课文听力文本 Unit 3 “Planting” Money

Unit 3 “Planting” Money

Part I Getting ready

Exercise B.

Tapescript:

Narrator: What would you reply to these people?

Man: Well, as I see it, millions of people in the world are worse off than us, but there's nothing we can do about it.

Woman: I'd say that if you do have plenty of money, there's no point in spending it on private education for your children.

Man: It seems to me that the only way to help the poor in the world is to find ways of helping them to help themselves. … er … not … by … er … givin g them free food.

Women: If you ask me, taxes for rich people should be really high — 95% or something - so that everyone is at the same economic level.

Man: Er … in my view it … it's worth making a lot of money … er … so that you can leave it to your children when you die.

Man: Don't you agree that if people are starving or have nowhere to live, it's the duty of better-off people to give them food and shelter?

Woman: Look, let's face it, there's only one reason why people work and that's to make as much money as possible.

Man: Surely, as long as you've got enough to live on, there's no point in making more and more money.

Woman: If you're earning a good salary, surely you should save as much as you can for a rainy day.

Man: I must say that one thing is certain: money doesn't buy happiness.

Exercise C.

Keys:

1. Sincere / Y

2. Doubtful / N

3. Sarcastic / N

4. Doubtful / N

5. Sincere / Y

6. Skeptical / N

7. Surprised / Y 8. Sincere / Y 9. Emphatic / Y

10. Sarcastic / N

Tapescript:

Narrator: You'll hear some people reacting to various opinions — decide if they are agreeing or disagreeing with the opinions expressed. Pay attention to the tone of voice they use.

1. Woman: Aren't you glad you're not a millionaire?

Man: Sure!

2. Man: Don't you wish you could afford to spend our holidays in the Caribbean?

Woman: Mm, ye-es.

3. Woman: It's not worth saving your money, it's better to spend it.

Man: Oh, sure!

4. Man: It's better to be happy than rich.

Woman: Hmm.

5. Woman: Well, basically, in a job the most important thing is how much you earn.

Man: Oh, yes!

6. Man: It's really important to save a little money every month —you never know when you

might need it.

Woman: I don't know about that!

7. Man: The only way to survive on a tight budget is to keep a record of all your expenses. Man: I don't know about that!

8. Woman: Children these days get far too much pocket money.

Woman: Mmm!

9. Woman: In a family it should be the mother that controls the budget.

Woman: Yes!

10. Man: If I inherited a lot of money it wouldn't change my life at all.

Man: Oh, yes!

Part II National teach children to save day

Exercise A.

Keys:

1. Thursday, April 17

2. teaching children how to save money

3. 2500

4. 5000 presentations

Exercise B.

Keys:

1-4: 4 3 2 1

Tapescript:

On Thursday, April 17, "National Teach Children to Save Day," 2 500 bankers will make 5 000 presentations in elementary school classrooms across the country to teach children how to save money.

"Bankers are committed to investing in the future of children because we want them to be able to make smart financial decisions throughout their lifetime," said American Bankers Association Executive Vice-president Donald G. Ogilvie. "Education and money management skills are keys to a better life."

The ABA Education Foundation declared "National Teach Children to Save Day" as a way to show banking industry support for teaching children money management skills and encouraging them to save money for the future. In 1996, Americans saved only 4.9% of their disposable incomes, compared to 1970 when they saved 8%.

The Foundation coordinated a great effort with state bankers associations to encourage bankers to participate in "National Teach Children to Save Day." It also prepared a resource kit with tools to help bankers make presentations in classrooms. More than 125 000 students will be part of this national initiative.

The ABA Education Foundation also offers tips for parents to foster the savings habit in their