L4 Unit 2-1 Listening 物种、环境

The earth was formed about 4.6 million years ago. The first life appeared about a billion years later. The first plants didn’t appear until around 2 billion years ago. Until around 580 million years ago, life forms were small and microscopic(微观). Since that time, live has evolved into many different types, or species. However, scientists estimate that more than 99% of them are now extinct.

There have been several extinction events in the history of the Earth. In the extinction event many life forms, or species of life, die out. The causes of the mass extinction events are unsolved mysteries. These events are not predictable and can happen at any time. Scientists think that some of them were started by asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions. Events like these can change the global conditions that life depends on.

One major extinction event happened about 66 million years ago. That event may have been started by a large asteroid that hit the Earth. As a result, the dinosaurs and about half of all species on the planet died out. When the asteroid hit the earth, it started a chain of events. A chain of events is a series of events linked together, like a chain.

This particular chain of events happened over a period of months and years. When the asteroid hit the earth, it caused a huge cloud of dust to enter the atmosphere. This cloud of dust blocked the sun and darkened the Earth for many months. Without enough sunlight, plants and plant-eating animals quickly died. With the deaths of so many plants and animals, the food chain collapsed. This led to the deaths of many more species.

Mass extinction events have played an important part in the evolution of life. In fact, some extinction events have helped to accelerate evolution. For example, some mammals lived through the age of dinosaurs, but they couldn’t compete. When the dinosaurs were removed, the mammals were able to compete more successfully. Once they could compete, mammals evolved to a higher state. Without the extinction events, perhaps we wouldn’t be here today.

Scientists estimate that there have been at least 5 mass extinctions in the last 540 million years. They also believe that we have entered a new extinction event. Species are becoming extinct at a much faster rate than before. Instead of asteroids or volcanic eruptions, the current event is the result of human activities. Human activities, for example, have led to global warming.

Global warming is the result of an increase in carbon gases in our atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, so the Earth is getting warmer. As a result, sea levels are rising and weather patterns are changing. In addition, we humans are destroying the habitats of many plants and animals. Cutting down forests and polluting rivers destroys the habitats of many forms of life.

There is no longer any doubt that this is happening. Specials of live are disappearing at an increasing rate. Global temperatures are rising and weather patterns are changing. Scientists are warning us that fast action is necessary to save our future. If we don’t act, we may go the way of the dinosaurs. 

L4 Unit 2-1 vocabulary 身体系统、产业、技术

The body circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels. The heart pumps the bloods to all parts of body through a network of arteries（动脉） and vein.

The digestive system breaks down and absorbs food into the body. It supplies the energy that the body needs for growth and repair. After digestion, excess food is turned into waste and eliminated from the body.

The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves. This is your bodies control system. It controls your muscles and organs included your circulatory and digestive system.

The nervous system regulates your heartbeat and digestion.

The respiratory system includes the nose and lungs. It brings air and oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide. The lungs are where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed.

The immune system protects the body against infections and diseases. Sneezing and fever are examples of how the immune system works. If an infection invades the body and the immune system attacks it.

The control use of fire allowed people to cook food and survive in the colder climates. Fire provided the light so that people could work and socialize for longer hours.

With the invention of agriculture, people can grow food and settle into communities. By growing food, people could spend less time hunting and more time for other things, such as art.

With the development of agriculture, people had more time for other activities.

The domestication of animals allows people to raise and use animals for food and work. By raise herds of animals, such as sheep, people have regular supply of meat and clothing. The strength of animals such as horses and oxen was used for work and transportation.

The development of tools and machines has resulted in a more fashion manufacturing and construction. With better tools and machines, works can be done with fewer people and much lower cost.

The development of science and engineering has improved many things including communications. With understanding of electricity, telephone and radios allow people to communicate over long distances.

The use of machines has reduced the number of people needed to make things.

L4 Unit 2-1 dialogue 谈论手机和老板

M：I took a vacation last night.

F： What are you talking about? Where did you take your vacation?

M：I didn’t go anywhere. I just left with my smartphone.

F： How was it.

M： It was great. I got a real magazine and read it with no interpretation. It was very peaceful.

F： Yes, I haven’t done that for a long time.

M：You know what, I begin to hate smartphone.

F： Really, but you can’t live without one, right.

M：Yes, that’s the problem. This change the way people live.

F： Yes, I just so on documentary about that. A husband was complaining his wife that she was spending too much time on her smartphone.

M：What happened, did they get divorced.

F： You guess it. In the end, they got divorced.

M：It is a bit ironic, don’t you think. Smartphones were supposed to bring people together, but they are pulling people apart.

F： Yes, you are right.

M：Hey, just a minute, I’ve a message on my smartphone and it can’t wait.

B： Hey, wake up and get back to work. What’s wrong with you.

