Unit 2 A life's work

B卷·高中名师原创能力提升卷

Text 1

W: It's so hot without wind. Look at those clouds! I can't believe I forgot my umbrella again!

M: Yeah. But we are almost there, Mary. I think we'll make it.

Text 2

W: Excuse me, I'm waiting for the ten o'clock train. Is it leaving on time?

M: It is running thirty minutes late due to strong winds which blew a tree onto the line at three o'clock this morning.

Text 3

M: Do you still work for Microsoft, Lisa? Or did you go back to your job at the hospital?

W: No. I started my own company. I sell homemade soaps online. I've been doing that for about a year, and I love it.

Text 4

W: If you buy this model today, there's a special where you'll get a second one for free.

M: It seems a bit expensive for me.

W: Well, I think it's worth it.

Text 5

M: Want to go to lunch today? That new restaurant across from the office is supposed to be good.

W: I can't. I brought my own lunch today because the boss told me to finish some writing. I need to stay in the office.

M: All right. Maybe next time.

Text 6

W: Tomorrow is Saturday. Should we go shopping in the afternoon?

M: Hmm... Why not go shopping on Sunday? I'd like to relax at home after a week's work.

W: All right. Let's go shopping on Sunday morning.

M: What do you want to buy?

W: I need a dress for that wedding I'm going to attend.

M: I should go shopping, too. I need a backpack for a bicycle trip my friends are planning.

W: Great! If you help me choose a dress that looks good, I'll help you find a backpack. See you Sunday!

Text 7

M: Hello, Mr. Ward speaking.

W: Hello, my name is Mary Brown. I'd like to take your course on American geography.

M: I'm sorry. There're already so many students in my class.

W: I know, but I'm a student from another school, and I'll be here for only half a year. We don't have this course in our school, and I think it will be interesting.

M: I see. But it might be difficult for you. It's for science students only.

W: I think I can manage it, though I'm not a science student.

M: OK, I'll consider that.

Text 8

W: This looks interesting — this assistant researcher for a TV company.

M: I know, but what makes me worried is the experience. They want two years, but I've only worked part-time for a year, really.

W: Anyway, you meet the other requirements. You're good under pressure and with deadlines —you always hand your essays in on time at college!

M: OK, if that's what you think. Do you mind having a look at my application letter today?

W: Of course not. Print it out and I'll have a look at it.

M: The closing date for applications is in a couple of days.

W: OK, I'll do it this afternoon.

M: Thank you. Then I can send the letter of application off tonight. Hey, they might ask me to go for an interview this week!

Text 9

W: Can I help you?

M: Yes, my son and daughter bought this pen for my wife's birthday, but it doesn't work. I would like to exchange it for a new one.

W: Let me see. Was it dropped?

M: No, but you can see that the point is a little bit bent.

W: Yes,it is. We'd be happy to exchange it for you, but I'm afraid we don't have any more purple ones. We only have this pen in black or yellow now.

M: My wife doesn't really like either of the colors.

W: We have one with a red leather cover. That's three dollars more.

M: The children worked hard to save the 20 dollars for this one. They would probably be upset if I paid for their present.

W: If you want, we can order another pen just like this one.

M: Could you? That would be great! Thanks so much.

W: We'd be happy to. It will take a week to 10 days. We'll call you when it comes in.

Text 10

W: I have developed a habit of collecting rubbish such as old toys, used things, broken furniture. What other people see as garbage, I see as potential art. Of course, it's not art in the state I find it. The process I go through from the raw materials to a finished piece is not complex at all. First, I take the collected rubbish to my studio and play around with different combinations to see if I can find some inspiration. I do this for a few days or a week before I have an idea about what I want to create. The pieces I create are mostly animal sculptures. A few times a year I get invited to display my favorite animal sculptures at exhibitions. I also create more practical and usable art. Some examples include vases made from glass bottles, lamps made from irons or blow dryers, and pencil boxes made from plastic containers. I take these items to the local market and sell them.