Speaking English is not only about using proper grammar, but also about understanding the culture. Here is some important advice to remember when speaking English in the United States.
◆Americans have difficulties understanding foreign accents. Many Americans are not used to foreign accents. This requires patience from both of you.
◆Talk about places: Americans love to talk about places. When speaking to a stranger, ask them where they come from and then say something about that place. For example: “Oh, I have a friend who worked in Los Angeles. He says it’s a beautiful place to live in.” Most Americans will then willingly talk about their experiences of living in or visiting that city or place.
◆Talk about work: It is common for Americans to ask “What do you do?” It’s not considered impolite as in some countries and is a popular topic of discussion between strangers.
◆Talk about sports: Americans love sports! However, they love American sports. When speaking about football, most Americans understand “American football”, not soccer.
◆Be careful when expressing ideas about race, religion or other sensitive(敏感的)topics:The United States is a society with different cultures. Americans are very sensitive to other cultures and ideas.
1.For Americans, the question “what do you do?” is ________.
A. common B. impolite C. boring D. surprising
2. What can we learn about Americans?
A. They like to learn foreign accents.
B. They are willing to talk about places.
C. They prefer soccer to American football.
D. They accept other ideas and cultures easily.
3.The writer gives some advice mainly on ________.
A. talking with Americans
B. working with Americans
C. speaking American English
D. understanding American society
INTERNATIONAL RADIO — WHAT’S ON?
18:00 | World News Program The latest news from around the world. |
18:10 | What Do You Think? Phone in with your opinion about today’s hot topics: Why is the world getting fatter? How can we look after our world better to save the planet? Should we all get free healthcare or should we pay ourselves? |
19:00 | World Business Business news of the day, with up-to-date information about the world business in Europe, Asia and America. |
19:20 | Teen Dreams Listen to 10 teenagers from different places in Asia talking about their dreams for the future. What is more important for them—money, education or love? |
20:00 | World News Program The latest news from around the world. |
21:10 | Aunt Vera-What should you do? Phone in to ask for Aunt Vera’s advice if you have a problem with your parents, friends, or love. She will tell you what she thinks. |
1. How many times will the World News Program be on?
A. Once. B. Twice.
C. Three times. D. Four times.
2.When can you phone in if you have a problem with your friend?
A. At 18:10. B. At 19:00.
C. At 19:20. D. At 21:10.
3.In which program can you hear people’s opinions about hot topics?
A. Teen Dreams B. What Do You Think?
C. World Business D. What Should You Do?
I had never noticed her. She was not the kind of girl who could draw attention. She was not tall and just looked . In class, she liked sitting at the back, reading or taking notes. One day I asked her to read aloud the text. When I heard her standard American pronunciation, I looked at her with new eyes. And I her name—Kelly. Later on, the National College Speech Competition would be held. One student in our school was allowed to attend. I thought it over and filled in name.
Kelly practiced hard for the competition. However, I was a little worried because she was always too . Could she do well in the competition?
On the night of the competition, I sat in the front row of the hall very early. I told her to take it easy. Her face turned red and she said nothing. It seemed she was really . I felt upset, but I just patted her on the shoulder and let her go to draw lots(抽签). As a result, she drew No. 9 while No. 8 was a boy who was very good at giving speeches.
Sure enough, No. 8 was very . The whole audience made a warm applause (鼓掌)almost every 30 seconds and was still talking about his speech with until Kelly appeared on the stage. I sat there with no to look at her. It was her first time to go up the stage, so I couldn’t be angry with her for any small mistakes. But at that moment, I found I was so afraid of her .
The strong spotlight and large hall made her so small that nobody seemed to notice she had been on the stage. I felt hopeless.
But the moment that me came. I clearly heard a voice, a very loud voice, “Now, please focus on(聚焦于)me.”
Three times in all, louder and louder.
The whole audience fell silent.
I could believe that loud voice came from the girl, who was usually soft-voiced and didn’t attention at all. She gave a perfect speech.
I think I will never forget this touching lesson that my student taught me — never underestimate(低估)the power of the silent people.
1.A. beautiful B. ordinary C. popular D. strange
2.A. mentioned B. called C. remembered D. wrote
3.A. her B. his C. my D. your
4.A. different B. lazy C. slow D. quiet
5.A. strict B. nervous C. angry D. bored
6.A. careful B. thankful C. successful D. cheerful
7.A. patience B. confidence C. pride D. excitement
8.A. courage B. interest C. excuse D. effort
9.A. decision B. expression C. appearance D. failure
10.A. upset B. saved C. surprised D. changed
11.A. simply B. hardly C. surely D. deeply
12.A. catch B. need C. pay D. show
—Do you know ________ the school?
—About twenty minutes ago.
A. when he left B. when did he leave
C. when he leaves D. when does he leave
The milk ________ to us tomorrow.
A. will send B. is sent C. sends D. will be sent
I like the movie Harry Potter very much. I ________ it three times.
A. watch B. watched
C. was watching D. have watched