Jessica is 35 years old. She graduated from middle school 20 years ago. This year her middle school class had its 20-year class for reunion. It was going to be at a hotel near where their school used to be. Like many other buildings, the school had been torn down. It had been replaced by some apartment buildings.
At first she wasn’t sure if she could go to the reunion. One reason was that there wasn’t anyone in particular that she wanted to see. Another reason was that she was very busy. She was a working mother, with a boy 8 years old and a husband who was rarely at home. Going to the reunion meant that she would have to arrange for someone to take care of things while she was away. That wouldn’t be easy. She didn’t want to take her boy with her, and her husband wouldn’t take time off from work.
Then she got a message from Sharon, one of her old classmates. Sharon was contacting people from their class and urging everyone to come. In their school days, Sharon was class monitor, and now she was helping to organize the reunion.
They exchanged messages, and Jessica said she couldn’t make it. Then Sharon gave her a call and they talked for almost an hour. Sharon really wanted her to come, and so did a couple of Jessica’s old friends. They were all wondering how she was doing. None of them had seen or heard from her since graduation. They were especially curious since she hadn’t gone to their first reunion 10 years before.
Jessica decided to arrange things so that she could go. Her husband finally agreed to take care of things while she was away. He agreed to do it because her mother had offered to come and stay for a while so Jessica could attend the reunion. Since he and her mother didn’t get along, he decided to change his schedule and work from home for a few days. He really didn’t want her mother to come, though he didn’t say so.
Once she got to the reunion, she was shocked. Everyone had aged so much, and many were out of shape. Some who used to be good-looking had lost their looks completely and others looked much better and before. It was strange how time had changed people in such different ways. Anyway, she decided that since she was there, she would try to enjoy it.。
懂你英语 L5 Unit 1-1 vocabulary 行动变化和信息的类型
To replace something means to put something else in its ways. When something gets old and begins to break down, it may need to be replaced.
To tear something down means break it apart. To tear a person down means to hurt them by saying negative things about them.
To construct something means to build it or put it together. Large construction projects include buildings, bridges and organizations. The opposite of constructive is destructive.
To organize something means to arrange things in elderly logical way. An organization is something that has a logical structure such as a well-managed company.
To support something such an idea is to help or add strength to it. The opposite of support is to undermine(逐渐削弱)or weaken.
Public information is available to anyone who wants to know it. If a store is open to the public, it means anyone can come in.
Private information is not open to everyone, but it’s only available to trusted friends or family. Information about one’s secret hopes or dreams is usually private.
Confidential information is secret information. Confidential information is not supposed to be shared with others.
Gossip is information that is often exchanged because of its exciting or fun, even though it maybe not be true. Office gossip is often entertaining but it can often be damaging.
Opinions are what people think or feel about something as it supposed to factual information. Factual information is based on facts or evidence, but opinions are what people think or feel.
They are too disorganized to get anything done on time.
To replace something means to out something else in its place.
The opposite of construct is tear down.
Opinions often differ, and when they do people may argue.
Gossip is information that is often made up or exaggerated.
The password to your bank account information is private information.
Many people make money by investing in public companies.
Revealing confidential information may be illegal.
Gossip may hurt or embarrass the person being gossiped about.
懂你英语 L5 Unit 1-1 dialogue 顾客抱怨
M: Is this the Ace service center?
F: Yes, it is, Sir. May I help you?
M: Yes, I’m calling to complaining about your service.
F: Certainly, sir, I’m sorry to hear that. Let me see if there’s something I can do to help you. Please tell me what happened.
M: I ordered a new washing machine your website. It was more than a week ago.
F: Before you go on, may I have your order number, please?
M: Sure, it’s abc1005.
F: And may I have the last 4 digits of your social security number?
M: I don’t have a social security number. I’m an illegal alien.
F: Very funny, sir. Ok, then. What’s your first pet’s name?
M: Mr. Kidi.
F: OK, I see your all information. Now, what’s your problem?
