Task 1

1. Task 1 How to start a conversation?

2. Task 1--- How to start a conversation A very common way to start a conversation in the West is to talk about the weather because it is an inoffensive way to start a conversation under any circumstances. Strangers can break the ice and warm up the atmosphere by talking about the weather. In this way, people can get to know each other naturally and continue to talk about other subjects.

3. Expressions • Nice day, isn’t it? • Dreadful weather, don’t you think? • It’s good to see the sun again. • It’s freezing today. • Excuse me, is anybody sitting here? • Say, don’t I know you from somewhere? • Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing--- did you mention something about…? • Excuse me, could you let me have a look at your magazine? I am fond of the film star on the cover.

4. Sample dialogue • (On a train) • A: Going far, are you? • B: No, just Beijing. • A: Oh, I see. • B: And you? • A: Oh, I’m going all the way to Dalian. • B: Sightseeing, I suppose. • A: No, to see some friends, actually, college friends.

5. Situations • Start a conversation with people around on the following occasions. • At a cocktail party • At your best friend’s birthday party • In the school canteen • On the sports ground • In a bus station • In the disco

6. Making up dialogue • 1. You are seated on an airplane next to a girl/ boy and you’d like to talk to her/ him, so you start to speak to her/ him. • 2. At a party you find yourself face to face with a stranger who is getting a drink. And you’d like to have a talk with him.

7. Task 2 Saying Goodbye

8. Task 2--- Saying Goodbye • When you want to end a conversation, it’s up to you to find a acceptable structures. Often these can includes a hint for your leaving or a reason for having to leave (Like “Nice talking with you” or “Sorry, I must get back to work”, etc.) It is usual practice to end a conversation politely. Just walking away would be considered extremely rude.

9. Common Expressions • Bye and good luck. • See you later. • Hope to meet you soon. • It’s a pleasure meeting you. • Nice talking to you. • I had better be off. We’ll keep in touch. • Bye, have a nice day. • So long. Take care (of yourself.) • I had to leave.

10. Sample dialogue--- I guess I’d better leave • John: It’s getting late. I guess I’d better leave. • Leo: Must you go so soon? Can’t you stay a little • longer? • John: I’m afraid I really have to go. I’ll have an • important interview tomorrow morning. • Leo: Well, in that case, we won’t keep you any • longer. Good luck to you tomorrow, and I • hope we’ll get together soon.

11. Situations • 1. You are at a party which you aren’t enjoying very much and are waiting for an excuse to leave. After coffee, you think out a reason and go over to your host/ hostess. • 2. You are seeing Linda off at the airport. She is your close friend and has been staying with you for two weeks. She is returning to England. You ask her to keep in touch.

12. Task 3 Telephone Conversation

13. Task 3--- Telephone Conversation • There are some common expressions in talking on the phone. Usually you can firstly greet the person on the phone, then give him your name, your workplace, and the purpose for your call. If you want to talk with somebody else, say his or her name directly, avoiding making people feel confused about your purpose. We are supposed to pay attention to two points: 1. Be polite; 2. Be brief.

14. Common Expressions • Hi, John speaking. • I’d like to speak to Tom, please. • May I ask who’s calling? • You’re wanted on the phone. • He’s unavailable at the moment. • I think you’ve got the wrong number. • Can you put me through to the Service Department? • It’s pretty hard to reach you. • May I leave a message? • Hold on, please.

15. Sample dialogue--- Is Matt There? • A: Hello, 6577-8868. • B: Hello, is Matt there please? • A: I’m sorry. Matt isn’t in at the moment. • B: Oh. Do you know what time he’ll be back? • A: Sometime later this afternoon. He should be back for • dinner. Can I take a message? • B: Thanks. Could you tell him that Jason called? • A: One moment. I’ll get a pen. Now that’s Jason. • B: Yes. I’m in his seminar group(研究小组). Could he call • me tonight? My number is 9912-3344. • A: That’s 9912-3344. • B: That’s right. Thanks for your help. • A: No trouble at all. I’ll make sure he gets the message. • Good bye. • B: Bye.

16. create a short telephone conversation • For each, paying attention to the cues given. A: leave a message. B: ask to have your call returned. C: tell the person you will call back later. • 1. You are calling your friend Frank, but he is already asleep. (A) • 2. You call the plumber to have your toilet repaired, but he is not in. (C) • 3. You call a co-worker, but he is out to lunch. (B) • 4. Joe calls a friend to give him information about the camping trip he has organized for next week. The roommate tells Joe that the friend is sick and can’t talk. (A)

17. Task 4 Asking the way

18. Background information When you ask somebody the way, you are disturbing him or her. You should always be polite, otherwise you may not get a direction or be given a wrong one. Generally, you should say “Excuse/ Pardon me”, “I beg your pardon”, or “Sorry to disturb/ trouble you” before asking somebody to point your way. Of course you can also use these sentences patterns, “Please tell me how to get to…” “Could you kindly tell me where …. is?”, “Hi, do you happen to know where… is?” etc.

