Exploring Mark Twain and 7-Eleven: An Engaging Overview

BI Ⅲ. Background Information p5 Mark Twain (1835-1910) 7- Eleven

BI-EL Mark Twain (1835-1910) Mark Twain was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, one of the major authors of American fiction. the 1998 World Book Encyclopedia) Twain is also considered the greatest humorist in American literature. Twain’s varied works include novels, travel narratives, short stories, sketches, and essays. His writings about the Mississippi River, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, have been especially popular among modern readers. (From

BI-CE1 7-Eleven 7-Eleven, Inc. is the world’s largest operator, franchiser and licensor of convenience stores with more than 24,000 units worldwide. Founded in Dallas, Texas in 1927 as an ice company, 7-Eleven pioneered the convenience store concept during its early years when its ice docks began selling milk, bread and eggs as a convenience to customers. The name

BI-CE1 7-Eleven originated in 1946 when the stores were open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Today, offering customers 24hour convenience, seven days a week is the cornerstone of 7-Eleven’s business. Approximately 5,800 7-Eleven and other convenience stores are operated and franchised in the United States and Canada. (From www.7eleven.com/newsroom/comp-anyprofile.asp)

Class list Ⅳ. Class Presentation Listening & Speaking Reading & Writing Time for Fun

LS Listening & Speaking The Language for Making and Responding to an Apology Making and Responding to an Apology Listening Practice

Listening Practice Lp-main Listen to the following people talking and decide on locations. Listen to the following five short dialogues and choose the appropriate answers. Listen to the following short story twice. Listen carefully and decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F) according to the story you have heard.

Lp-main Listen to the following talk and fill in the blanks with the missing words. The talk is given twice. Listen to the talk again and then answer the following questions orally. Explore a response to the question given below.

TL1 The Language for Making and Responding to an Apology You are going to listen to an instructor talking about making and responding to an apology. Listen carefully and fill in the blanks with the missing words. Instructor: An apology is an expression of regret for a mistake, a fault, causing trouble or even pain . It’s good form to make an apology . A prompt (及时的) and proper apology invites forgiveness (原谅). Failure to tends to cause embarrassment, or even argument or hostility (敌意). It’s also decent (得体的) behavior to respond to an in some way __________ when this occurs ______________ _____ do so

TL1 in a polite way apology . To forgive is a virtue (美德). The practice of making an apology is highly appreciated ____________ in society ________. There’re many ways of making an apology: my interrupting you ________________ — Excuse me for . — I’m really sorry for . — I’m terribly sorry to . being late ________ step on you __________

TL2 — I’ m awfully sorry (that) I have . — I apologize for . — I’m afraid I seem to have . — I owe you an apology for . — I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to . — It was really quite unintentional. — I hope you excuse me. forgotten your name ________________ what I have said _____________ forgotten your birthday __________________ the delay ________ ______________ hurt your feelings

TL2 There are also many ways of responding to an apology: — That’s (quite) all right. — These things happen; it can’t be helped. — I quite understand. Please don’t worry. — (Oh well.) Not to worry. — No problem. Let’s forget it.

TL3 Now choose one apology from the list given below and say it out loud, expecting a response in class. Try to use the language you learned in Exercise 1. — Pardon me, I didn’t know you were here. — I’m afraid I seem to have backed my car into yours… I’m awfully sorry. — I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. — It was all my fault. — How silly of me to forget that. — I owe you an apology for those remarks.

TL3 — I’m afraid I’ve brought you so much trouble. — Please accept my apologies for not attending your class. — I’m terribly sorry for ringing you up in the middle of the night. — Sorry to have taken your umbrella by mistake. It was really quite unintentional.