M: I ordered the washing machine and paid for it. Then I chose the delivery date for a set of choices. It was supposed to be delivered today, but it’s still not here.
F: Did anyone contact you?
M: No, I haven’t received messages.
F: I’m sorry to hear that sir.
F: I see here that the washing machine you ordered hasn’t arrived in our warehouse(仓库) yet. It can be delivered until next week.
M: You don’t even have it yet? Why haven’t I been notified. I took time off from work to be at home today.
F: You should have been notified by phone or email.
M: I wasn’t. I haven’t received any notification. This is very upsetting.
F: I understand, sir. I’m really sorry for this.
M: Being sorry isn’t enough. I’m really upset. This is no way to do business.
F: Yes, sir, I understand.
F: I can send you a 50-dollar gift coupon as a way to express our appreciation for your patience.
M: I don’t care about the money. I don’t blame you of course but I want you to know how disappointed that I am with Ace. I expected much better service.
F: I’m really sorry, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?
M: Yes, that is. I’d like to cancel the order and get a refund.
F: I’m sorry to hear that, sir. But I understand. I’ll see to it that you get your refund.
M: How long will it take before I get the refund?
F: You should see the credit on your next month’s credit card billing statement.
M: Thanks for your help.
F: You are welcome sir and once again, please accept my apologies.
Jessica’s 20-year class reunion was held at a fancy hotel. When she arrived, she wasn’t sure she was in the right place. At first she didn’t recognize anyone. She felt a bit awkward and out of place. But it wasn’t long before a strange man came up to her. (He was already losing his hear and he was wearing thick glasses(深度眼镜).) “Don’t you remember me? “He asked.
When he said who he was, she barely remembered him, especially since he had changed so much. Then he told her that he had always had crush on her. He said she looked beautiful and he immediately took a selfie of them, with his arm tight around her waist. This made her felt a bit strange. She smiled at him and pretended to be happy to see him. But in fact, she wasn’t sure how to react, thought he seemed nice.
She finally excused herself and went to the ladies room. She was beginning to regret having come to the reunion. She had always been shy, and she still was.
When she returned to the party, Sharon invited her to sit at her table. Dinner was going to be served soon, and some of the classmates were going to give speeches. Sharon asked Jessica to say a few words too, because people were curious. This was a surprise. Jessica had never been very popular and she didn’t think anyone had noticed her. She had always felt like an outsider, with only a couple of close friends. Still, she had been one of the best students, and people remembered her.
As the evening wore on, Jessica began to really enjoy herself. She talked with her old friends and was amazed by how some others had changed. For example, Tom used to be good looking and athletic. He was one of the most popular students and a star basketball player. His one problem was math. He had had a hard time in math, especially in geometric. This was because he wasn’t a logical thinker. Except for basketball, he didn’t want to do anything unless it was easy
Tom was no longer good looking. His nose, which had always been large, had grown even larger. He had also gained a lot of weight. His wife had left him, so for the first time and ever, he was alone. He looked lonely and depressed, not at all like he used to be. Steve was a nobody in middle school. People hardly noticed him. He was small, quiet, and a bit ugly, with crooked teeth. What he was good at was English. His English was even better than their teacher’s. After graduating, he went to a low-ranked university and eventually dropped out.
For a while he worked as a tour guide. Then, 10 years ago, he and some friends started a little company which is now a great success. In fact, he had become a rich, generous man. He had a nice, warm smile and his success hadn’t gone to his head(冲昏头脑). It was a pleasure to be around him.
Betty used to be the most beautiful girl in school. She wasn’t very smart, but she was a great singer. She made a video of her singing, and it went viral. She became famous overnight, but it only lasted for about 2 years. After that, her fans lost interest in her. She tried to become an actress, but she failed. She had been too stiff and nervous in front of the camera.
