Unit 4B

Text 1

M: Can I leave now?

W: Sure, Jim. But remember to pay more attention to your work, or you won't pass the final exams. 

Text 2

W: Hello, Mike. Where is my dictionary now? 

M: The day before yesterday Mary took it from me, but yesterday afternoon I saw it in Paul's room and I took it back. 

Text 3

W: You are late! You should have come earlier to see the wonderful beginning of the film. 

M: Well, I met my brother at the airport and we bought something on the way back.

Text 4

M: Will Dr. Jones be able to see me at 11:00, please?

W: Sorry, she's fully booked up till 3:00 pm. How about half an hour later than that? 

M: It's OK for me. 

Text 5

W: What exactly are you looking for?

M: I am looking for a collection of the 19th century European paintings.

W: Is it the book on your left, the one with the yellow cover? 

M: Let me see. Yeah, this is what I want. Thanks a lot. 

Text 6

M: Sally, do you like seafood? 

W: Yes, of course. 

M: Is there anything you especially like?

W: Well, I really don't know. I can never remember the name.

M: OK. Is there any food you don't eat?

W: Well, I don't eat chicken, and I don't like eggs, either. But I like all kinds of vegetables.

M: Then, let's look at the menu, and see what they've got for us. 

Text 7

M: The second season of this TV play is going to start tonight. It has been postponed twice and I can't wait to see it now.

W: Then I'm sorry to tell you this bad news. It has been pushed back again. 

M: How could it be?

W: It was because of contract consultation affairs last week. They keep doing that all the time, replacing it by other programs. 

M: I've been waiting for it for a couple of months. Forget it. I'm going to see my favorite talent show.

W: That show is cancelled, too. A news program is on TV now. You can watch a talk show or a game show on other channels. 

M: Are you kidding me? I've had enough. I'm not going to watch TV anymore. 

W: Well. We'll see how long you would hold out. 

Text 8

W: Hi, would you be able to spare a few moments of your time?

M: Sorry, I'm really on my way to a meeting across town in 30 minutes. 

W: It won't take long. I'm collecting opinions for my survey on global warming. 

M: Okay, but please make it quick.

W: Great! On a level from one to ten, how much do you think global warming is negatively impacting our planet?

M: Ten! I cancelled my holiday to the south of the country last April due to all the flooding. Honestly, if it weren't for global warming, those floods wouldn't have been so bad. 

W: I see. And the next question is... 

M: Sorry, I really have to go now! 

W: Thanks so much for your time! Could you please give me your email address? I'll send you the rest of the survey.

M: Fine. Here's my business card. I have to go. 

Text 9

M: Okay, Lucy, have you settled on a topic for your end of year report? 

W: Yes, Mr. Brown, I want to write about the rural renewal program. 

M: Great. Have you done any research yet?

W: No, I'm still in the planning stage. I'd like to have a solid outline decided before I begin writing. 

M: Okay, tell me what you're thinking.

W: Well, there are many interesting aspects, like environmental and social ones, although I'm mainly interested in the economic side. 

M: Interesting. Go on.

W: My father grew up on a farm. He went to college, but he always said he had no choice but to move to the city if he wanted to use his knowledge in work. Now, thanks to this program, more young people are returning to their home towns to start businesses where there's less competition. 

M: And that's what you plan to focus on? 

W: Yes, I believe the government's initiative will transform the countryside into a place of opportunity and growth.

M: Well, it's an interesting topic. I look forward to reading it.

Text 10

W: Good morning, everyone. This term, we are learning about the painting style of John Constable. Born in 1776, Constable grew up to become a landscape painter in the romantic tradition. He preferred to paint outdoors. This love for real-life details breathed life into his paintings and made them feel almost within reach. 

Dedham Vale, Wivenhoe Park and The White Horse are his famous works. The first is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which shows the beautiful rural scenery. Wivenhoe Park is collected in the National Gallery of Art in Washington. In the painting, the scenery is attracting. The White Horse is now in the Frick Collection in New York. In this picture, a white horse stands by the river, surrounded by the peaceful rural scenery. 

Before our next class, please research another notable work by Constable and be ready to discuss how his style is reflected in his works. Remember, understanding the context of an artist's life can unlock the meaning behind their masterpieces. Looking forward to your insights!