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