Betty has a nice husband who seems to adore her. The one tragedy in her life happened about 5 years ago, when she lost her daughter to a rare form of cancer. Because of that, her hair had begun to turn grey. Jessica couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Betty had had such high hopes and tremendous energy as a girl, but things didn’t work out.
And then there was John. John used to be the school bully. He had been big, strong and mean. It seemed that he was always angry and ready to hit someone. After graduating, he joined the army and went overseas to fight to a war. He saw many people die and he grew to hate fighting of any kind. Then one day he was nearly killed when the helicopter he was in was shot down. He survived the crash(事故), but he lost a leg and was hospitalized for nearly a year.
Now he had completely changed. He had gentle, kind eyes, and a beautiful smile. He was working for an organization that provides support to elderly people. From Jessica’s point of view, John had turned out to be a wonderful surprise.
In the end, Jessica was glad she went to her reunion. It was interesting to see how people had changed through the years. Still, she was happy to get home and appreciate everything that she had.
懂你英语 L5 Unit 1-2 vocabulary 爱情和关系
A broken heart is what happens when a love relationship is broken off. Someone with the broken heart is usually depressed which means they feel awful and don’t enjoy life.
To fall in love with someone can be a wonderful experience, with powerful emotions. People in love often share their deepest feelings and emotions, which is intimacy(n.亲密;亲近;亲昵的言行;性行为).
To find someone attractive usually means there is a physical desire to be with him. Physical attraction may sometime lead to love. But in many cases, it may only lead to a short term sexual relationship.
To flirt(调情) with someone means to let him or her know that you want to be approached. Some people use their eyes or a smile to flirt.
Jealousy is what often happens when two people compete for the love of the same person. The one who loses may be very jealous of the other and tries to break things up.
Rivals insult 辱骂
Feelings of jealousy may last for a long time and can destroy friendship.
Some people can remain calm even when everyone else is confused and upset. When you are calm, you can think clearly and make good decisions.
People react to disappointing news in different ways. Sometimes they get discouraged and lose their confidence. Sometimes they get depressed and began to cry or even get drunk.
People are furious when they are in extremely angry. People who are furious at each other maybe end up fighting or trying to hurt each other.
To be excited is usually a good thing. People can become excited while watching a soccer match and seeing their team score a goal. The opposite of exciting is doll or boring.
Someone is terrified if they are extremely afraid and shaking with fear. Terrified people will often scream and run away from whatever is threatening them.
Being in love can blind you from seeing things as they really are.
The emotions of love have inspired poets throughout history.
F1: What are you so exciting about?
F2: Have you heard? John and Sylvia are getting a divorce.
F1: No, I haven’t. But I’m not surprised. To be honest, I never expected their marriage to last for very long. She is so aggressive and bossy(专横的) .
F2: Well, I think John has an affair. He met someone on the business trip.
F1: Really, how did you find that out?
F2: Sherry told me a few minutes ago.
F1: Oh, Sherry. She is such a gossip. I wouldn’t believe anything she says.
F2: No, really. This time I think we can trust her. I don’t think she’s making it up.
F1: Wow, this is news. What about their baby?
F2: I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything about that.
F1: Well, that’s too bad. Even though I don’t like either one of them, I feel sorry for them. It’s so bad when this happens especially for the child.
F2: Yeah, right. It’s easy to fall for the gossip and forget to think about the serious consequences.
F1: Still, I can’t sense surprised. Can you imagine living with someone like that?
F2: No, I can’t. She is so self-center.
F1: And what about him?
F2: I don’t know him well but he seems nice.
F1: I think so too. I’m not sure how he ever felt for her.
F2: Are you kidding? Hormones(荷尔蒙),You have to admit that she’s physically attractive. He probably couldn’t help himself. And now he seems to have fell in love with someone else.
F1: I guess he can’t control himself. I’ve heard he had a drinking problem too.
F2: Oh, I wasn’t aware of that. Well, what’s new, right? Something’s never changed.
F1: That’s for sure. Hey, what about lunch?
