Uint I. Basic listening practice 1. Script M: Amy, sit down, we need to talk. Your mother and i are going to separat W:What! Are you crazy? You cant do that! What will my friends say? I just want to have a normal family Q: What is the girl saying? 2. Script M: Good evening, Mrs Jones. The manager sent you these roses and his best wishes to you both for a happy anniversary W: Thank you. We like the room and the service here, and we especially appreciate the manager 's consideration/ Q What can we learn from the conversation? 3. Script W: While I'm scrambling the eggs, could you put the flour into the bowl? M: You bet, darling. I'll also turn the oven on so that it gets warmed up Q: Where does this conversation probable take place w: I have a very important meeting tonight, and I' m afraid I can't miss it M: But this evening is the parents' meeting at school, and I was expecting youd come to it. OK, I'll phone Dad, maybe he and his girlfriend will come Q: What can be inferred from the conversation? 5. Script w1: So you're still single? If you'd listen to me and used the Internet, you' d have a husband by now w2: I di use the Internet. I posted an ad that read"Husband Wanted". There were dozens of e-mail responses. But they all said pretty much the same thing: You can have mine Q: What can we infer from the conversation? Keys: 1. C2.A3. B 4.C5.D
1 Uint3 II. Basic Listening Practice 1. Script M: Amy, sit down, we need to talk. Your mother and I are going to separate. W: What! Are you crazy? You can’t do that! What will my friends say? I just want to have a normal family. Q: What is the girl saying? 2. Script M: Good evening, Mrs. Jones. The manager sent you these roses and his best wishes to you both for a happy anniversary. W: Thank you. We like the room and the service here, and we especially appreciate the manager’s consideration/ Q: What can we learn from the conversation? 3. Script W: While I’m scrambling the eggs, could you put the flour into the bowl? M: You bet, darling. I’ll also turn the oven on so that it gets warmed up. Q: Where does this conversation probable take place? 4. Script W: I have a very important meeting tonight, and I’m afraid I can’t miss it. M: But this evening is the parents’ meeting at school, and I was expecting you’d come to it. OK, I’ll phone Dad, maybe he and his girlfriend will come. Q: What can be inferred from the conversation? 5. Script W1: So you’re still single? If you’d listen to me and used the Internet, you’d have a husband by now. W2: I did use the Internet. I posted an ad that read “Husband Wanted”. There were dozens of e-mail responses. But they all said pretty much the same thing: You can have mine. Q: What can we infer from the conversation? Keys: 1.C 2.A3.B 4.C 5.D
II. Listening in g TaskI: Reasons for a divorce Script w: I'm divorcing my husband M: How long have you been married? W: Thirteen years M: Do you have children? W: Yes, and I have to protect them from any more harm from my husbands irresponsibility M: So, what are your grounds for divorce? w: Well, first of all, he keeps changing jobs. We've had moved four times in thirteen years M: And, you believe that will be good grounds for divorce? W: I do have a right to stability for my children and myself, don'tI? M: Aren t they his children, too? W: But my husband isn't fulfilling his duties M: Is he paying the bills? W: Well, yes, but we just live around the poverty line. Our kids are being teased by other kids at school because we cant dress them in good clothes! We have to live in a small department and drive an old car M: Does the car run? W: Yes but it looks Old! M: Do you yell at him and call him names? W: Well, he yells at me! M: So, those are the reasons to not honor your husband. Are you going to give him joint custody in this divorce? W: No, just visitation rights M: Why? w: Because the law permits me to M: And what about the financial demands of this divorce? W: I'm demand ing half of all we have, which isnt much, and large support payments After thirteen years marriage, the woman wants to divorce her husband, claiming he is sponsible. When asked for the specific grounds for divorce, she gi reasons: First, he keeps changing jobs, and the family has had to move four times in thirteen years, but she wants stability for her children and herself. Second, although he is pay ing the bills, they just live around the poverty line. Her children are be ing teased by other children for not dressing good clothes. Also, they had to live in a small apartment and drive an old car, though it still runs. Worse still, the husband yells at
