上海新世纪英语高一课文讲解(初三衔接高中)：4---5

4. Jim Corrigan

Jim Corrigan, a well-built man in his late 20’s, works in a large hospital. Jim is an X-ray technician. It is his job to develop the many X-ray films that are taken of people’s lungs, stomachs and other body parts.

Jim works in a darkroom, a room that is specially equipped fo r developing film. . @First he removes the film from the lead plates(金属片) that are used to hold it. Then he feed s the film into a developing machine.It takes about 90 seconds for it to develop. The film is then ready to be examined by a doctor.

Jim’s work is important, and both doctors and patients eagerly, often worriedly, wait for the results of his work. Jim doesn’t keep them waiting too long. He is quick and orderly at his job. This would not be unusual except for the fact that Jim Corrigan is blind.

“In the beginning it was tricky,” Jim explains, “The film comes in five different sizes. . @ And sometimes I would get them mixed up. But I have never let a mistake get out of the darkroom.” After some time, Jim learned to measure the film by running his fingers over the edges.

“I have a system,” explains Jim, “so that I can find things easily in the darkroom. It’s a simple system. I just keep my materials in order and put them back in the same place after I use them. I don’t have to searc h for anything.”

“Jim is quite capable and can be trusted,” says his boss, “I wouldn’t have him working here if he weren’t. And that brings me to the question of handicapped people. You can’t let yourself get upset about them. . @They want to be treated just like anybody else --- and they should be. They don’t want you to fell sorry for them.”

No one has to feel sorry fo r Jim Corrigan.

5. Starting a conversation with a foreigner in English

As you rode on the bus one day, a foreigner sat down beside you. . @Finally, here was a perfect opportunity for you to practice speaking English with a foreigner, you thought to yourself. But no words came into your head. You were tongue-tied! After 15 minutes, the foreigner got off the bus and you didn’t utter a word! “What a shame!” you said to yourself.

If you have had such an experience, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. What you need is a lesson in small talk. Here are some tips that will show you how to get started. “HELLO” --- A STARTER First, exchange a “Hello” or “Hi” with the foreigner, but at the same time, pay close attention and see if he feels like chatting.Watch his facial expression and body language for cues. . @Having said his “Hello” or “Hi” in return, does he just stare out of the window or keep reading the book in his hand? That’s the cue for you to stop moving on. Don’t f orce a conversation on someone who wants to be left alone.

But what if the person stops whatever he is doing and looks back or smiles at you? These are positive cues, indicating you can keep talking and start a conversation!

SMALL TALK --- THE MAIN COURSE To start a conversation, you should choose a suitable topic. Then, what are the rules for choosing a suitable topic?

Perhaps the most universal topic of any conversation is the weather. Everyone has an opinion to share about the weather! Don’t immediately launch into serious topics like politics or religion. And don’t talk about personal matters, either. Stick to familiar subjects of a casual nature such as movies, music, sports, favourite things, or one’s likes and dislikes.