19. Background information II If someone asks you to tell them the way and you can give a hand, your help should be greatly appreciated. Anyone may need help, especially when he/she is in a new place. If you can help a stranger, please try your best to be kind. It’s usual practice to point the way clearly for others in the West.

20. Common expressions • Could you possibly tell me where the museum is, please? • I am told West Station is near this place. Do you happen to know where it is? • Excuse me, could you show me the way to Holiday Inn? • Would you mind telling me how to get to the Central China University of Science and Technology? • The bank is half way down the street. • Turn left at the first corner after the crossroads. • You are going in the wrong direction. • This is the shortcut to the stadium.

21. Sample dialogue--- I’m looking for the Exhibition Center A: Pardon me, could you do me a favor? I’m looking for the exhibition center. B: Yes, it’s that way. You go three blocks, then turn right at the traffic light. It’s on the corner opposite the zoo. A: Thank you very much. I’ve only been in town a few days, so I really don’t know my way around yet. B: Oh, I know how you feel. I moved here half a year ago, and I still don’t know where everything is. A: Anyway, you’re so helpful. Thanks again. B: My pleasure.

22. Conversation Ask your partner the way to: • The nearest Mc’Donald • New World Department Store • Your favorite bookstore

23. Situations: work out appropriate replies, using the information given below. • Could you please tell where a good restaurant is? Reply:________ • Do you know where I could find a hotel? Reply: ________ • Could you direct me to the nearest post office? Reply: ________ • Could you give me the direct location of your professor’s office? Reply: ______ • Where would one find a place to buy a bottle of water? Reply: __________

24. Task 5 Asking for Information

25. Background Information A conversation often depends on questions to keep it going in the direction you want it to go. The one that asks the questions usually controls the conversation. Various techniques may be necessary to get different kinds of information from different people. Most people are very polite when they ask strangers about something--- if you are more direct, you may appear to be rude. Anyway, personal questions have to be expressed very politely.

26. Common Expressions • Could you tell me some more about Shenzhou VI? • Would you mind telling me more about this meeting? • I’d like to know more about your education. • This may sound like a stupid question, but I’d like to know why you are still a bachelor. • Something else I am wondering about is how your family supported you in achieving this.

27. Background knowledge II When you ask people questions, they often don’t give you enough information right away. Then you have to ask them for additional information--- you may want more details or you may not be satisfied with the answers they have given. Then you should change your question techniques for getting the extra information that you want.

28. Common Expressions II 6. I hope you don’t mind my asking, that is, would you tell me your age? 7. Excuse me, do you happen to know when the train to Beijing leaves? 8. Sorry, that’s not quite what I meant. What I really wanted to know was whether I could borrow your laptop. 9. Sorry to bother you again, but could you tell me how you keep in such fantastic shape? 10. Sorry, I didn’t quite follow what you said.

29. Sample dialogue A: Excuse me, could you tell me something about college life? I’m new here. B: But what would you like to know? A: What do you usually do after classes? B: Take me for example. I often go to the reading room or the library, where I can get a good review of all kinds of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or journals. A: What activities do you take part in? B: There are always lectures and reports. Every Friday evening we can watch English films or video in our Department. A: I like that. Will there be one this week? B: Yes, of course. I think Jane Eyre will be on show.

30. Sample dialogue II A: What about sports and other extra-curricular activities? B: Oh, there are ball games nearly every week. You can also join different kinds of clubs organized by the Students’ Union. A: That’s OK. Is there anything else that may be of interest to me? B: Oh, yes. There’s always a dance held on Saturday evenings. Are you interested in dancing? A: Interested? I certainly am. But I really don’t know what to do. College life is quite rich and full.

31. Practice This is the first time you’ve studied in the Department of English. You are talking with a sophomore. Ask him/her something about the department. The following are topics of information for your reference: teachers, facilities, classroom, extra-curricular activities, etc.

32. Task 6 Making a Request

33. Cultural Background Westerners tend to use rather roundabout ways of asking for things or favors, but use very friendly and frank words in responding to a request. If they offer you something, like a seat, they may do so only once. So if you feel you want it, just say “Thank you” or “You are so kind”, and take the offer. If you are at a Westerner’s home and you need a drink, some fresh air, or even the toilet, you can ask politely and they won’t be offended.

