大学英语听说3 Unit 5

Unit 5

II. Basic Listening Practice

1. Script

W: Of all the holidays people celebrate, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day...which are the most important to you?

M: Christmas and Easter, because they mark events in Jesus Christ's life: his birth and his escape from a tomb into heaven. The other festivals, I think, are mainly created to increase sales.

Q: How many holidays does the man believe to be important? C) Two.

2. Script

M: I used to love giving my mother a present on Mother's Day. It always made her cry. Then she'd hug me hard enough to squeeze the breath out of me.

W: Mothers are really no different from anyone else. They love to be loved, that's all. Q: What was the mother's response to her son's gift? A) She was beside her-self with joy.

3. Script

M: Every country has its own unique holidays. There is one exclusive to some British Commonwealth countries like Britain, Australia and Canada. That’s Boxing Day. W: I know. And it's a perfect date for a holiday, being the day after Christmas Day. Apparently it began with the custom of giving the poor boxes of food; thus a boxing day.

Q: What was the origin of Boxing Day? B) Giving poor people food.

4. Script

M: I absolutely hate Christmas shopping. I can never figure out what to buy for everyone, so I rush around like an idiot at the last minute, buying junk.

W: Then maybe you shouldn't buy any gifts. Just tell people \Christmas!\instead.

Q: What does the woman mean?

C) She thinks the man can do something else instead of buying junk.

5. Script

M: When all the children come home for Christmas, there won't be enough room for

everyone...what shall we do? Maybe some will have to stay in a hotel.

W: I want them all here. We'll make it work. I can hardly wait to see everyone; it doesn't matter if we're a bit squished. We'll be like turkey stuffing. Q: What does the woman mean?

C) She won’t care if the children are crowded at home

III. Listening In

Task1: Expensive Holidays

Script

Grace: So, Mark, what are you going to get me for Chinese Valentine's Day-a holiday

for the Cowherd and Girl Weaver to meet?

Mark: Sorry, I've never heard of it. Anyway, we already celebrated Valentine's Day in

February. I gave you a bunch of red roses.

Grace: But there's another lover's day in the world. Isn't it wonderful if lovers have

more than one lover's day a year?

Mark: Do you mean I have to get you a present fort each lover’s day?

Grace: Well, you’d better give me a present from time to time if you want to win my

heart.

Mark: I gave you a beautiful card on New Year's Day...and a Christmas gift a couple

of days before that. Then I invited you to a dinner on the Chinese New Year's Day, that is, the Spring Festival.

Grace: Thank you for that. Nowadays the Chinese Spring Festival is getting popular

here. And it's exciting.

Mark: But few people here know anything about a foreign Lover's Day. Grace: You see, I enjoy celebrating holidays again and again.

Mark: But it's hard on the wallet. I'll end up in the poorhouse at this rate.

Grace: But it's romantic! And don't forget it's only another month before my birthday. Mark: Your birthday was last month! I already bought you a ring!

Grace: That was my birthday on the Western calendar. Next month, it's my birthday

on the lunar calendar!

Question and key

1. What gift is the woman asking from the man for Chinese Valentine’s Day? D) Not mentioned.

2. Which of the following does the woman like? C) Both A and B.

3. What did the man already do for the woman? D) All of the above.

4. What does the man think about the woman’s intention to celebrate holidays again and again?

A) He will become poor.

5. How many times does the woman want to celebrate her birthday? B) Twice.

Task2April Fool’s Day

Script

On a flight from the West Coast to the East Coast, the lead flight attendant was eager to get in early as her boyfriend, a pilot, was going to have a short stopover at the destination airport. She made a point of telling her fellow crew members about this. Because it was April 1st, April Fool's Day, the day people play tricks on one another, the captain decided to have a little fun.

About an hour before landing, he made an announcement that went like this: \and Gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. I have a little bit of bad news. There're some thunderstorms at our destination, and they've currently closed the airport. They expect it to reopen in about 30 minutes to an hour. As one might expect, this will result in long delays. As we've come all the way from the West Coast, we don't even have enough fuel to circle until the airport reopens. Therefore, we are going to be diverting to Cleveland, and we should be landing in about 30 minutes. We'll take some fuel there and get you back on your way to our original destination. I’m terribly

sorry for the delay. However, we’11 get you there just as soon as possible.\

It was at this moment that you could hear someone running up to the cockpit. The cockpit door flew open, and sure enough it was the lead flight attendant mumbling something like, \’t be happening. What shall I do?\the captain made another announcement: \Day!”

Key 1.T 2.F 3.T 4.F 5.T

ask3 what to do for mom?

Script

Young men and women, tomorrow will be Mother's Day. Some of you are still wondering what to do for your mom. Here's my advice.

Look out for anything that she plans to buy, and buy it if you can afford it. For example, a casual dress or formal office wear. Or, it may be a hair clip with a touch of

difference. Checked out if she is planning to get a new microwave or a new steam iron, and give it to her if you can afford it.

You can get some ideas by considering what her likes and dislikes are. If she likes cats, how about giving her a pet or something that has a cat’s picture on it? But make sure she doesn't find out that you're getting her a present. Let her gift be a pleasant surprise.

Definitely spend some time with her, especially if you are not living with her. Make her feel special. For example, you can cook a special dish for the day. You can also throw a little party and invite those who are close to her.

And of course, if she enjoys outings, take a little trip with her. And if possible, take one with your entire family. She'll love it for sure. After all, she is the one who takes care of all of you. A special trip to the countryside could show her how much you care for her. If she is happy, I'm sure you'll feel happy, too.

Key (1) buy

(2) office wear (3) likes (4) cats (5) pet (6) time

(7) special dish (8) little party (9) little trip (10) countryside

IV. Speaking Out

MODEL 1 Eat, drink and be merry on Christmas.

Script

Nora: My mother bought an enormous 25-pound turkey for Christmas dinner. I'm so

excited!

Susan: (1) We have goose and ham for Christmas dinner on both Christmas Eve and