CP-gtn1 Making and Responding to an Apology • Before you listen to the first conversation, read the following words and expressions which may be new to you. how come怎么会…；为什么… …make up for补救 no wonder 难怪 saying 话;格言；警句

CP-gtn2 Listen to the following conversation twice and fill in the blanks with the missing words. Li Ming: Wang Ying: Li Ming: How come you look so upset, Wang Ying? ? Where were you yesterday? I kept on your cell phone all afternoon. But when I called, I only heard “The power is off.” you had to do that? Uh, tell you what. I was attending an interesting lecture given by a well-known professor, so I had to turn it off. No wonder you couldn’t ! What happened _____________ calling you _________ Any reason __________ reach me ________

CP-gtn2 Wang Ying: Li Ming: Wang Ying: Li Ming: Wang Ying: Li Ming: I see. You know what yesterday was? It was my birthday! Oh, to have forgotten your birthday! I hope you . That’s all right. I can understand. I’ll it. No problem. Let’s forget it. Really, sorry about it. I’m terribly sorry ______________ _________ excuse me __________ make up for

CP-gtn2 Wang Ying: Li Ming: Come on, . Have you ever heard “Love means not ever having to say you’re sorry”? Aha! OK,OK. stop it ______ the saying _________

CP-gtn3 Now listen to the conversation again and answer the following questions. 1. Why was Wang Ying so upset? Because she couldn’t reach Li Ming on the cell phone. 2. What was yesterday? It was Wang Ying’s birthday. 3. Why did Li Ming have to shut off his cell phone? Because he was attending a lecture.

CP-gtn3 4. What was Li Ming sorry about? He was sorry for forgetting Wang Ying’s birthday. 5. What was Wang Ying’s response? She said that she could understand.

CP-gtn4 2) Before you listen to the second conversation, read the following words and expressions which may be new to you. check in办理登机手续 suitcase手提箱 set sth. upright把某物放直 check检查 baggage claim check行李认领单

CP-gtn5 Listen to the following conversation twice, and then complete the passage according to the conversation you have just heard. __________ at the airport A passenger is checking in . He would like to have a window seat. If there aren’t any left, he will take . The agent is sorry to inform him that there will be and his flight will be boarding . But she cheerfully wishes him a nice flight when she hands him his . ___________ an aisle seat _______________ a 20-minute delay in about half an hour ________________ baggage claim checks __________________

CP-gtn6 Listen to the conversation again, and complete the form as the speaker recounts it. After that, act it out in class. Agent: Good morning. Your ticket, please? And set your suitcase upright So I can check it through. Passenger: _______ Okay. Agent: And where would you like to sit? Make it a window seat, but if there aren’t any left, I’ll take an aisle seat. Passenger: ______________________________________________________________________

CP-gtn6 Agent: Uh-huh, here you go. I’m sorry, but there will be a 20-minute delay, so your flight will be boarding in about half an hour. __________________________________________________________________ I sure hope that’s the only delay. Oh, where are my baggage claim checks? Passenger: Agent: They’re here with your ticket, sir. Passenger: Great! Uh, thanks a lot . _______________________ Agent: You’re welcome. Have a nice flight.

CP-gtn8 Create situations in which you blame someone for his/her mistake or fault and expect them to make both apologies and excuses. Try to use the language you picked up in Exercise 1 as well as the expressions in the box given below. Making Excuses — I had no intention of DOING…, really. — I didn’t mean to, really. — It really wasn’t my fault, you see. — I just couldn’t help it!

KEY script CP-lp1 Listening Practice Listen to the following people talking and decide on locations. 1. M:Good morning. I’d like to open a savings account. W: Do you already have an account with us? Q: Where did this conversation most probably take place? A) In the library. B) At the airport. C) At the bank. D) At the post office.

KEY script CP-lp2 W:I can hardly breathe. Would you please put your cigarette out? 2. M:I’m sorry that I’m bothering you, but this is the smoking section. Why don’t you ask the waitress to change your table? Q: Where did this conversation most probably take place? A) In a restaurant. B) At the movie theater. C) In a meeting room. D) At the office.

KEY script CP-lp3 3. W:I understand you’ve got some trouble with one of your teeth? M:Yes, the pain’s killing me. Q: Where did this conversation most probably take place? A) In the dining room. B) In the dormitory. C) At the mechanic’s. D) At the clinic.

