2012年12月28日 星期五

Banking Needs 到銀行辦事去



He's a real charmer. 他是萬人迷

He made a spectacle of himself. 他出洋相

You're on your own. 自己看著辦吧

He likes to make things up. 他喜歡無中生有

He always at work - related events. 他常應酬

Put yourself in my shoes. 將心比心吧

啪,耶誕節到了!

He finds fault in everything. 他很吹毛求疵

膽小鬼


2012年12月27日 星期四

住外面?住家裡?各有利弊。

說法比一比:★★★學校:I live outside.(我住外面。)
老外:I have my own place.(我有自己的住處。)

實境對話
A: Do you live at home?(你住家裡嗎?)
B: No, I have my own place.(不是,我有自己的住處。)

老外還會這麼說
ex:I don't live with my parents.(我不跟爸媽住。)
ex:I'm sharing a place with some friends.(我跟一些朋友一起住。)
ex:I have a studio near my office.(我在辦公室附近有個套房。)

關鍵字
.share 共用、studio 套房

老天,I figured it was something like that

技術挑戰指數:★★★一顆老鼠屎,壞了一鍋粥這窘境,發生在蘇菲的身上,在一個團隊中最怕碰到的就是打混摸魚的人,因為肯恩一個人的懶散,使得南希他們的工作進度被迫提前完成,到底,要怎麼改變現狀而在期限內完成呢?讓我們繼續看下去.......

來聽老美怎麼說?
Nancy:The boss thinks we're all screwing around down here. He moved the deadline up to punish
    us.
   (南希:老闆認為我們都在下面鬼混,他把期限挪前好懲罰我們。)
Sophie:I figured it was something like that.
   (蘇菲:我就知道是這一類的事。)
Nancy:It's all Ken's fault.
   (南希:這全都是肯恩的錯。)
Sophie:There's nothing we can do. We've just got to find a way to get it done.
   (蘇菲:我們無能為力。我們就是得找個方法把它完成。)

俚語小解析
I figured it was something like that.  我就知道是這一類的事。
蘇菲原本就認為老闆之所以將最後期限往前推是因為他對於團隊的表現及行為非常不滿。當她說"I figured it was something like that.",就表示她的推論被證實了。注意,這個句子也可以簡化成:"I figured."『我就知道。』