2 III. Listening In Task1: Reasons for a Divorce Script W: I’m divorcing my husband. M: How long have you been married? W: Thirteen years. M: Do you have children? W: Yes, and I have to protect them from any more harm from my husband’s irresponsibility M: So, what are your grounds for divorce? W: Well, first of all, he keeps changing jobs. We’ve had moved four times in thirteen years! M: And, you believe that will be good grounds for divorce? W: I do have a right to stability for my children and myself, don’t I? M: Aren’t they his children, too? W: But my husband isn’t fulfilling his duties! M: Is he paying the bills? W: Well, yes, but we just live around the poverty line. Our kids are being teased by other kids at school because we can’t dress them in good clothes! We have to live in a small department and drive an old car! M: Does the car run? W: Yes, but it looks OLD! M: Do you yell at him and call him names? W: Well, he yells at me! M: So, those are the reasons to not honor your husband. Are you going to give him joint custody in this divorce? W: No, just visitation rights. M: Why? W: Because the law permits me to. M: And, what about the financial demands of this divorce? W: I’m demanding half of all we have, which isn’t much, and large support payments. After thirteen years marriage, the woman wants to divorce her husband, claiming he is irresponsible. When asked for the specific grounds for divorce, she gives these reasons: First, he keeps changing jobs, and the family has had to move four times in thirteen years, but she wants stability for her children and herself. Second, although he is paying the bills, they just live around the poverty line. Her children are being teased by other children for not dressing good clothes. Also, they had to live in a small apartment and drive an old car, though it still runs. Worse still, the husband yells at
her, though she admits she also yell at him and calls him names. As for the divorce arrangements, the woman will give the husband only visitation rights instead of joint custody. Moreover, the woman will demand half of all they have and large support payments. Task 2 What four-letter words? Script Dorothy was the only child of her family, born when her parents were mid-aged. They poiled her badly. at the age of 33 she still lived at home. Her mother and father treat her like a princess. She seemed perfectly content with that situation, so her friends were surprised when she announced she would soon get married. People who knew her well said the marriage wouldnt last long. But for the present, she and her new husband approached happy As soon as the newly couple returned from their honeymoon, the bride called her mother How does everything go? her mother asked "Oh, Mom, "she began, the honey moon was lovely! So romantic! We had a wonderful time. But on our back, Bob started using terrible language. Stuff Id never heard before. Really awful four-letter words. You ve got to come get me and take me home. Please, Mom! the new bride sobbed over the telephone But, honey, the mother asked, "What four-letter words? I cant tell you, Mom. They 're too awful! Come get me, please! Darling, you must tell me what has upset you so much. Tell me what four-letter words he used Still sobbing, the bride said, "Mom, words like dust, wash, iron, and cook Keys: FTFFT Task3: A Woman Who Chose Not to remarry Script After 17 years of marriage, my husband left me for my best friend, Monica. What I had feared most became reality: I became the single parent of two young children. M daughter grew increasingly unhappy. Seven-year-old Joanna had anxiety attacks when ever she was left alone for more than a few minutes. Five-year-old Sophie would vomit every meal. Under the psychological pressure, I thought about remarriage. M
3 her, though she admits she also yell at him and calls him names. As for the divorce arrangements, the woman will give the husband only visitation rights instead of joint custody. Moreover, the woman will demand half of all they have and large support payments. Task 2: What four-letter words? Script Dorothy was the only child of her family, born when her parents were mid-aged. They spoiled her badly. At the age of 33 she still lived at home. Her mother and father treat her like a princess. She seemed perfectly content with that situation, so her friends were surprised when she announced she would soon get married. People who knew her well said the marriage wouldn’t last long. But for the present, she and her new husband approached happy. As soon as the newly couple returned from their honeymoon, the bride called her mother. “How does everything go?” her mother asked. “Oh, Mom,” she began, “the honeymoon was lovely! So romantic! We had a wonderful time. But on our back, Bob started using terrible language. Stuff I’d never heard before. Really awful four-letter words. You’ve got to come get me and take me home. Please, Mom!” the new bride sobbed over the telephone. “But, honey,” the mother