美国慢速英语文档.doc

英文慢速生活英语系列：Asking for DirectionsI went to Vancouver for a meeting this week. I have always liked Vancouver, and on top of that, my cousin Dominick just moved there. I got in touch with him and he invited me over to see his new place.On the way over, though, I got a little lost. I knew I was in the right area, but I was turned around. He lived in an apartment over an old bakery and I couldnt find it. I stopped a man who was walking by to ask for directions.Lucy: Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the Cross Bakery building?Man: The Cross Bakery building? Oh sure. Youre actually walking in the opposite direction.Lucy: Oh, youre kidding! I thought I was heading east.Man: No, east is the other direction. To get to the Bakery, you need to turn around and go three blocks to Broadway. When you get to the intersection of Broadway and Elm, you hang a left. Go straight down that street for half a block and then youll see the building on your left.Lucy: Okay, let me see if Ive got that. I need to go down Elm until I hit Broadway, then I make a left and the building is on my left hand side. Is that right?Man: Yeah, youve got it. Do you want me to show you the way?Lucy: Thanks for the offer, but I think Ive got it. Hopefully, I wont get lost again on my way there!中文慢速生活英语系列：问路这击我去温哥华开会。我一直喜欢温哥华，此外我的堂兄多米尼克刚刚搬到那里。我与他联系上了，他邀请我去看看他的新房子。但在去那的路上，我有点迷路了。我知道大致的地方我走对了，但我方向有点弄反了。他住在一家面包店上面的公寓中，但是我没有找到。我叫住了一位男士向他问路。（女）：对不起，能告诉我到Cross bakery大楼怎么走吗（男）：cross bakery大楼吗？当然，你现在的方向是反的（女）：不会吧，不认为我是在向东走。（男）：不，东是另外一个方向。要去BAKERY大楼，你需要转身，然后走过三个街区到broadway大街。当你走到broadway 与elm大街交界的地方，向左转。再沿街走大约半个街区，然后在你左手边你就看得到那个大楼了。（女）：OK，看我是不是明白了。我需要沿着ELM大街一直走到broadway大街，然后向左转，然后在我左边就能看到那个大楼了，对吗（男）：是的，没错。需要我替您带路吗（女）：多谢了，我想我能找到。希望在去那的路上我不再迷路了。英文慢速生活英语系列：In a RutWoman: What do you want to do tonight?Man: I dont know. What do you want to do?W: I have no idea. Do you think were in a rut?M: What do you mean?W: Well, we do the same things every weekend. We go to the same restaurants. We see the same friends. You know what I mean?M: Yeah, I guess youre right. Its easy to get bogged down in the day to day, and forget to change things up once in a while. Lets break out and do some thing completely different tonight. W: Okay, Ill look in the events section of the paper to see whats going on tonight. Hmm, we could go to a concert. There is a good one tonight. I bet its not sold out. But, well have to drive an hour to the venue. M: An hour? Thats a bit of a bummer. Let me take a peek and see what else there is. How about going dancing? We havent done that in a while. Theres a club in Silver Lake thats supposed to be hopping on Friday nights. Eddie from work told me that they have a really good DJ and a big dance floor, and the cover charge isnt bad. W: Im not really in the mood for dancing, actually. You know what? I just feel like staying home tonight and vegging, after all. How about you? M: Yeah, I was hoping youd say that. Its nice to have the option to go out but Id rather stay in. Maybe we can go out tomorrow night.W: Yeah, definitely, tomorrow night.中文慢速生活英语系列：墨守成规女：今晚你想干点什么男：不知道，你呢女：我也没想好，你是否觉得我们活得有点墨守成规男：你什么意思女：我们每个周末总是做同样的事，去同样的饭馆，会同样的朋友，你明白我的意思吗男：噢，有有点。人们很容易陷在日复一日的生活当中而忘记了时不时来点变化。让我们换换口味今天做点完全不同的事吧。女：好呀，那我看看今晚的报纸上是否有什么活动。我们可以去音乐会，今晚刚好有一个，票应该没有售完。不过开车到那得一个小时男：一个小时？这个可不太好。让我看看有什么其它的活动。去跳舞怎样？我们俩很久没有跳了。银湖有一个俱乐部周五晚上跳舞的人很多。我的同事艾迪告诉我那有一个很好的DJ和很大的舞池，门票也不贵。女：我真没有兴趣去跳舞。你知道吗，我今晚就是想呆着家里休息。