2012年12月26日 星期三

When You Agree or Disagree

Conversation 1(after school)
Mary: Wow! Did you see Sarah’s new haircut? I’ve never seen her with short hair
before. It looks great!
Jane: I couldn’t agree more! She looks so sophisticated
. Seeing her
makes me want to get my hair cut, too.
Mary: Me, too! Let’s experiment with a comb and mirror to see which length looks best.
Then, we can make appointments for cuts at the beauty parlor on Saturday.
會話一
(放學後)
瑪麗:哇!你看到莎拉的新髮型了嗎?我以前從來沒看過她留短頭髮,實在很好看!
珍 :我非常贊成!她看起來好成熟。看著她讓我也想去剪短頭髮呢!
瑪麗:我也是!我們來用梳子和鏡子試試,看哪個長度最適合,然後我們就和美容院約
個星期六去剪頭髮。
At times a person may not be ready to agree, yet hesitates to disagree strongly. In this situation, using an indirect approach is more effective. It usually results in the positive exchange of information and avoids conflict. It is also more polite than a direct approach. Sometimes more formal expressions are called for, such as in disagreements with a supervisor. Close friends can more easily use informal words without damaging their relationship.
有的時候,別人可能不很贊同,卻又猶豫不願意強烈地反對。在這種情況之下,採用間接
的方式會比較有效。如此通常會帶來一種正面的意見交換,而又避免衝突。它也比直接的
方式更有禮貌。有的時候正式的表達是需要的,例如,和你的上司持相反意見時。好朋友
間則較容易用不拘小節的字眼,而不傷害彼此的關係。
Here are some useful phrases to use when you don’t agree.
(Formal) I’m not sure I agree. Are you absolutely sure? I may be wrong, but . . .(Informal) Oh, I don’t know . . .Yes, but . . .Really?
這裡有一些很實用的句子來表達反對。
(正式用語) 我不確定我贊成。你真的那麼確定嗎?我可能不對,但是...
(非正式用語) 嗯,我不知道耶...對啊,但是...真的嗎?
Conversation 2
Hank:
I’m really looking forward to the movie on Saturday. It will be great to see
Mel Gibson again. He was so cool in Sleepless in Seattle!
Sharon: Are you sure Mel Gibson was in that one? I thought it was Tom Hanks.
Joan: Me, too. I may be wrong, but wasn’t Mel Gibson the lead in Braveheart?
Hank: Well, maybe you’re right. I have the Sleepless in Seattle video at home. I’ll check.
會話二
漢克:我真的很期待星期六要去看的那部電影。再看到梅爾.吉柏遜一定很棒!
他在「西雅圖夜未眠」裡好酷喔!
雪倫:你確定梅爾.吉柏遜有演那部電影嗎?我以為是湯姆.漢克斯。
瓊 :我也這麼想。我可能錯了,不過梅爾.吉柏遜不是那個主演「英雄本色」的嗎?
漢克:嗯,可能你們說的對。我家裡有「西雅圖夜未眠」的錄影帶,我會再確定一下。
Sometimes you may have strong feelings against an idea or opinion. Although it is difficult,
you can disagree directly if you handle it in the proper way. Try phrases from the following
list to help. It’s usually best to include a reason for opposing what the other
person has said.
(Formal) I’m sorry, but I have to disagree. I strongly disagree. I refuse to believe that . . .
(Informal) No, that’s wrong. You’re dead wrong. Nope!
有時你可能很強烈地反對一個主張或意見。雖然直接提出反對意見很困難,但
是如果處理得當,仍然可行。試試看下面的句子。通常,不贊成時最好能提出不贊
成對方所說的理由。
(正式用語) 我很抱歉,但我必須反對。我非常不贊成。我不願意相信...
(非正式用語) 不,那是錯的。你大錯特錯了。不對!
Conversation 3
Tom:
Hey! Look! Someone dropped their wallet. It has some money. We can share it
and get a snack at McDonald’s!
George: No way! That would be like stealing. Let’s look to see if the owner’s name
and address are inside. We should return it.
Tom: Are you crazy? We found it. We should keep it.
George: I disagree. Maybe the owner will be so glad to have it back he will give us a
reward. Then we will know we’ve done the right thing, and we’ll have money for a snack.
Tom: Well, OK. Maybe your plan is better.
會話三
湯姆: 嘿!你看!有人掉了皮夾,裡面還有一些錢。我們可以把它分了,去麥當勞買點心吃。
喬治: 不可以!那就像偷竊啦!我們來看看失主的名字和地址有沒有在裡面。
我們應該歸還它。
湯姆: 你瘋了嗎?是我們發現它的,我們應該可以留下它。
喬治: 我不同意。也許這位失主會因為找回皮夾很高興,而給我們獎賞。那我們就
知道這件事作對了,而且我們也會有錢吃點心。
湯姆:唉,好吧,或許你的計畫比較好。
ActivitiesWith a friend, practice agreeing and disagreeing in the following situations:
1. You and a friend have just come from the art museum. Both of you agree that the paintings by a new artist are the best you’ve ever seen.
2. You and a friend are going across town to a movie. You want to go by bus, but your friend insists that a taxi is best.
3. You are planning a vacation with your husband (or wife). You want to go to the beach, but your spouse wants to go to the mountains.
練習:
和朋友練習在下列情況下,表達相同或不同的意見:
1. 你和一位朋友剛從美術館裡出來。你們都認為一位新出道畫家的畫,是你們看過最好的作品。
2. 你和一位朋友要到城的另一頭看電影。你想搭公車,可是你的朋友堅持搭計程車。
3. 你正計畫和先生(或太太)共度假期。你想要去海邊,可是你的配偶想去山上。


⊙Word Banksophisticated (adj) 成熟的;老練的
beauty parlor (n phr) 美容院
hesitate (v) 猶豫;躊躇
approach (n) 方法;步驟
conflict (n) 爭執;意見抵觸
absolutely (adv) 完全地;肯定地
oppose (v) 反對
insist (v) 堅持
spouse (n) 配偶


@The Day's Phrase
Our dance teacher laid it on thick before the recital, because she wanted us to do our best.
我們的舞蹈老師在表演會前對我們要求嚴苛,因為她希望我們竭盡所能來表現。
Could you lend me an ear, dad? I have a problem.爸爸,你可以注意聽我一下嗎?我有個難題。

