21世纪大学英语读写教程第一册第十二单元unit12
II. Listening Skills
Listening for Telephone Numbers
1. W: I’m wondering if the weather will be good for us to go cycling on Saturday.
M: Let’s call the weather office. I know the phone number. It’s 661-3047. If the weather is going to be bad, we’ll have to wait for another week.
Q: What’s the phone number for the weather office?
The phone number for the weather office is 6613047.
2. W: I’m so sorry, but the general manager isn’t back yet. Can I take a message for him?
M: Yes. Please ask him to call me 843-2057.
Q: At what number will the general manager return the call?
The general manager will return the call at 8432057.
3. M: Do you have Simon’s mobile phone number? A well-known scientist from the States is giving a speech on global warming in the Science Museum. I’m sure Simon would be interested.
W: Let me see… His number is 13032108585.
Q: What is Simon’s mobile phone number?
Simon’s mobile phone number is 13032108585.
4. M: Hello, I’m calling to check on the school sports meet.
W: Yes, sir, how can I help you?
M: There’s been so much rain lately; I was wondering if it’s postponed.
W: It has been postponed because of the weather, but for further information, please contact 54362163, extension 205.
Q: What number should be the man dial for the further information about the sports meet?
The man could dial 54362163, extension 205 for further information about the sports meet.
5. M: Hello. I’m calling form Beijing. I’ve learned from the Internet that a hurricane is approaching Miami. I’d like to call one of my friends there immediately. Can you tell me how to make an international call?
W: What number are you calling, sir?
M: His number in Florida is 511-0897.
W: Well, first, dial 011, then dial 1, the area code for North America, and then the area code 305 for Miami. After that, dial your friend’s number.
Q: What is the complete number the man should dial to reach his friend in Miami?
The an should dial 01113055110897 to reach his friend in Miami.
III. Listening In
Task 1: Weather Forecasting
We all know that it’s not possible for man to control the weather. But we can tell what important changes there will be in the weather in the short term. This is called weather forecasting. Many people rely on the weatherman to provide that information, but one method of weather forecasting is simply to use your eyes and brains. For example, if you see a rainbow in rainy weather in the evening, this is a sign that the weather will soon be clear and fine. Sometimes distant objects such as hills and tall trees seem to be very clear and near; this is a sign of much water vapor in the air, and then rain will probably come. If a fog appears just about sunrise in the morning, then the day will be arm. If the sunset is mostly red in color, then the following day will be fine. If the stars twinkle at night, then fine weather will come the next day.
1.B 2.D 3.C 4.A 5.D
Task 2: Wrong Weather Forecast
M: Hey, Jane! Does everyone know what time to meet us this weekend for the picnic?
W: Yeah. They’ll all be here at eleven sharp! I’ve got all the food and drinks for the barbecue, and Tom is bringing the grill.
M: OK. I’ve got that old net; we can use that for beach volleyball.
W: Oh, I forgot to tell you. I’ve invited Class 2 and 3 as well. We’ll be able to have a volleyball match, one class against another; that’ll be great fun.
M: Did you check the weather? I hope it’s going to stay nice for the weekend; we can’t have a picnic in the rain.
W: No worries! I watched the weather forecast last night, and the weatherman said it’s going to be fine—maybe a little cloudy, but DEFINITELY no rain!
(next morning)
M: There’s terrible weather! It’s raining buckets!
W: There’s no way we can go out in that. Those weatherman are useless—I hope they had a picnic today too.
M: I don’t know what’s happened to the weather these days. When I was little, we never had this much rain in the summer.
W: I AGREE. And have you noticed that winter is warmer now as well? We always used to get snow in January. Now winter is more like spring!
M: You’re telling me. I bet it’s all the pollution and the hole in the ozone layer that’s changing the weather.
W: Oh, global warming and all that.
M: I guess we’ll have to take a rain check on the picnic.
1. They are planning to have their picnic on the weekend.
2. They will be able to have a volleyball match, one class against another.
3. It’ll be fine, and maybe a little cloudy, but there’ll be definitely no rain.
4. Those weatherman are useless.
5. All the pollution and the hole in the ozone layer are responsible for the changeable weather.
Task 3: Global Climate Change
Today, scientists have found that the greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere have changed the global climate. These gases are largely due to human activities, such as the burning up of gas, coal and oil, and the destruction of forests. It is estimated that the average surface temperature of the earth will rise by 1.5-3.5℃ by 2100. This rate of warming is significant. The oceans will heat up and glaciers will melt. As a result, the global average sea level is expected to rise by 15-95 cm by 2100. In that case all coastal cities will be at risk as a result of flooding and storm surges. Also, around the world weather events such as storms and floods will become more frequent and intense. Clearly, global climate change is becoming a great threat to our environment. So we must take effective measures to produce fewer greenhouse gases that cause it.
Global climate is causes by the greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere. These gases are largely due to the burning up of gas, coal and oil, and the destruction of forests. Scientists estimate that, by 2100, the average surface temperature of the earth will rise by 1.5-3.5℃ and global average sea level will rise by 15-95 cm. All coastal cities will be at risk as a result of flooding and storm surges. Clearly, global climate change is becoming a great threat to our environment.
Task 4: An Announcement
Friday looks really good. Sunny all day with a daytime temperature of 70 degrees. But bundle up Friday night, as the temperature will drop sharply. On Saturday, it will be cold and cloudy in the morning with strong winds. In the afternoon, there’s a good chance of snow flurries, and the temperature will only reach 37 degrees! On Sunday morning it will be cloudy, with some rain showers in the afternoon. But temperatures will rise to 50 degrees.
IV. Speaking Out
Now Your Turn
Lisa: Sarah, would you mind not keeping the window open? All my papers have been blown off the desk and onto the floor!
Sarah: I’m sorry. I didn’t realize the wind was so strong. You’re working on a paper?
Lisa: Yeah, it has to be turned in this Wednesday.
Sarah: Oh, I almost forgot! I’m going to give a presentation tomorrow morning, and I haven’t read a word yet!
Lisa: Come on, you shouldn’t leave everything till the last minute.
Model 2 It’s terrible!
Now Your Turn
Ashley: Wow! What a wind! It’s terrible, isn’t it, Kathy?
Katherine: You bet. There’s a dust storm blowing up.
Ashley: Yeah. You could get blinded if you go outside.
Katherine: The weather forecaster recommends staying indoors.
Ashley: That’s the best we can do.
Model 3 Take care
Now Your Turn
James: How do you like my new motorcycle, Robert? I’m going to ride it into town.
Robert: It’s cool1 But don’t you think it’s snowing too hard today?
James: I don’t mind. What I really like is style, and riding a motorcycle is really stylish.
Robert: Take care. Safety counts more than style.
James: I know. But it’s thrilling to ride in the snow.
Robert: Then, you’ll have to run the risk of having a bad fall.
V. Let’s Talk
Emma: Michael, whereabouts in China are you from?
Michael: I was born in Beijing, but I live in Shanghai now. How about you?
Emma: I’m from Scotland.