F2: No, thanks. I’d better to get back to work.
Emma’s best is a small but growing health food company. It was started in 1995 by a married couple who were tired of working for large companies. The two founders were Ed and Emma Smith, both health-conscious vegetarians. Despite the risks, Ed and Emma wanted to start their own business. They knew it would be hard work, but they were determined to try. Their plan was to create a business that provided healthy food to busy people. They wanted their new company to be something they could be proud of.
When they started the company, organic food was becoming more popular. People were becoming more food conscious and worried about food safety. In fact, people were willing to pay higher prices for food that was free of harmful chemicals. In addition, an increasing number of people had little time to go shopping and cook at home. They wanted the meals that were healthy but easy to prepare. There were very few frozen meals available at the time, and none of them were vegetarian or organic. There was a gap in the market.
Ed and Emma immediately saw the opportunity and launched their first product. It was a frozen pasta meal(速冻面食餐) with a mix of vegetable and a delicious cream sauce. The market response was enthusiastic and profitable beyond their expectations. Their product was an instant success. To their surprise, it was soon being eaten by millions of people, not only for vegetarians or those interested in organic foods. It was being brought because it was easy to prepare and it tasted good. And of course it was healthy.
Other products followed in rapid succession. As a result, at the end of 5 years, the company was producing over 100 frozen meals. Since then they have increased the number of meals over 150, including pizzas, sandwiches and snacks. Their foods are carried by natural food stores and supermarkets throughout North America.
Although they have expanded their production facilities and increased the number of employees, they have remained a private company. They enjoy the fact that they are a family-owned business, sensitive to the needs of their customers. They don’t have to worry about pleasing shareholders. Rather than paying dividends to shareholders, Emma’s best has a profit-sharing plan that benefits its employees.
Bonuses and salary increases keep employees happy and motivated to work hard. As a result, employee turnover is low and the company has been recognized as one of the best companies to work for. In addition, Emma’s best supports local charities, especially those that provide healthy food to children from low-income families. Given its success, the company feels an obligation to contribute to society. In spite of the fact that other companies now produce similar products, Emma’s best remains the market leader. Their totally commitment to quality has made the difference and they are proud of their accomplishments.
懂你英语 L5 Unit 1-3 vocabulary 感觉和态度
People are often nervous or apprehensive before performing in front of an audience. People who are really nervous may feel tense which is the opposite of the relaxed.
Someone who strongly believes in their ability to do something is often confident. The best way of build confidence is to practice what you’re going to do until you can do it with ease.
To be indifferent means to not care one way or the other about something. If you are indifferent to a person or project, it means that the person or project isn’t important to you.
To be appreciative is to be thankful or grateful for something. If someone does something nice for you, you should appreciate it.
To be depressed is the opposite of to be happy. When someone is depressed, they feel very sad.
Aggressive people often push their only ideas or try to force others follow them. Someone who is passive will usually not resist the efforts of others.
An optimistic person believes in a positive future. Optimists see a glass of half full rather than half empty. The opposite of an optimist is a pessimist.
Sensitive people are emotional and have strong feelings about things. It’s important to be careful when dealing with sensitive people because it’s easy to upset them. Insensitive people don’t seem to be aware of or care about the feeling of others.
A mean person doesn’t treat other people well or with kindness. Mean people often enjoy making people suffer for their mistakes. To be kind is the opposite of to be mean.
Conceited(自负的)people have very high opinion of themselves. They often talk about how great they are and tend to exaggerate their strengths. Modest people don’t show off their strengths but they’re often very good at what they do.
It’s important to show your appreciation for someone’s support or help.
When people are depressed, they are usually pessimistic about the future.
An aggressive person pushes or attacks, and a passive person doesn’t resist.
A pessimist sees thing with a negative light and has little hope for the future.
It’s important to know how to act around extremely sensitive people.
He was really mean to her when she disagreed with him and he told her to shut up.
Modest people are often overlooked in a job interview because they fall to communicate their strengths.