Amy knows her poem by heart. She recited it without even glancing at her notes.
艾美把她的詩背下來了。她甚至連小抄都沒看就把它朗誦出來。
I'll butter up our landlord and he won't mind if our rent is a few days late.
我來向房東奉承一番,那麼他就不會介意我們的房租是否遲交了幾天。
Lauren cheered up Casandra by giving her a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
羅倫送給卡珊德拉一束美麗的花,讓她高興。
Skiing is right up Curt's alley, so he moved to Colorado to be a ski instructor.
滑雪正好是柯特的專長,所以他搬到科羅拉多州當滑雪教練去了。

2012年12月22日 星期六

你的姊妹是old or younger?

說法比一比:★★★★學校:Do you have any siblings?(你有什麼兄弟姊妹嗎?)
老外:Do you have any brothers or sisters?(你有什麼兄弟或姊妹嗎?)

實境對話
A: Do you have any brothers or sisters?(你有什麼兄弟或姊妹嗎?)
B: No, I'm an only child.(沒有,我是獨子。)

老外還會這麼說
ex:Is your sister older or younger?(你的是姊姊還是妹妹?)
ex:What does your brother do?(令兄在哪高就?)

關鍵字
.only child 獨子

聰明辦理credit!

技術挑戰指數:★★★★在不景氣的情況下,大家都想要小額創業就好,開一間小店賣衣服、手搖飲料、創意小點心等等,但是在一開始就必須先投注一筆資金,那資金來源呢?本金(本來就有的現金)?借貸?信貸?一堆貸都出來了.....辦得好,恭喜成功,辦不好,一屁股債....如何拿捏?  

來聽老美怎麼說?
ex:I'm afraid we cannot give credit for this purchase—it's against our company policy.
 (恐怕我們沒辦法在這筆採購上給你信貸—那違反我們公司的政策。)
ex:If you place a large order, we can extend 6 months interest-free credit to you.
 (假如你下大筆的訂單,我們就能提供你六個月的無息信貸。)
ex:Because our company has a bad credit rating with the bank, it's difficult to get
  credit from them.
 (由於我們公司對銀行的信用評等不佳,所以很難向他們取得信貸。)
ex:This is an acceptable level of credit risk to us.
 (這樣的信貸風險是我們可以接受的程度。)

單字小補充
credit 信用貸款(可數名詞)
.可搭配動詞:give、extend、get
.可搭配形容詞:interest-free、unsecured

啪? 靜電不要來!





2012年12月13日 星期四

你有兄弟姊妹嗎?

說法比一比:★★★學校:How many members are there in your family?  (你家有幾個成員?)
老外:How many people are there in your family?  (你家有多少人?)

實境對話
A:How many people are there in your family? (你家有多少人?)
B:Including my parents there are eight of us. (連我爸媽共八個人。)

老外還會這麼說
ex:Do you have a big family? (你家人很多嗎?)
ex:Do you come from a big family? (你是來自大家庭嗎?)

關鍵字
.how many 多少、a big family 大家庭

左邊?右邊?選錯邊,cost you。

技術挑戰指數:★★★不管是情人或朋友,發生爭執的時候總是希望身旁的朋友可以站在自己這邊,肯恩和蘇菲吵架了,蘇菲的好姊妹南希直接選擇蘇菲,而身為朋友的葛瑞也是非常同情蘇菲,但....肯恩卻要葛瑞不要這麼做.....為什麼?

來聽老美怎麼說?
Ken:We've never had any problems before,Gary.
  (肯恩:葛瑞,我們以前從來沒有過任何問題。)
Gary:And now?
  (葛瑞:而現在呢?)
Ken:Your sympathy for Sophie might cost you. If you side with her and Nancy....
  (肯恩:你對蘇菲的同情可能會讓你付出代價,如果你要與她和南希站在同一陣線......)
Gary:Lighten up, Ken. You're not Julius Caesar.
  (葛瑞:輕鬆一點,肯恩。你又不是凱撒大帝。)

