Unit 4A

Text 1

M: I think it's going to rain.

W: I guess so. The skies are dark and cloudy. 

Text 2

W: The authorities finally decide to destroy the building with 300 years' history and build an amusement park on its site.

M: Oh, I can't believe it. The ancient building is of great historic interest. How can they replace it with an amusement park? 

Text 3

M: I wish Betty studied as hard as her brother.

W: Well, dear, I think she does all right. You worry about the kids too much. She'll probably work harder in high school. 

Text 4

M: If you walk through the rain, you will get very wet. So take my car.

W: Don't bother. I think I'll go home by bus.

M: Suit yourself. I'll go home first. I'm glad I drove here today. 

Text 5

M: Was there anything valuable in the bag that was stolen, madam? 

W: Yes. My purse was in it. 

M: Anything else?

W: Well, luckily I was wearing my glasses and I left my keys home, so no, nothing else.

Text 6

W: David believes the next 10 years will be a time of rapid progress. Mr. Horkings, is that right? 

M: Yes, that's right. In fact, I think we'll see some pretty amazing changes in the next 10 years in just about every area of life. 

W: Can you give us some examples?

M: Yes, health care will improve. In fact, scientists may finally find a cure for cancer and AIDS in the next 10 years. One thing is certain. Everyone will be living much longer. 

W: It's good news, but does it mean we'll have to work longer?

M: Oh, no. We'll have much more free time 10 years later. We'll be working just 30 hours a week on average and we'll have 15 weeks' holiday. Air travel will be cheaper and faraway destinations will be more popular. 

W: Wow! That sounds wonderful!

Text 7

M: This is perfect! I realized that I have already finished half of my life goals. And I am only 19! 

W: Really? What are your life goals?

M: My life goals are to go on an expedition to Antarctica, travel to Europe, fly an airplane, and be on television.

W: Which of those have you already done?

M: I went to Europe last year with my parents, and I were interviewed on the local news!

W: When do you think you will finish the other two?

M: It could take a while. I know I need at least a few years to take lessons and become a pilot. Around ten more years, I guess. 

W: How about your visit to Antarctica?

M: I can't afford the expedition right now. And I have learned how to survive in Antarctica, but I am not courageous enough to start the expedition.

W: I understand. Exploring Antarctica is a tough test and I hear that it may be expensive.

Text 8

M: Hello, Mary! Tomorrow is International Volunteer Day. What would you like to do?

W: I'd like to help sick kids, but I am not a doctor. 

M: Don't worry. You can go to the hospital to visit them and cheer them up.

W: That's a good idea.

M: When will you go there tomorrow?

W: Let me see. I need to meet my uncle at the railway station at eight. At half past eight I will go there by bus. 

M: I am sure the kids will be glad to see you.

W: I think so. I will tell stories to them. What about you?

M: There are too many things that I'd like to do. However, I'll go to work outside this time.

W: What about cleaning up city parks?

M: Not very good. I'd like to help policemen at the crossing. 

W: Great! Tomorrow is Saturday. They must be very busy.

Text 9

W: Hi. I've only just arrived.

M: Oh, good. Now, here are the keys. Let's go in. There are two apartments. The one for rent is on the right. Do come in. 

W: Thank you. I like the carpet. The color is nice, isn't it? 

M: Yes, and this apartment is in good condition. Here is your living room.

W: Where would we eat?

M: There is this corner here, or you can use your kitchen. Come and see.

W: The kitchen is quite small.

M: Yeah, but it has everything:a cooker, a fridge and even a dishwasher. 

W: And there are lots of cupboards.

M: Let me show you the bedrooms. This is the smaller one.

W: It's a good size, though.

M: Now come into the other bedroom. You can see the bathroom, too.

W: Yes, it is very nice. But I'll have to ask my friend first and we will come together. I understand it's $800 a month. 

M: Yes, but a few blocks downtown would be much more expensive.

W: Well, thank you. I will be in touch.

Text 10

M: Welcome to the Sea World. Here is some information for you. We are open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors are welcomed all year round except March, because we have to close in March for painting and repairs. 

Every morning at eleven, there is a short film about the sea in the Visitor Center. Then you can go to see different animals in different halls. If you are hungry, enjoy the delicious food in the dining room. 

The dolphin show begins at two o'clock every afternoon. Dolphins are lovely and clever, so the show is the children's favorite at the Sea World. You must arrive by a quarter to two to have a good seat. What's more, the turtles, sharks and whales are all attractive. 

Adult tickets cost 160 yuan and tickets for children under 12 years old are half price. And there are special prices for school groups. Have fun!