KEY script CP-lp4 4. W:Let’s see what the in-flight entertainment will be. M:I’d rather look at the menu. I’m starved. Q: Where did this conversation most probably take place? A) In a plane. B) On a train. C) In a hotel. D) In a restaurant.

KEY script CP-lp5 5. W:I say, they’re offering a 90% discount on shoes. M:Watch out! That means the sale price is 90% of the usual price. Q: Where did this conversation most probably take place? A) At the cinema. B) At the store. C) At the reception desk (前台). D) At home.

KEY script CP-lp6 Listen to the following five short dialogues and choose the appropriate answers. 1. W:How do you like your new computer? M:I’ve just put it together, but I really haven’t tried to use it yet. Q: What does the man mean? • He has found something wrong with the new • computer. • B) He has used his new computer for writing his paper. • C) He has just assembled (安装) the computer. • D) He is tired of using this new computer.

KEY script CP-lp7 2. W: The bookstore has run out of the textbook assigned by Professor Martin. M:He didn’t expect so many students to take his class this semester. Q: What can we know from this situation? • Professor Martin didn’t order enough textbooks for his students. • B) Professor Martin didn’t want so many students in his class. • C) The students were supposed to buy the textbook • earlier. • D) The bookstore is going out of business.

KEY script CP-lp8 3. W:It takes too much time to cook; I wish I had more time to study. M:Why don’t you eat at the university cafeteria? It’s not too expensive. Q: What does the man suggest? • Buying less expensive food. • B) Dining at the cafeteria (自助餐厅). • C) Cooking more simply. • D) Studying harder.

KEY script CP-lp9 4. W:How’s your class going? M:Terrible. It seems like the more the professor talks, the less I understand. Q: How does the man feel about the class? A) He thinks the professor has an accent (口音). B) He thinks the professor talks too quietly. C) He wishes the professor would talk more. D) He doesn’t always understand the professor.

KEY script CP-lp10 5. M: Shall we eat lunch out today? W: Only if we split the bill. Q: What does the woman want to do? A) She wants to pay the bill. B) She wants the man to pay. C) She wants to pay for her meal. D) She wants Bill to pay for the meal.

CP-lp11 Listen to the following short story twice. Listen carefully and decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F) according to the story you have heard. administer实施 annual一年一次的 physical 体检 Doc doctor的口语简称 ponder 思索，考虑 tone 口气 in advance 预先

script CP-lp12 1. The man came to see the doctor for a yearly physical. 2. The man complained of (主诉) his mental problem. 3. The man was so forgetful that he could not remember his own name. 4. The doctor took the man’s complaint seriously and pondered an effective treatment. 5. The doctor worried about his failure to receive the man’s payment of his fee (诊费). ____ T ____ T F ____ ____ F ____ T

CP-lp13 Tapescript The man looked a little worried when the doctor came in to administer his annual physical, so the first thing the doctor did was to ask whether anything was troubling him. “Well, to tell the truth, Doc, yes,” answered the patient. “You see, I seem to be getting forgetful. I’m never sure I can remember where I put the car, or whether I answered a letter, or where I’m going, or what it is I’m going to do once I get there — if I get there. So, I really need your help. What can I do?” The doctor pondered for a moment, then answered in his kindest tone, “Pay me in advance.”

particularly interesting _________ _________ CP-lp16 Listen to the following talk and fill in the blanks with the missing words. The talk is given twice. The new inmate (住院者) at the mental hospital announced that he was the famous British naval (海军的) hero, Lord Nelson. This was because the institution already had a “Lord Nelson.” The head psychiatrist (精神病医生), after due (充分的) consideration, decided to put the two men , feeling that the similarity of their delusions (错觉) might promote an adjustment in each that could help . It was a calculated (成败参半的) risk, of in a loud voice ____________ in the same room ______________ in curing them ____________