A passive person is often seen as weak and easy to control.
Pessimists see a glass as half empty rather than half full.
懂你英语 L5 Unit 1-3 dialogue 安排一个会面
F: Ace industry, may I help you? This is Sue Mitchell speaking.
M: Hi, Sue, this is Ben Wong of Job link.
F: Oh, hi, Ben, how are you? I’ve been expecting your call.
M: I’m sorry to be late. I’ve been traveling.
F: It seems like everyone is traveling these days.
M: That’s for sure. I’m away more than I’m here. Anyway, I’m calling to see if we can arrange a meeting.
F: Good, there were several matters I’d like to discuss with you.
M: Sure, would later this week be possible?
F: Let me see. According to my schedule, I’ll have something Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
M: How long do you think we will need?
F: I think an hour should be enough.
M: That should be fine. Would Thursday at 3:30 work for you?
F: Yes, that’s fine.
F: Ok, I’m looking forward to seeing you at 3:30 at Thursday.
M: Right, see you then and thanks.
F: You are welcome, Ben. Take care.
M: Hi, sue, I’m sorry but something urgent has come up, so I’d like to change the time for our meeting on Thursday.
F: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. What about Friday morning?
M: That should work. How early?
F: I’m usually here by 9 o’clock. Could you be here by then?
M: Yes, that shouldn’t be a problem.
F: Ok, Friday at 9 o’clock. M: Once again, sorry for the last minute change.
There are many mysteries in nature. Mysteries are things we don’t understand, such as how the Egyptian pyramids were built. In fact, we are surrounded by mysteries. What we know about the world seems like very little.
Scientists tell us that what we see in the universe is only a small part of what is there. The rest is invisible, including dark matter and dark energy. These two unknowns made up around 95% of the universe. Evidence for their existence comes from their effects on what we can observe, such as the motion and positions of the distant galaxies.
Yet, thought we know very little, we are able to build airplanes and communicate with smartphones. In some ways we humans are very smart, or at least we think we are. We still need to face big issues, like climate change and that is going to be a huge challenge. The challenge for humans will be our ability to adapt to our chancing environment.
What about other forms of life? How do they adapt? Seasonal variations, for example, can be one of the greatest challenges for animals to overcome. Overcoming such challenges will be a great achievement, but hardly easy. Some birds migrate thousands of kilometers each year to deal with seasonal changes. These migrations are amazing.
Birds don’t carry maps or compasses, yet they know where to go. They had developed their ability to see the Earth’s magnetic field. This ability is a wonder of nature. It takes advantage of the fact that the earth is like a huge bar magnet. It has a north pole, which is positive, and a south pole, which is negative. Somehow the birds are able to see this magnetic field and use it to their advantage.
And even the way birds flying together is amazing. Many migrating birds fly in a V formation. They do this to conserve energy. In a V formation, birds can use the energy of the birds in front of them. This energy comes from the air currents generated by the wings. Conserving energy is necessary for the birds to survive the long journey. How do the birds know this? It’s truly amazing how the birds know this.
Another amazing example of survival is the salmon. Salmon spent most of their lives in the ocean, which is saltwater. Yet, when it’s time to breed, they do so in freshwater rivers. Salmon can adapt their bodies to survive in both saltwater and freshwater. When it’s breeding time, they return to the same river where they were born. It seems as if they have a built-in map that guides them for hundreds of miles.
Once they leave the saltwater, they don’t eat. They are determined to finish their journey, despite the many obstacles. They swim against strong currents, jump over waterfalls and try to escape the claws of hungry bears. Many die along the way, but enough of them survive to breed and produce the next generation. Once they have laied their eggs, they die, having completed their journey. It seems that their purpose in life is just to reproduce.
Migration takes the animals to new, more favorable environments when the seasons change. Some of these journeys are long and dangerous, along routes with no obvious landmarks. The longest migration is that of Arctic tern. It flies from pole to pole, twice a year. If a tern achieves its average lifespan of 20 years, the distance it has flown will be equivalent to a journey to the moon and back.