asked, “What four-letter words?” “I can’t tell you, Mom. They’re too awful! Come get me, please!” “Darling, you must tell me what has upset you so much. Tell me what four-letter words he used.” Still sobbing, the bride said, “Mom, words like dust, wash, iron, and cook.” Keys: FTFFT Task3: A Woman Who Chose Not to Remarry Script After 17 years of marriage, my husband left me for my best friend, Monica. What I had feared most became reality: I became the single parent of two young children. My daughter grew increasingly unhappy. Seven-year-old Joanna had anxiety attacks when ever she was left alone for more than a few minutes. Five-year-old Sophie would vomit every meal. Under the psychological pressure, I thought about remarriage. My
friends arranged d inner with single men and invited me to parties to meet the latest someone special But later I changed my mind. A colleague of mine said, "Second marriages end in divorce, and children are destroyed by it. There is some truth in his Research published in 2004 showed that children in blended families were emotionally healthy than those in single-parent families Not long ago, my now-teenage daughter and I went to lunch at our favorite Italian restaurant. While eating, we talked about a friend of ours who was divorcing her second husband We were worried about how the break would harm her three children, two of whom were struggling to get free of drugs. Joanna put down her fork and looked at me. " Mom, I'm glad you didn t remarry, she said "If you had divorced again, I might have tried drugs or even consider suicide. " At that moment, I realized once again, that singleness was right choice for me 1. What was the speaker most afraid of? 2. Which of the following is not true? 3. What did the speaker's colleague say? 4. Which of the following is true? 5. If the speaker had divorced again, what might her daughter, Joanna, have done? Kes: IC 2.A3.B.B 5.B I. Speaking Out MODEL 1 Is youth wasted on the young? Amy: I'd like to talk to you, so stop what you re doing for a minute Bill: What is it. Amy? I'm hav ing a hectic time working on this report for tomorrow's Amy: Well, you re always pretty busy, and it's been more five vears. almost Six. since we were married Bill: Yes, time has gone so fast, but theyve been good years Amy: I know, but I want to have a baby-I want us to have a baby Bill: I know you do. But remember. we said we'd wait until we could afford it Amy: But five vears is a long time to wait. Anyway, it's long enough Bill: I'm this close to getting a promotion. Amy: What has that got to do with it? We could wait forever if we wait for the perfect " moment. Soon we'll be too old to enjoying having a baby Bill: You know, you have a good point. This report can wait. I'll do it tomorrow morning. Let's open a bottle of wine and enjoy ourselves
4 friends arranged dinner with single men and invited me to parties to meet the latest “someone special”. But later I changed my mind. A colleague of mine said, “Second marriages usually end in divorce, and children are destroyed by it.” There is some truth in his words. Research published in 2004 showed that children in blended families were no more emotionally healthy than those in single-parent families. Not long ago, my now-teenage daughter and I went to lunch at our favorite Italian restaurant. While eating, we talked about a friend of ours who was divorcing her second husband. We were worried about how the break would harm her three children, two of whom were struggling to get free of drugs. Joanna put down her fork and looked at me. “Mom, I’m glad you didn’t remarry,” she said. “If you had divorced again, I might have tried drugs or even consider suicide.” At that moment, I realized, once again, that singleness was right choice for me. 1. What was the speaker most afraid of? 2. Which of the following is NOT true? 3. What did the speaker’s colleague say? 4. Which of the following is true? 5. If the speaker had divorced again, what might her daughter, Joanna, have done? Kes: 1C 2.A3. B 4.B 5.B IV. Speaking Out MODEL 1 Is youth wasted on the young? Amy: I’d like to talk to you, so stop what you’re doing for a minute. Bill: What is it, Amy? I’m having a hectic time working on this report for tomorrow’s meeting. Amy: Well, you’re always pretty busy, and it’s been more five years, almost six, since we were married. Bill: Yes, time has gone so fast, but they’ve been good years. Amy: I know, but I want to have a baby—I want us to have a baby. Bill: I know you do. But remember, we said we’d wait until we could afford it. Amy: But five years is a long time to wait. Anyway, it’s long enough. Bill: I’m this close to getting a promotion. Amy: What has that got to do with it? We could wait forever if we wait for the “perfect” moment. Soon we’ll be too old to enjoying having a baby. Bill: You know, you have a good point. This report can wait. I’ll do it tomorrow morning. Let’s open a bottle of wine and enjoy ourselves