CP-lp16 course, for the two men might react violently to one another, but they were introduced and then left alone and no disturbance was heard from the room that night. The next morning, the doctor with his new patient and was more than pleasantly surprised when he was told, “Doctor, I’ve been . I know now for a fact that I am not Lord Nelson.” “That’s wonderful,” said the doctor. “ ?” Smiling coyly (羞答答地), the patient replied, “I’m Lady Nelson.” had a talk ________ suffering from a delusion ____________________ Who are you __________ _______

CP-lp18 Listen to the talk again and then answer the following questions orally. 1. What did the new inmate announce in a loud voice? He announced that he was the famous British naval hero, Lord Nelson. 2. What did the head psychiatrist decide to do? He decided to put the two men in the same room. 3. What happened that night? No disturbance was heard from the room that night.

CP-lp19 4. What did the doctor do the next morning? He had a talk with the new inmate. 5. What did the new patient say? He said that he had been suffering from a delusion and he was not Lord Nelson, but Lady Nelson.

CP-lp20 Explore a response to the question given below. These expressions may help your discussions: Try this discussion:

CP-lp20 Try this discussion: Student A: Student B: I think they do. If you have bad manners, people do not forget that. Later, when you need them, they don’t help you. Students know good manners are important. I know when a situation needs an apology. And I know how to make one. I don’t think all college students are like you. My schoolmates owe mean apology from time to time. But they pretend as if nothing has happened when they make a mistake, or hurt me in some way. Then they just leave without an apology. I hate it. Most of my friends apologize if needed. Maybe you are being too hard on yours. Experience teaches that it is wise to take it easy when something goes wrong. Don’t demand an apology. Then an apology is more likely to come. Student C:

CP-lp20 Student D: Oh yeah? Maybe you are just lucky. Considerate college students are around, I agree. But I would argue that the ones who know how to apologize properly are rare. Most need to work on their courtesy skills.

RW list Reading & Writing Text A Mistaken Identity Text A Exercises Grammar Review Practical Writing Text B If Only Text B Exercises Text C A Captive Audience Comprehension of the Text Basic Reading Skills

Starter1-1 Text A Starter 1. Have you ever been mistaken for someone else? Or do you know someone who has been mistaken for another person? Please share your story with your classmates. Now imagine you have the same name as the mayor of your city and look like him too. What might happen when you go to a hotel asking for a room and are told that the rooms are all booked? 2. Now read the following passage and see what happened to Mark Twain when he tried to get a train ticket.

article1 Text A Mistaken Identity (adapted) Mark Twain 1 Years ago I arrived one day at Salamanca — a railway station near New York. I was to take the sleeper train there. There were crowds of people on the platform and they were all swarming into the long sleeper train and packing it full. I asked the man in the ticket office if I could have two tickets, but he answered sharply “No!” and shut the window in my face. This was a terrible blow to my dignity; but at the same time it was necessary for me to have the tickets. Having found a local official, I asked him if I couldn’t have some poor little corner somewhere in a N

article1 Text A sleeping-car; but he cut me short with a sharp “No, you can’t. Every corner is full. Now don’t bother me any more,” and with these words he turned his back on me and walked off. I had not expected to be treated like this, and my dignity was in a state not to be described. I said to my companion, “They talk to me like this because they don’t know who I am.” But my companion said, “Don’t talk such foolishness. Even if they did know who you were, do you suppose it would help you to get a seat in a train which had no vacant seats in it?” And he also turned his back on me. That was too much. I found the same local N

CH Text A article2 official and said very politely that my name was Mark Twain and could I have — but he cut me short again, “I’ve told you not to bother me any more.” And again he turned his back on me. I looked around helplessly and saw that my companion had been watching the whole scene. The shame which I felt cannot be described. I said, “He may not have heard my name,” but my companion didn’t agree with me, saying, “He must have heard your name well enough. He does not care, that’s all.” N N ?

Exploring Mark Twain and 7-Eleven: An Engaging Overview