你怎么样男：噢，我也希望是这样。出去也许是个不错的选择，不过我还是喜欢呆在家里，要不明晚再出去。女：好吧，那就明晚上吧。英文慢速生活英语系列：planning a business luncheonOne of my co-workers, Betty, was retiring this month after working for the company 23 years. I was put in charge of planning a retirement lunch in her honor at a restaurant nearby. The company was picking up the tab and it was up to me to set a day and time. After asking the people in the department and finding out their availability, I called the restaurant to make a reservation.Manager: Brunos.Jeff: Hi, Im calling from Nika Corporation. We would like to hold a business lunch at the restaurant.Manager: Oh, certainly. Im Linda, the manager. I can help you with that. How many will there be in your party?Jeff: There will be about 18 people.Manager: Okay. For a party that size, we have a separate banquet room in the back.Jeff: Is there an extra charge to reserve the room?Manager: No, as long as you can guarantee at least 15 guests, there is no extra charge.Jeff: Thats great. Id like to go ahead and reserve the room, then, for Friday, December 2, at around noon. This is a retirement party and wed like to bring a cake for the guest of honor and some bottles of champagne. Will that be acceptable?Manager: The cake is no problem at all, but we do charge a corkage fee of $15 a bottle for any alcohol not purchased from the restaurant. Jeff: Oh, thats fine.Manager: Great. I have the banquet room reserved for a luncheon for Nika Corporation on the 2nd of December. May I have your name and contact information?Jeff: Sure. Im Jeff McQuillan and my number is 323-555-6840, extension 42.Manager: Thanks, Mr. McQuillan. Ill give you a call a week in advance to confirm the arrangements.Jeff: Sounds good. Thanks for your help.Manager: Thank you for choosing Brunos. We look forward to seeing you on the 2nd.中文慢速生活英语系列：预定商业午餐我的同事贝蒂，在为公司工作23年后将在本月退休了。我被指派在公司附近找个饭店开个午餐会为她的退休庆贺一下。公司会买单但我来决定午餐的时间。在咨询了部门中的同事都什么时候有时间后，我打电话给饭店去预定午餐。 女：这里是布诺酒店男：嗨，这里是尼卡公司，我们想在您那里订一个商务午餐？女：好呀，我是主管，叫林达，我可以帮您。你们有多少人呢男：大约18个女：噢，以你们的规模，适合用我们饭店后部的一个单独的宴会厅男：预订这样的宴会厅要额外收费吗女：不，只要你们保证不少于15个人就没有额外收费男：那好，那就帮我预定这个刻意，本周五，12月2日，时间大致是中午。这是个同事退休的送别会，我们会给客人带一个蛋糕还有一些香槟酒，这会有问题吗女：蛋糕没问题，但是对于非由我们酒店售出的酒品，我们每个收15美金的开瓶费用男：行，没问题女：那好，我们将为尼卡公司预订12月2号的商务午餐，地点在宴会厅。留下联系方式好吗男：当然，我是杰夫麦克兰，我的电话是3235556840，转分机42女：谢谢麦克兰先生，我会之前再跟您电话确认的男：那好。谢谢你的帮助妇：谢谢你们选择布诺酒店。我们期待12月2日你们的光临。英文慢速生活英语系列：bargaining with a sellerIt was Saturday afternoon and I was shopping in the garment district in downtown L.A. If you want to find good deals on clothes, shoes, and accessories, this is the place to come. To get the best deal, though, you have to be ready to bargain. I walked by a stall and saw a purse I liked. The owner had just finished making a sale.Lucy: Does this come in any other colors?Man: Yeah, we have this one in white and blue. I also have this other style in green.Lucy: How much is the blue one?Man: Its $32.Lucy: $32? What about the green one?Man: Thats $30.Lucy: That seems a little high. Can you do better on the price?Man: This is a designer bag and its good quality. Its a bargain at that price.Lucy: Is that your best offer?Man: Thats the best I can do.Lucy: Well, I dont know. I think Ill shop around. Man: Okay, how about $28.Lucy: Thats still more than I wanted to spend. What if I take the blue one and the green one?Man: Ill give you both of them for $55.Lucy: Thats not much of a break on the price. How about $50 for both?Man: You drive a hard bargain. The best I can do is $54. You wont find it cheaper anywhere else.Lucy: Why dont we split the difference and make it $52?Man: Okay, okay. Youve got a deal. 