34. Common Expressions • If you are not too busy, could you do me a favor? • Please oblige me by lifting this box. • Would you be so kind as to explain the theory? • I’d be very grateful if you’d get me up at 7 tomorrow. • Would you do me a good turn by decorating the Christmas tree? • I’d appreciate it if you could advise me how to do it. • Will you please download this program for me at your computer? • Could you be so kind as to ask for sick leave for me from Professor Jones? • Could you get me two books if you happen to go to the bookstore?

35. Sample dialogue A: It looks like I could use another pair of hands. Colin, would you help me with the box? B: Sure. A: I’m glad you come along. This is heavy! B: What’s in it? A: My new stereo equipment. I just bought it. B: Great! Where do you want it to be placed? A: In my dorm. A: Do you need me help to set it up? B: Thanks anyway, but I think I can manage. The salesclerk explained how to do it in great detail.

36. Speaking activity---Complete the following sentences in your own words • May/ Can/ Could I…? • Would/ Will/ Could you allow me…? • Would/ Do you mind if I…? • I wonder if you could… • Will you please…. • Could I bother you to… • Would you be so kind as to… • May I trouble you to…

37. Situations • You don’t have time to finish the chores your mother assigned you before your friends arrive to pick you to go see a movie. Ask your father for help. • You have to make an important phone call but you need money. You ask a stranger for some money. • You are nervous in asking a person on a date, and you seek advice from a friend.

38. Task 7 Giving Thanks

39. Cultural background In the English language, “Thanks” is used in informal situations or in the situations in which a person has helped you in a not very important way. “Thank you” is the standard form, which is acceptable in all situations. “Thank you very much” is used only when someone has done something special to help you. The tone of voice can also add meaning to a statement of thanks. A warm, meaningful “Thanks” sometimes means a lot more to the listener than a cold formal “Thank you”.

40. Common Expressions • How can I ever repay your kindness? • I really appreciate your help. • I’d like to give my thanks to all of you. • How can I thank you enough? • Allow me to express my gratitude for your support. • It was very kind of you to give me so much of your time. • I owe all my achievements to your guidance and encouragement. • I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me. • In Western countries, it is even considered polite to thank the person who pays you a compliment.

41. Sample dialogue A: Helen, I’ve finished correcting your homework. B: Thank you. Any mistakes this time? A: Yes, everywhere. B: Oh, I’m going to kill myself! A: Come on, Helen. I was just joking. B: What do you mean then? A: You’ve made no mistakes this time. I’ve very glad you’ve made such great progress. B: Oh, really? Thanks a lot. Thank you so much for your help! A: You’re welcome.

42. Practice--- Judge which of the following can be used either as thanks or as responses to thanks and try to use them in your conversations. • I’m delighted to have been of some help to you. • Don’t mention it. • You’re most welcome. • I’m only too glad to have been of service to you. • It’s nothing.

43. Situations • You see a good friend crying in her bed. Offer help to her. And she thanks you. 2. You find a petty girl or handsome boy having difficulty in her or his studying of English. Offer help and she/he thanks you.

44. Task 8 Making an Apology

45. Cultural background When an Englishman does something wrong, he will save a lot of trouble by apologizing first before others complain to him. In this case it may be even more essential to “break the bad news gently”(委婉地透露不好的消息）. After people hear what he does, they may ask him to explain how the thing happens. They may then forgive him.

46. Background information Westerners do not consider excessive modesty a great virtue as Chinese people do. Phrases such as “I’m sorry to have wasted your time” are considered very embarrassing; if, in fact, you really believe you are wasting others’ time, you should stay away from an office, not give a report to a seminar, or not give a speech at a conference.

47. Expressions • Excuse / Pardon/ Forgive me, please. • Excuse my interrupting you. • I’m sorry to bother/ trouble you. • I’m very/ extremely/ terribly/ awfully sorry. • I owe you an apology for being late. • I’ve got to apologize to you for not keeping my promise. • Hope you don’t mind. • Please forgive me for my carelessness. • I didn’t mean to offend you. • I think it’s I, not you, that should say sorry.

48. Sample dialogue--- I’d like to apologize A: Sorry, Lily. I’d like to apologize for breaking your glasses while tidying up your desk. B: So it was you! You must have been careless. A: I’m on duty today. It was the first time I’d ever been so clumsy. I’m really sorry. B: Well, in that case, don’t worry about it any more. A: I’ll pay for it and try to be more careful in the future. B: There’s no need to pay, but be sure you’re careful form now on. A: I will. Sorry again.

49. Situations • In a dance party, one partner treads on the other’s toes. What should one say? And how should the other respond? 2. Two friends should meet at the entrance to the cinema at the specific time. But one is late for some time.

50. Task 9 Makinga suggestion