M：I’m on my break sir, and I had a bad headache.

B： Well, you’re not paying you to sleep. If you’re going to sleep, sleep some places else.

M：Yes, sir, it won’t happen again.

B： You had better not.

M：Just a minute. Don’t tell me like that.

B： What did you say.

M：You hurt me,  you don’t have to treat people like that.

B： Well, if you don’t like it, I suggest you leave.

M：Ok, I will. I’ve had enough of you. I will get a job somewhere else.

L4 Unit 2-1 2/4 Listening

This man is holding a piece of fruit in his hand. The piece of fruit is either an orange or an apple. We can’t see which it is because we can’t see inside the box. The probability that it is an orange is equal to the probability that it is an apple. It may be an apple and it may be an orange. It’s got to be one or the other. It can’t be anything else.

Now let’s look at it from the man’s point of view. From his point of view the probabilities are different. From his point of view the probability that he has an orange is 100% or 0%. That’s because he knows what he has. For him there is no uncertainty. If has an orange the probability is 100%. If he doesn’t have an orange the probability is 0%.  He either has it or he doesn’t.

From our point of view the probability that he has an orange is 50%. From his point of view the probability that he has an orange is 100% or 0%. So the probability depends on your point of view.

People see things from different points of view. This often leads to arguments between people. Here are some examples. From this man’s point of view, he is relaxing. He needs to relax because he has been working too hard. He hasn’t been getting enough sleep.

His wife sees things differently. She isn’t aware of how hard he has been working. From her point of view he is doing nothing. However she knows what needs to be done around the house. It isn’t fair that she has to work while he does nothing.

When people see things from different points of view they often come to different conclusions. These differences can cause real communication problems.

L4 Unit 2-2 Listening 概率、角度

This man is holding a piece of food in this hand. The piece of food is either an orange or an apple. What can’t see which it’s because we can see inside the box. The probability that it is an orange is equal to the probability that it is an apple. It may be an apple, and it may be an orange. It’s going to be one or the other. It can’t be anything else.

Now let’s look at it from the man’s point of view. From his point of view, the probability is different. From his point of view, the possibility that he has an orange is 100% or 0%. That’s because he knows what he has. For him, that is not uncertainty. If he has an orange, the probability is 100%. If he doesn’t have an orange, the probability is 0%. He either has it or he doesn’t.

From our point of view, the probability that he has an orange is 50%. From his point of view, the probability that he has an orange is 100% or 0%. So the probability depends on the point of view.

People see things from different points of view. This often leads to arguments between the people. Here are some examples. From his man’s point of view, he is relaxing. He needs to relax because he has been working too hard. He hasn’t been getting sleep. His wife see things differently. She isn’t aware of how hard he has been working. From her point of view, he is doing nothing. However, she knows what needs to be done around the house. It isn’t fair that she has to work while he does nothing. When people see things from different points of view, they often come to different conclusion. This differences can cause real communication problems.

L4 Unit 2-2 vocabulary 自然灾害、宗教

Earthquakes are caused by forces deep within the earth. When the earth shakes, buildings can collapse and people can be buried inside.

An explosion is a rapid, violent release of energy. Explosions can be caused by chemical reaction, such as inside the engine. A spark can ignite a mixture of gases and release energy for good and destructive purposes.

Accidents are often caused by people doing foolish things or by not being careful. One major cause of accident is driving too fast. Accidents with fire can be very serious, and can result in very painful injuries.

Epidemics are the rapid spread of a disease, such as the flu and Ebola. Throughout history epidemics have killed millions of people.

Storms are caused by changes in atmosphere, and result in high winds and heavy rains. Thunderstorms are caused by electric charges in the atmosphere, that produce lightening, which can cause forest fire. Some storms cause flooding, and major damage to homes and cities.

Followers of the lslam religions are called Muslims. These Muslims are prayer inside the Moses. Muslims are called to prayer 5 times a day, beginning just before sunrise.

Christianity is based on the teaching of Jesus crisis, who lived more than 2000 years ago. Christian believe that Jesus is the son of god. Christians are often gathering in churches or cathedrals to worship.

Followers of Judaism are called Jews. These Jews are meeting inside the synagogue, which is a place of worship and study. Judaism was founded over 35 hundreds years ago, in the middle east. Judaism is based on the teaching of Moses, whom they believe it’s the most important prophet.

Buddhism began in India and is based on the teachings of Buddha. The religion is about 25 hundred years old. Some Buddhists practice a form of meditation in which they empty their mind of any thoughts.

Hinduism is the world’s third most popular religion and is the main religion of India. Hinduism has no founder and is a mixture of many briefs. Some Hindus believe in a circle of birth, life, death and rebirth.

L4 Unit 2-2 dialogue 谈论失踪客机

Do you have any more information about the location of the missing aircraft?