Now Your turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: I've got something important to tell you: I'm pregnant B: What? You re pregnant? Wow, Id love to have a baby A: Well, I understand you want to be a father. It's been more than three years, almost four. since we were married B: Yes, time has passed so quickly, but we still didnt have a baby A: I know, but we cant afford to have one now. If I leave my job for more than two weeks. I'll lose it forever B: I know you will. But remember, if we dont have one now, it'll be too late. We'll be busier in future A: There is something in what you said. Four years is a long time to wait. But I really like my job. What's more, I'm very close to getting promotion B: But a baby borne by a woman in her 30s may be physically and intellectually less healthy. If we wanted to hold onto your job, we would wait forever. Soon we'll be too old to enjoy a baby A: You really have a point I'll choose the baby over the job B: Good, I'lI try harder to make both ends meet MODEL2 So many people in the United States get divorced! Scrip I Amy Amy: Hi! Look at this headline, Kim Kim: Wow! So many people in the United States get divorced! Amy: But this is not uncommon in west. In some places, the divorce rate can be as high as 50 percent. Kim: It seems strange to me that Westerners fall head heels in love quickly, if not at first sight; but they also leave each other quickly Amy: Is it the same in your country? Kim: I dont think so. In my country, some marriages break up, but most couples stay together Amy: Do people get married young? Kim: Not really. Not many people get married before the age of 20 Amy: Hmm Do woman usually work after they get married? Kim: No. a lot of women stay home to take care of their families. But more women work nov
5 Now Your Turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: I’ve got something important to tell you: I’m pregnant. B: What? You’re pregnant? Wow, I’d love to have a baby. A: Well, I understand you want to be a father. It’s been more than three years, almost four, since we were married. B: Yes, time has passed so quickly, but we still didn’t have a baby. A: I know, but we can’t afford to have one now. If I leave my job for more than two weeks, I’ll lose it forever. B: I know you will. But remember, if we don’t have one now, it’ll be too late. We’ll be busier in future. A: There is something in what you said. Four years is a long time to wait. But I really like my job. What’s more, I’m very close to getting promotion. B: But a baby borne by a woman in her 30s may be physically and intellectually less healthy. If we wanted to hold onto your job, we would wait forever. Soon we’ll be too old to enjoy a baby. A: You really have a point. I’ll choose the baby over the job. B: Good, I’ll try harder to make both ends meet MODEL2 So many people in the United States get divorced! Script Kim: Hi Amy. Amy: Hi! Look at this headline, Kim. Kim: Wow! So many people in the United States get divorced! Amy: But this is not uncommon in west. In some places, the divorce rate can be as high as 50 percent. Kim: It seems strange to me that Westerners fall head heels in love quickly, if not at first sight; but they also leave each other quickly. Amy: Is it the same in your country? Kim: I don’t think so. In my country, some marriages break up, but most couples stay together. Amy: Do people get married young? Kim: Not really. Not many people get married before the age of 20. Amy: Hmm. Do woman usually work after they get married? Kim: No, a lot of women stay home to take care of their families. But more women work now
Now Your turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: It seems strange to me that Westerners fall head heels in love quickly, but they also leave each other quickly B: Is it the same where you live? A: I don't think so In my country, most couples stay together B: What is the divorce rate in your homeland? A: The divorce rate can be as low as 10 percent B: Thats quite lower than in our country A: Well, what's the divorce rate in your country? B: About 50 percent, if I'm not mistaken A: Oh, that s really high! B: Do people get married young? A: Not really. Not many people get married before the age of 22 B: Many of our young people get married before 20. Is it common for women in your country to work after they marry? A: Yes, most wives work even after they've got a baby B: In my country, a lot of wives stay home to look after their families MOdEL3 Why not have both our parents here for Christmas Script Amy: You know, Christmas is coming. And I haven't seen Dad for ages--he always has such great stories to tell Bill: I know we went t my folks' last year, but my Moms been pretty sick. This might be her last christmas Amy: She's been ill, but don t exaggerate. You just dont like my mother. Thats why you dont want to go to my parents Bill: She's never liked me. Never thought i was good enough for you Amy: Well, you're not... But seriously. Mom's not so sad. She's just got a thick skin and likes to hide her feelings Bill: i don t think so Amy: Why not have our both families here for Christmas? Bill: That would make twenty-two of us if we invited everybody Amy: Why not iust have our parents here for Christmas? Bill: Good idea, Just dont sit me next to your mother. 6