中文慢速生活英语系列：砍价这是周六的下午，我在洛杉矶闹市的服装区购物。如果你想买到些好的衣服、鞋子与饰品，这是个好地方。不过要拿到最后的成交价，你要做好砍价的准备。我走过一个小摊位看见一个钱包不错。摊主刚刚做成一笔买卖。女：这个钱包有别的颜色的吗男：噢，这种款式有白的与蓝的，那种款式有绿的女：兰色的多少钱男：32美金女：32美金？那绿的多少钱男：30美金女：还是有点贵，能更便宜点吗男：这个包是新款式而且质量很好，这已经是折让的价格了女：这是最低的价格了吗男：是，我是我能给的最低价了女：那也许吧，反过来我还得四处逛逛男：好吧，28美金如何女：还是比我期望的贵。如果我买一个兰的加一个绿的，你能给什么价男：两个我给你55美金女：你也没有给多少优惠呀。两个50美金怎么样男：你砍价真狠。两个最便宜给你54美金。你不可能再在任何其它地方拿到这么好的价格了女：那就取个折中，52美金如何男：行吧行吧，就按这个价格成交吧。英文慢速生活英语系列：asking about jobsI was at the store the other day. I saw a former co-worker, Michael, across the room. He used to work at my company until he quit a few months ago to start a new job as a public relations officer at Missouri University. Its a job hes been working toward for years. He wasnt happy working for a corporation and wanted to get into either a non-profit organization or a university. I wanted to see how he was doing. The truth was, I was thinking of making a move myself. Becky: Hey, Michael. Remember me? Im Becky. We used to work at Lekmans together. Michael: Oh, sure. How are you? Long time, no see. How are things at Lekmans?Becky: Its about the same. Ive been thinking of making a change myself. Do you mind if I ask you a few things about your job at the university?Michael: No, not at all. Go ahead.Becky: Well, I was wondering what the salaries are like? I meanare they much lower than the corporate world?Michael: Well, I cant speak for all universities, but my salary is a definitely lower than at Lekmans. I just dont think the salaries are comparable when you leave a major corporation.Becky: Yeah, thats what I thought. But, Ive heard that the perks are better. I was wondering if that was really true. Michael: Id have to say yes and no on that. I dont get a big end-of-the-year bonus like I did at Lekmans but I get to take classes for free if I want to. Ive always wanted to get a graduate degree so Im taking classes now to do that.Becky: Oh, thats great. It sounds like youre really happy with your move.Michael: Yeah, I guess I am. Working at a university is the really suits me.中文慢速生活英语系列：询问有关工作的事宜有一天我在商场中看到了我以前的同事麦克。他曾经在我的公司中任职，几个朋前找到一个新工作，去密苏里大学任公共关系负责人。这是他找了几年的工作。他不喜欢为企业工作，而想供职于非赢利性机构或大学。我想知道他混得如何了。我决定主动去问他女：嗨，麦克，还记得我吗，我是贝奇，我们曾经一起在雷克曼公司工作过男：噢，当然，你好吗，很久没见了，雷克曼公司还好吧女：没什么变化。我现在也正在想尝试些改变。你不介意我问问你有关学校工作的事宜吧男：响，没有事，你问吧女：我想知道学校的薪水到底怎样，我的意思是说是不是比商业公司要低很多男：我不能代表所有的学校的情况，但我的薪水确实比在雷克曼要低。我不认为学校的薪水可以与商业企业的薪水相比。女：噢，跟你想象的差不多。不过我听说学校的福利要更好些，是这样的吗男：这个说法也对也不对。我不能象在雷克曼一样年底能拿笔大资金，不过在这里我可以免费上很课程。我一直想拿个学位所以我现在就在努力这么做。女：那太好了，看来你真是喜欢你现在的状况。男：我想应该主是吧，在学校中工作真的很适合我。英文慢速生活英语系列：hotel housekeepingIm so glad that the hotel I booked didnt turn out to be a dump. The last time I went on vacation, I booked it online sight unseen, and it turned out to be a run down motel. This hotel was completely different. The dcor was tasteful and updated, the staff was friendly, and the rooms were well-maintained. Well, that is, until my second day there. When I left my room in the morning, I had removed the Do Not Disturb sign from my door so that housekeeping would know I needed my room made up. When I got back in the afternoon, though, it hadnt been done properly. The maid had made the bed, cleaned the bathroom, and re-stocked the mini-bar, but she hadnt vacuumed the carpet and didnt leave any soap or