Not, we don’t. the only information we had was it disappeared.

What about the last communication with the aircraft.

The last communication was about 15 minutes before it just disappeared.

Was there anything usual in the communication.

Not, there was anything usual. Nothing pointed it any kind of problem.

Anyway we are confident that we will find it.

It’s a large aircraft so that it shouldn’t be difficult to find it.

How much countries are helping with the search.

Right now, we have search team from 3 countries starting to search.

It’s a big area to search, so can you give an estimate about how long it will take.

Yes, it’s a big area so it might take a long time. But we won’t give up. We will search it till we find it.

Have they found the wreckage yet.

What are you talking about.

You know, the airplane that disappeared last year.

Oh, yes, now I know what you are referring to. Yes, they’ve found some piece of it.

What about the black boxes.

No, they still haven’t found the black boxes.

It hard to believe that they still don’t know what happened.

Perhaps they’ll never know, especially if they still don’t find the black boxes.

Whatever happened to it, there is not good reason why a modern airline is allowed to disappear.

I agree with you.

L4 Unit 2-3 Listening 监狱

Alcatraz is a small island in San Francisco bay, 1.5 miles from San Francisco. From Alcatraz you can see the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Alcatraz is also famous and is now a major tourist attraction. Tourists can reach the island by boat from the city.

Alcatraz has often appeared in movies, including "escape from Alcatraz" which was made in 1979. One reason it’s famous is because it used to be a prison, a very special prison. It was designed for prisoners who were causing trouble in other prisons, such as trying to escape. It was a maximum security prison, so escape was almost impossible. The water around it are cold, and only very strong swimmers can swim from the island to San Francisco.

The first group of prisoners arrived in 1934. There were 173 prisoners, including bank robbers and murderers. They came by train from another prison in the state of Kansas. During that trip there was heavy security. The prisoners were under guard and handcuffed. Nobody wanted them to escape.

The prison was designed to hold up to 336 prisoners. However the average population was only about 270. Although there were several notorious inmate, such as Al Copone, most of the inmates were not well-known. Many had tried to escape from other prisons or were considered violent. If a man did not behave at another prison, he could be sent to Alcatraz. At Alcatraz there was just one inmate in each prison cell.

Prison life at Alcatraz was highly structured and boring. It was designed to teach prisoners to follow rules. They had four rights: food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Everything else was a privilege that had to be earned. Privileges included working, visits from family members, and access to the prison library. There were also activities such as painting and music. Once a prisoner showed that he could follow the rules, he could be transferred back to another prison to finish his sentence.

Alcatraz was used as a prison for 29 years. During that time, no prisoner escaped successfully. There were 14 escape attempts, involving in 36 prisoners. Twenty-three were caught alive, and six were shot and killed. 2 men tries to escape twice. 2 drowned and fine were listed as missing and presumed drowned. The most violent escape attempt occurred on May 2, 1946 when 6 prisoners tried to escape. That event is called the "Battle of Alcatraz."

While it was in use, Alcatraz held some of the most notorious criminals in American history, such as Al Capone. Al Capone was a crime boss who built his career in Chicago. The prison was finally closed in 1963. It was closed because it was too expensive to operate.

Inmate n.居民;同居者;（监狱里的）犯人

L4 Unit 2-3 vocabulary 统计图表、法律

A bar graph uses rectangular bars of different lengths to show and compare data. The lengths of the bars are proportional to the values they represent. The bar can be vertical, up and down or horizontal.

A circle graph, often called a pie graph, it shapes like a circle. It is divided into segments that look like pieces of a pie. Percentages are used to compare the segments which are ordered from biggest to smallest.

Line graph are used to show the relationship between two variables, such as time and distance. These valuables are plotted to 2 axis, the X axis and the Y axis. The X-axis often shows time while the Y-axis shows how quantities, such as distance, temperature, pro change with times.

Line graphs are very good at showing how things change over time.

A flowchart is a type of graph that shows how process or project flows from the start to finish. A flowchart consists of start points, inputs, outputs and decision point. 

An organizational chart or org chart show the structure of a company. It shows how people and departments within the company are connected. It defines the roles and responsibilities of people and departments within a company.

Laws are rules that people are supposed to follow. A system of laws governs the people within the countries. Criminals are people who break the law. People who commit a crime are called criminals. Some criminals are very dangerous and need to be put in jail. A jail or prison are place where criminals were locked behind bars, sometimes for many years. Prison is designed to keep criminals away from other people.

A court house is where someone charges with committing a crime goes on a trial. In court, evidence is present to show guilty or innocent of a person on trial.

When someone breaks the laws, they may be arrested by the police. To arrest someone means to take and hold them until they go on trial.

L4 Unit 2-3 dialogue 谈论汇兑

May I help you sir.