俚語小解析
sth.cost you  某事物讓你付出代價。
當肯恩說葛瑞對蘇菲的同情將會讓他因此而付出代價時,他的意思是說,如果葛瑞繼續維持對蘇菲的忠誠,將會承受某些不愉快的後果。你可以在提出一個事實後,加上這句話,用來嘲笑或奚落某人。

When You’re a Guest

Nothing is more pleasant for a host than a well-mannered guest. But when you’re the guest, what do you say? How do you act? It’s really not too difficult to be a good guest if you follow a few simple rules. Sometimes children invite a friend over to play after school. Little guests should be well-behaved and respectful to their hosts. It’s OK to ask, “May I have a drink of water?” or “May I use the bathroom?” However, it’s best not to talk about personal matters, such as Mom’s age or Dad’s salary.
對一個主人而言,最愉快的事莫過於招待一個懂得禮數的客人了。但是當你身為客人
的時候,該怎麼應對進退呢?如果你能遵循幾個簡單的原則,要成為一個好客人實在不難。
有時候小孩子會在放學後,邀請朋友到家裡來玩,小客人們應該彬彬有禮,並且尊重主人。
可以問:「可以給我一杯水嗎?」或是:「我可以用你的洗手間嗎?但是最好不要問到私人
的問題,像是媽媽的年齡或是爸爸的薪水等。
Conversation 1
Jeff: Hi, Mom! This is Steve.
Steve: Hi, Mrs. Smith! Mom says I can stay ’til 5:00.
Mrs. Smith: Hello, boys! Wipe your feet on the doormat
and come in. Jeff,
don’t let the door slam!
Jeff: Mom, can we play with my train set?
Mrs. Smith: Sure, just set it up in the family room.
Steve: Hey, Jeff, how do you put the tracks together?
Mrs. Smith: Would you like something to drink? Maybe some juice?
Steve: That sounds great!
會話一
傑 夫:嗨,媽!這位是史提夫。
史提夫:嗨,史密斯太太!媽媽說我可以留到五點。
史密斯太太: 哈囉,孩子們!在門墊上擦擦你的鞋,再進來。傑夫,不要大聲關門!
傑   夫: 媽,我們可不可以玩那套玩具火車組?
史密斯太太: 當然可以。就在起居室裡組合好了。
史 提 夫: 嘿,傑夫,要怎麼把這些軌道接起來?
史密司太太: 你們要不要喝點東西?果汁好不好?
史 提 夫: 喔!那太棒了。
If you’re ever invited to a formal reception, be sure to dress appropriately. Wear a coat and tie or a formal dress—not jeans and a T-shirt. The host may provide a buffet of fruits, sandwiches, cheeses and desserts. If so, help yourself to a sampling of what’s available.
But don’t touch food you don’t take. And by all means, don’t dip your vegetable or fruit in the
sauce again after you’ve taken a bite! As you nibble on the delicious treats,
you can mingle with the other guests.
如果你受邀參加一個正式的聚會,一定要注意穿著得體,應穿件外套、打領帶或是正式
的洋裝,不可以穿牛仔褲和T恤。主人可能會供應水果、三明治、各式起司、或是甜點等
之類自助餐點。若是如此,你可以自行品嚐擺出的食物,但是不吃的東西就不要去碰;
而且無論如何,凡是咬過的蔬菜或水果,不要再沾進沙拉醬裡去!當你小小口地吃著
餐點時,可以和其他客人交談一番。
Conversation 2Susan: What a lovely reception! Congratulations, Mr. And Mrs. Johns!
Tom: Yes, 25 years of marriage is an achievement to be proud of!
Mr. Johns: Thank you, Tom and Susan. We’re glad you are here to celebrate with us. The years have gone by so quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be standing here in our place.
Tom: We certainly hope so!
蘇  珊: 好可愛的茶會啊!恭禧你們,瓊斯先生、瓊斯太太。
湯  姆: 是啊,結婚二十五年可真是一項值得驕傲的成就啊。
瓊斯先生: 謝謝你們,湯姆、蘇珊。很高興你們來和我們一起慶祝。時間過得可真快,不知不覺中,你們也會和我們一樣要慶祝二十五週年呢。
湯  姆: 我們當然也希望像你們一樣!
Mr. Johns: Why don’t you help yourself to some goodies?
Susan: Thank you, Mrs. Johns. Everything looks so lovely. Are the flowers from your garden?
Mr. Johns: Yes, my niece arranged them. Well, I need to check on things in the kitchen. You folks just enjoy yourselves.
瓊斯太太: 何不去拿點好東西來吃?
蘇  珊: 謝謝,瓊斯太太。每一樣東西看起來都好精緻,這些花是從你花園裡摘來的嗎?
瓊斯太太: 是啊,我姪女幫我插的。我去廚房看看,你們好好享用吧。
Sometimes guests have the privilege of staying in a friend’s home. During their stay, house guests should be considerate
of their hosts. They should try to fit into the family’s established schedule. And if they have any questions about living arrangements, they should feel free to ask.
有時候客人有幸留宿在朋友的家裡。在留宿期間,客人得多為主人著想。應試著配合
這個家庭既定的作息時間,如果對於起居的安排有什麼疑問的話,應該盡情地發問。
Conversation 3
Lucy: Hello, Angela! I made it!
Angela: It’s so good to see you! Come in! Let me help you with your suitcase. Did you have a good trip?
Lucy: Yes, it was fun riding on the train. Oh, here’s a little gift. It’s some homemade jam from Mom.
會話三
露 西: 哈囉,安琪拉!我終於到了!
安琪拉: 真高興能見到你!進來嘛!我來幫你拿行李箱。一路上還好嗎?
露 西: 好啊,坐火車蠻好玩的。喔,這小禮物送給你,是我媽媽自製的果醬。
Angela: Mmmm! I love your mom’s jam. We’ll have some for breakfast. Let me show you to your room.
(later, in the guest room)
Angela: Now, make yourself right at home. You can hang your coat here in the closet. The bathroom
is down the hall on the right. Here are your towels.
Lucy: This is all so nice. You’ve thought of everything! When should I take my bath?
Angela: Anytime after dinner. Let me show you how we tuck the shower curtain
inside the tub in case you prefer a shower.
What’s the bottom line for guests? Be a blessing, not a burden, to your hosts.
安琪拉: 嗯!我最愛你媽媽的果醬了,我們早餐的時候可以吃。我帶你去看你的房間。
(稍後,在客房裡)
安琪拉: 就把這兒當作你的家,你可以把東西吊在這個衣櫥裡。浴室就在這條走廊下去的右手邊。這是給你用的毛巾。
露 西: 好棒喔,你什麼都想到了!我什麼時候可以洗澡?
安琪拉: 晚餐後隨時都可以。我教你怎麼把浴簾子塞進浴缸內側,如果你想要淋浴的話就會弄了。
那麼,作客最重要的原則是什麼呢?成為主人的祝福,而不是重擔。