clean towels. I called down to the front desk to make a complaint.Front desk. How may I help you?Hello. Im in room 1201 and housekeeping didnt leave any soap or clean towels. And, the floor still needs to be vacuumed.Oh, Im so sorry. Let me connect you with housekeeping. I waited on hold.Housekeeping.Yes, this is room 1201. The maid who cleaned my room didnt leave any soap or clean towels, and the floor needs vacuuming.Okay. Ill get someone up there right away to take care of that. About 10 minutes later, the maid knocked on the door. I stepped out of the room and she left the toiletries in the bathroom and vacuumed. That was pretty quick service. Im glad I didnt get the run-around.中文慢速生活英语系列6：饭店客房服务 我很高兴我订的旅店不是那种脏乱差之地。上次度假时我在网上订了一家酒店我也没有亲眼考查，结果是一家很破旧的汽车旅馆。这回的酒店完全不同。装修很好且很现代，员工很友好，房间设施保持得很好。这种好感一直保持到了第二天。当我早上离开房间时，我将“免打扰”的片子从门上移走了，这样服务人员就知道我的房间需要打扫了。但当我下午回来的时候，房间打扫得并不好。服务员倒是整理了床与卫生间，还有迷你吧，但是他们没有吸地毯，也没有给我留下香皂与干净的毛巾。我于是电话到前台投诉。女：这里是前台，请问有什么可以帮助的男：你好，我是1201房间，服务员没有给我留下香皂与干净的毛巾。还有地板也需要吸一下女：噢，真抱歉，我这就给您转到客房部。我在线上等着女：这里是客房部男：你了，这是1201房间。给我打扫房间的服务员没有给我留下香皂与干净的毛巾，地板也需要吸一下。女：好的。我会马上叫人去处理十分钟后，有服务员来敲门。我出去转了一会，服务人员给我留下了卫生间的相关物品并吸了地板。服务得很迅速。我很高兴他们没有在这上面搪塞扯皮。英文慢速生活英语系列7：a good listenerWoman:Hi, long time no see. How have you been?Man:Oh, Ive been fine, but Im having some trouble with my son.Woman: Tell me all about it. Man: Oh, hes 14 and in the past few months, hes become quieter and a bit secretive. He locks himself in his room and I think hes running around with the wrong crowd.Woman: Oh, I see. What makes you think that?Man: Well, hes become friends with a couple of older boys who are in a band. And one night last weekend, he came home really late, way past his curfew. Woman: Really? What happened?Man: He told me that his friends car broke down and they had to walk home.Woman: I see what you mean. I understand why youre concerned. Have you tried talking to your son about it?Man: I havent yet. I just keep hoping its just a phase hes going through. Woman: You may be right, but it doesnt hurt to find out more about whats going on in his life. Man: Youre right. I should talk to him. Sometimes, its not easy being a parent. Thanks. It helps to get it off my chest. Youre always so easy to talk to.Woman: I dont know about that, but my door is always open. Stop by anytime.中文慢速生活英语系列7：一个好的倾听者女：HI，好外没见了，你最近还好吧男：噢，我挺好的，只是我的儿子有点麻烦女：怎么了，给我讲讲男：噢，他今年14，过去的几个月里他变得沉默且有点神秘。他把自己锁在屋里，我觉得他结交了不好的朋友。女：是吗，你为什么这样想呢男：他与一伙比他大的男孩成了朋友。上周末有一天，他回家很晚，早过了他该回来的时间。女：是吗，这是怎么回事男：他告诉我他的朋友的车坏了，他们不得不走路回家。女：明白了。我理解你的担心，你是否尝试与你的儿子谈谈这件事男：我还没有。我只是希望这是一个他会走好的成长历程。女：也许你是对的，但这不妨碍你多去了解一些他生活中的事情男：说得对，我得跟他谈谈。有时做父母的真不容易呀。多谢，你帮我解开了心头之事。你真是一个好的倾诉对象女：这没什么，我的门是敞开的，有什么事情随时来找我吧。英文慢速生活英语系列：room serviceI was staying at a nice resort hotel in Arizona on a short vacation. I had been out on the golf course playing a round of golf. When I got back into the room, I was feeling pretty hungry. I was meeting some friends for a late dinner around 8:30. I wanted a snack. I took a look at the room service menu and called their number.Woman: Room service. What would you like to order?Jeff: Hi, Im in room 1201 and Id like an order of the calamari and a slice of cheesecake.Woman: Do you want the calamari appetizer or the entre?Jeff: Id like the appetizer.Woman: Anything to drink?Jeff: A diet Coke. About how long will that take?Woman: Itll be about 30 minutes.Jeff: Okay. Thanks.There was a knock on my door about a half hour later.Jeff: Who is it?Woman: Room serviceHi, where would you like me to put the tray?Jeff: On the desk would be fine.Woman: The total is $16.75.Jeff: Oh, thats higher than Id expected. Woman: Theres a 12% service charge for room service and theres also the usual food tax.Jeff: Oh, I see. Can I charge it to the room?Woman: Sure. Just fill in the total here, write in your room number, and sign at the bottom.Jeff: Okay, there you go. Thanks.Woman: Thank you and have a nice day.The calamari and the cheesecake really hit the spot.中文慢速生活英语系列8：酒店外卖我在亚利桑那一个很好的休闲酒店度假。我刚刚在外面打了一轮高尔夫球。当我回到房间，我感觉到有些饿了。我晚上八点半约了些朋友吃正餐。我想先来点小点心，我查了一下客房服务的菜单并拨通了电话。女：客房服务，请问您想来点什么男：嘿，我是1201房间的客人，我想订份乌贼和一片奶油蛋糕。女：您是想要份乌贼开胃菜还是乌贼正餐呢？男：开胃菜就行了。女：那您喝点什么男：来个健怡可乐吧。多久能准备好呢妇：大约30分钟。男：那好，谢谢大约半小时后响起了敲门声。女：客房服务。您好，您看我将盘子放哪合适？男：放在桌子上就行女：总计是16美元75美分男：噢，比我想象的贵呀女：客房服务需要收12%的服务费用，而且还有通常的食品税。男：好，明白了。我能算在房费中吗女：当然。你只需填写一个单子，写上您的房间号，在下面签名就可以了男：好，给你，谢谢女：谢谢，祝您一天好心情那乌贼与奶油蛋糕还真不错，我吃得很饱。英文慢速生活英语系列9：thanksgivingThanksgiving reminds us to be grateful, but for a lot of people, the holiday also means a weekend of eating a lot and watching football. And, my family is no exception. My family likes to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner each year. We invite people from our extended family. We also invite close friends, especially those who dont have family in town. When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, our motto is: The more the merrier. Our dinner, of course, starts with a big turkey, baked in the oven. I always carve it before its served. Then, we have the fixings. We always have mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, cranberries, and corn on the cob. Some years, we go wild and have other vegetables and sides. And, for dessert, we have pumpkin pie. My wife is not a big fan of pumpkin pie so for her, we also have ice cream.After we have a really big meal, we usually watch football on TV. Things usually get pretty rowdy since there are always fans on both sides rooting for their own team to win. Last year, my uncle almost got into a fistfight with my nephew. Luckily, no oneand no furniturewas harmed. That was a relief!中文初级生活英语系列9：感恩节感恩节总是让我们想起感恩，而对很多人而言，这个假日意味着一个伴随着美食与看球的周末。我们家也不例外。每年我们家都会有一个传统的感恩节晚宴。我们会邀请大家族的亲戚参加。我们还会邀请一些密友参加，尤其是那些在城里没有家的朋友。对于感恩节晚宴，我们的宗旨就是：人越多越开心。我们的晚宴当然是从炉子中烤出的大火鸡开始。我常常在火鸡端上来前就切好了。接着我们可以享用很多配菜。我们常常会吃土豆泥、火鸡填充料、山药、桔子还有玉米棒。有几年，我们玩得很疯，还吃了很多蔬菜与美食。在甜点方面，我们有南瓜派。我太太不太喜欢南瓜派，所以我们为她准备了冰淇淋。在我们饱餐一顿之后，我们通常看电视中的足球比赛。由于比赛双方的球迷都希望自己的球队赢，所以房间中常常吵得一塌糊涂。去年，我叔叔与我侄子差点为此拳脚相加。还好，人没有受伤，家具也没有事。真是不幸中的万幸呀。英文慢速生活英语系列10：diversity at workJeff: What were you and Richard talking about earlier? It looked intense.Lucy: Yeah, Richard said something to me that I didnt appreciate.Jeff: Oh, no. I know how insensitive he can be. What has he done now?Lucy: He asked me how long it took me to learn English.Jeff: But, you were born and raised in California! Lucy: Yeah, but I get that sometimes. It doesnt matter how many generations my family has lived in the U.S., well always be foreigners in their eyes. Jeff: What a racist! How can you stand working with the guy?Lucy: You know, Richard isnt such a bad guy. He made the comment out of ignorance, not malice. Jeff: So, what did you say when he asked you how long it took you to learn English?Lucy: I told him 28 years. And, he knows Im 28 years old since I just celebrated my birthday last week. He was puzzled for a minute, and then he got it. Je