like that? W: No, sir. But there’s a limit as how much you can change at one time. You also have to pay a higherfee. M: Thanks for your help. W: You’re welcome, sirLevel 4 unit 2 part1ListeningAl Capone was one of the most famous criminals in American history. He came from an immigrate family.His parents came from Italy and his father was a barber.As a boy, he belonged to a street gangs.He quit school after finishing the 6th grade.-Where were his parents from?–They were from Italy.He built his career as a crime boss in Chicago.He became boss at 26 when the previous leader was nearly killed.His crime organization made a lot of money, more than 100 million dollars a year.Most the money came from illegal activities, especially the sales of illegal liquor.Hisorganization was also involved in gambling and prostitution.-What kind of illegal activities was his organization involved with?–Gambling and prostitution.-Liquor includes…-alcoholic drinks such as whiskey and vodka.Capone was flashy dresser who enjoyed being famous.He protected himself by bribing police and public officials.Though he was involved in the deaths of many, he was never convicted of a serious crime.When he was finally arrested, it was for minor crimes.In 1929, he and his body guard were arrested for carrying deadly weapons.For that, they were sentenced to a year in prison.Capone was released nine month for good behavior.-Why were he and his body guard arrested and sent to prison?–They were caught carrying deadly weapons.-What kind of person was he?–violent and self-centered.In 1930, Capone was public enemy NO.1 in Chicago.A year later, he was arrested for failed to pay taxes.The government had finally found a way to catch him.After a trail, he was found guilty and sentenced to 11 years in prison.He spent the first 2 years of his sentence at a prison in Atlanta joja.. Thenhe was sent to Alcatraz, the country’s most famous prison.-Why was he sentenced to prison for 11 years?–He was found guilty of tax evasion.At Alcatraz, he was diagnosed with a disease that began to take over his brain.As a result, he spent much of his time in the prison hospital.By the time he was released from the prison in 1939, he was no longer able to lead his organization.Hedied of a stroke and pneumonia in 1947.-Why did he spend much of his time in the prison hospital?–He had a serious disease.VocabularyIncome is money received from work or from investments.For a company to survive, its income needs to be more than its expenses.People who earned a good salary can buy what they need to survive.A receipt is given to you after you have paid for something.A receipt is proof that you have paid for something.A receipt shows that something has been paid for.After paying for something, be sure to get a receipt.An invoice is a request for payment.An invoice lists the prices and the products being bought.To invoice someone means to give them a bill for the products or services.Once an invoice is paid, it can be used as a receipt.Taxes are what we pay to the government for the government services. Taxespay for many services, such as education, police and health care.An income tax is a tax on your income.In some countries, income taxes are very high.Interest is what we pay to lenders when we borrow money.If someone lends you money, you pay interest for the use of that money. Emotional people often show their feelings and have a bad temper. They make decisions based on their feelings more than facts. Sometimes these people make bad decisions because of their emotions. Leaders are people who take responsibility and are trusted by others. Good leaders make good decisions and get things down.In many situations, others look to them for leadership.Loyal people can be depended on to follow their leader.They will support and protect their leaders and friends.A strong team needs a good leader and loyal followers.Independent people can do things on their own.They often prefer working by themselves.Sometimes they have difficulty working in a group.Creative people come up with new ideas and ways of doing things. They often have a good imagination and can see things in different ways. Manyartists and musicians are very creative.Independent people may want to do things their own way.People don’t like to work for people who are too emotional.Someone with a bad temper gets angry easily and shouts at others.DialogueW: Congratulations, Lisa.Lisa: Congratulations for what?W: We just heard the news.Lisa: What news? Don’t keep me in suspense.W: QuickServe has accepted your video proposal.Lisa: Already? I just submitted it a week ago.W: Maybe so, but they liked it so much that they made a quick decision. They want you to get started on it as soonas possible.-What did Lisa do a week ago?–She summited her proposal.Lisa: That’s great news. But I’m still working on some other projects. They need to be finished first.W: Can’t you delay some of our other projects?Lisa: I’m not sure. How important is this project?W: They are putting a lot of pressure on us now especially since they read your proposal. They really like it.It’s avery creative way of presenting their company. It had everybody laughing.Lisa: Yes, that was the idea. It was fun to do and our whole team thought it was funny.W:Well, great job. I think it’s the best work your team has ever down.-What may need to be delayed?–Some of their other projects.-To delay something means to…-postpone it.W: When can you get started on the project?Lisa: Are they going to pay extra? In my proposal, I said the earliest start date would be one month after signing thecontract.W: Was that in the proposal?Lisa: Yes, it was. Have they signed the contract yet?W: No, they haven’t. But I’m sure they will right away.-When do the contract say the project will begin?-one month after signing the contract.-Why does she think they should pay extra?–They want to get started earlier than what was in the proposal.The proposal said that the earliest start date would be one month after。