@Word Bank
well-mannered (adj) 懂禮節、很得體的
doormat (n) 門前擦去鞋底污泥的墊子
slam (v) 砰然關閉
track (n) 軌道
sampling (n) 稍作品嚐
nibble (v) 小口地輕咬(食物)
mingle (v) 來往;交談
goodies (n pl) 可口的點心
considerate (adj) 體諒的;顧慮週到的
jam (n) 果醬
tuck (v) 塞置
bottom line (n phr) 最重要的原則


@The Day's Phrase
This superhero keeps coming back for more
好萊塢最新超級英雄:克里斯‧漢斯沃
這位超級英雄要來拯救更多人
I'm kind of busy right now. Can I call you back in 5 minutes?
我現在有點忙, 五分鐘後再回電給你好嗎?
Is everything you hear about food true? Find out!
你聽到有關食物的一切說法是否屬實呢?不妨親自探究一下吧!
This month’s expert, Kristopher Schmidt, explains the Human Genome Project
本月邀請克里斯多佛‧施密特來解說「人類基因組計畫」
I can't wait to see how my photos turned out.
我等不及想看我的照片出來是什麼樣.
Would you like to take a seat? Mr. Yen will be right with you.你坐一下好嗎? 嚴先生馬上來了.
There's nothing more to do inside. You can come and help me in the garden.裡面沒事好做, 你可以到花園來幫我.
"Do you like going out on weeknights?" "I usually don't."
"你喜歡週間的晚上出門嗎?" "我通常不喜歡."
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
人有見識, 就不輕易發怒; 寬恕人的過失, 便是自己的榮耀