I’d like to change some US dollars to Japanese yen please.

Yes, certainly sir, how about would you like to change.

I’d like to change 500 dollars.

May I see your passport please.

I don’t have it with me but I do have my driver’s license, would that be ok.

No, sorry sir. I need to see your passport. It’s the law.

Look, I’m not asking for a loan. I just want to convert into yen. Why do I need my passport.

I understand your frustration sir, but that’s the law. I cannot do something that is illegal.

Ok, do you have any suggestions.

Sure, the easiest things for you to do it is to use the machine in one of the hotels near here. You can borrow someone’s passport and then do the conversion.

So the machine doesn’t check the fingerprints or something like that.

No, sir. But that’s a limit as to how much you can change at one time. You also have to pay a high fee.

Thanks for your help.

You’re welcome sir.

L4 Unit 2-3 Listening 人物

Al Capone was one of the most famous criminals in American history. He came from an immigrant family. His parents came from Italy，and his father was a barber. As a boy, he belonged to a street gang. He quit school after finishing the 6th grade.

He built his career as a crime boss in Chicago. He became boss at 26 when previous leader was nearly killed. His crime organization made a lot of money, more than 100 million dollars a year. Most of the money came from illegal activities, especially the sale of illegal liquor . His organization was also involved in gambling and prostitution.

Capone was a flashy dresser who enjoyed being famous. He protected himself by bribing police and public officials. Though he was involved in the deaths of many, he was never convicted of a serious crime.

When he was finally arrested, it was for minor crime. In 1929, he and his bodyguard were arrested for carrying deadly weapons. For that they were sentenced to a year in prison. Capone was released in 9 months for good behavior.

In 1930, Capone was Public Enemy No.1 in Chicago. A year later he was arrested for failure to pay taxes. The government had finally found a way to catch him. After a trial, he was found guilty and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He spent the first two years of his sentence at a prison in Atlanta, Georgia. 9Then he was sent to Alcatraz, the country’s most famous prison.

At Alcatraz, he was diagnosed with a disease that began to take over his brain. As a result, he spent much of his time at prison hospital. By the time he was released from prison at 1939, he was no longer able to lead his organization. He died of stroke and pneumonia in 1947.

L4 Unit 2-4 vocabulary 财务和性格

Income is money received from works or from investments. For a company to survive, its income needs to be more than its expenses. People who earn good salaries can buy what they need to survive.

A receipt is given to you after you had paid for something. A receipt is a proof that you have paid for something. A receipt shows that something has been paid for. After pay for something, be sure to get a receipt.

An invoice is a request for payment. Invoice lists the princes and products being bought. To invoice someone means to give them a bill for products and services. Once an invoice is paid, it can be used as a receipt.

Taxes are what we paid to the government, for government’s services. Taxes pay for many services, such education, police and health care. An income tax is a tax on our income. In some countries, income taxes can be very high.

Interest is what we pay to lenders when you borrow money. If someone lends you money, you pay interest for use of that money.

Emotional people often show their feelings and have a bad temper. They made decision based on their feelings more than facts. Sometimes, these people make bad decision because of their emotions.

Leaders are people who take responsibility and are trusted by others. Good leaders make good decisions and get things done. In many situation, others look to them for leadership.

Loyal people can be depended on to follow their leader. They will support and protect their leaders and friends. A strong team needs a good leader and loyal followers.

Independent people can do things on their own. They often prefer working by themselves. Sometimes they had difficulty working in a group.

Creative people come up with new ideas and ways of doing things. They often have a good imagination and can see things in different ways. Many artists and musicians are very creative.

L4 Unit 2-3 dialogue 谈论合同和设计方案

Congratulation, Lisa.

Congratulation’s for what.

We just heard the news.

What news? Don’t keep me in suspense.

Quick service have accepted your video proposals.

Oh, really, I just submitted it a week ago.

Maybe so. But they like it so much that they made quick decision.

You want you to get started on it as soon as possible.

That’s great news. But I’m still working on other projects. They need to be finished first.

Can’t you delay some of other projects.

I’m not sure. How important is this project.

They are putting a lot of pressure on this now, especially they * proposal. They really like it. It’s a very creative a representing that company. It had everybody laughing.

Yes, that was the idea.

It was fun to do and our whole team thought it was funny.

Well, great job. I think it’s the best work your team have ever done.

When can you get started on the project.

Are they going to pay extra?

In may proposal, I set the early start date would be one month after signing the contract.

Was that in the proposal?

Yes, it was. Have they signed the contract yet?

Not, they haven’t. but I’m sure they will right away.

They also need to make advance payment. That was in the proposal too.

We can’t stop everything else just because they are exited.

Ok, I will get back to them and let them know.

Yes, please do. I have been through these kind of things before.