Humans also migrate, but seldom if ever for seasonal variations. Unfortunately, human migrations are often due to human activities. Since the beginning of the 21st century, large scale migrations had become a global problem. Millions of migrates have had to leave their countries and look for new homes. Many have died along the way or lived as refugees in camps until they are admitted into a new country. So the question remains as to how our global community will face these challenges.
懂你英语 L5 Unit 1-4 vocabulary 社会关系和科学名词
To criticize someone is to point out their false or mistakes. Some people appreciate constructive criticism, which can help them develop their skills.
To praise someone is to let them know they have done a great job. Some people expected to be praised when they perform well.
To apologize to someone is to admit that you have done something wrong or hurtful. One way to apologize is to say you are sorry. If your apology isn’t accepted, it means the person hasn’t forgiven you.
To order people to do something means to use your power or position to get them to do it. Many people dislike being ordered to do things. In many cases, it’s better to make a request than order someone to do something.
To encourage someone is to support their efforts and help build their confidence. A good teacher encourages students to do their best. To discourage someone is to get away their confidence.
There are many different cycles in nature, such as the cycle of seasons. A cycle is a series of events that repeat, such as the daily cycle of light and dark.
To evolve means to change or improve over a period of time. In biology, the series of evolution advanced life forms such as such as humans, have evolved from lower form of life.
A force of attraction brings two objects closer together, such as the force of gravity. A force of repulsion pushes two objects away from each other, such as the force between two electrons.
To transform means to change from one form into another. A transformation occurs when an object takes on(呈现) a new appearance or structure.
To inherit something means to get it without having to ask or work for it. A child from a very rich family may inherit a lot of money.
The number of times a cycle repeats itself within a period of time is its frequency.
Gravity is a force of attraction between two objects with mass.
It’s important not to praise people when they haven’t done a good enough job.
If someone rejects your apology, it means they haven’t forgiven you.
To forgive someone is to accept their apology.
If someone doesn’t follow orders, he or she may be punished.
It’s discouraging to work for someone who never shows appreciation for your hard work.
The time it takes for a cycle to repeat itself is its period.
F: Excuse me, do you have a minute?
M: I’m sorry, not right now. I’ll be free about in 15 minutes. Could you come back then?
F: No, I’m afraid we have an emergency upstairs.
M: Can’t you handle it?
F: No, I think it will be best if you were there.
M: Ok, I’ll finish this call and be right with you.
M: Ok, what’s it?
F: Kevin and Bob are shouting at each other and it’s upsetting everyone.
M: Oh, not again. Those two have got to grow up. Who started it?
F: I’m not sure, but they were even pushing each other.
M: Ok, this is unacceptable. You run on ahead and warn them that I’m coming. I want them to calm down before I get there. Can you do that?
F: Ok, I’ll do what I can to calm them down. But you know Keven, he’s such a hard heart.
M1: Ok, Keven, I’ve warned you before. This is got to stop.
M2: Yes, I know. But Bob doesn’t cooperate. He’s impossible to work with.
M1: Even so, you can’t go around pushing people. That’s no way to handle things.
M1: If you weren’t doing such a good job, I’d have to let you go right now. Your behavior just isn’t acceptable.
M2: Yeah, I understand and I’m sorry. I just can’t stand working with him.
M1: I’m sure what to do. What were you do if you were me? Do you have any suggestions?
M2: To be honest, if I were you, I wouldn’t have the two of us working in the same office. I know Bob has been with the company longer than I have but he’s doing a terrible job. When you are not around, he just bully people. People are afraid of him.
M1: Ok, I’ll look into(调查) a bit more. But you’ve got to promise me to keep cool and not let this happen again.
M2: Ok, I’ll try to handle things differently next time.
作者:fine08
链接:https://www.jianshu.com/p/1e4a6f09eb86
来源:简书
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