6 Now Your Turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: It seems strange to me that Westerners fall head heels in love quickly, but they also leave each other quickly. B: Is it the same where you live? A: I don’t think so. In my country, most couples stay together. B: What is the divorce rate in your homeland? A: The divorce rate can be as low as 10 percent. B: That’s quite lower than in our country. A: Well, what’s the divorce rate in your country? B: About 50 percent, if I’m not mistaken. A: Oh, that’s really high! B: Do people get married young? A: Not really. Not many people get married before the age of 22. B: Many of our young people get married before 20. Is it common for women in your country to work after they marry? A: Yes, most wives work even after they’ve got a baby. B: In my country, a lot of wives stay home to look after their families. MODEL3 Why not have both our parents here for Christmas? Script Amy: You know, Christmas is coming. And I haven’t seen Dad for ages—he always has such great stories to tell. Bill: I know we went t my folks’ last year, but my Mom’s been pretty sick. This might be her last Christmas. Amy: She’s been ill, but don’t exaggerate. You just don’t like my mother. That’s why you don’t want to go to my parents Bill: She’s never liked me. Never thought I was good enough for you. Amy: Well, you’re not… But seriously, Mom’s not so sad. She’s just got a thick skin and likes to hide her feelings Bill: I don’t think so. Amy: Why not have our both families here for Christmas? Bill: That would make twenty-two of us if we invited everybody. Amy: Why not just have our parents here for Christmas? Bill: Good idea. Just don’t sit me next to your mother
Now Your turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: You know, the Spring Festive is coming, and we have to consider where to have the Spring Festive Eve dinner. B: What have you got in mind? A: Since I've been busy, I haven t seen mom for quite some time--she's always been so kind to us B: I know we went t my folks last year, but my mom's been sick. She needs comfort My parents also need company. If i dont have the Spring Festive Eve dinner with them for two years running, they will be extremely disappointed. As a matter of fact my mom is already blaming me for neglecting them B What can we do then? A: Let me think. Why not invite our parents here for the dinner? B: But they live so far away from us. It's inconvenient for old people A: Then we can invite four of them to a restaurant near them B: Good, idea. On the next morning we can visit both our parents A: And dont forget to bring gifts VLet’ s Talk Script If you want me to tell you why I remarried, thats my story Remarried is the last thing Id consider for two years after my divorce. I had heard about the high rate of remarriage failure. More importantly, I wondered how remarrying would affect my 10-year-old son. My heart ached when I saw my son draw a picture of himself, my ex-wife and me hold ing hands, with sadness on our faces. Since my parents have married and divorce eight times altogether, I hope my son would not have to go through the same pain I had experienced. As a result, my primary focus after divorce was my relationship with my son John, not finding a wife As time went by, my son gradually grew up, and he became of my loneliness and anxiety. One day he asked me to consider dating. The first timer he said this, I ignored him. The second time he brought it up, I reconsidered my reservations about dating began to date Maria. As our relationship developed over the following year, I was concerned about my son would actually respond to her. At first, John's affection for Maria was lukewarm. For instance, he would hug her, but the act seemed mechanical But after several times, he warmed up to her. Seeing that the time was ripe, I asked Maria to marry me. She accepted, so our family of two smoothly became a family of three. Thinking back, I believe my remarry ing was the right choice
7 Now Your Turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: You know, the Spring Festive is coming, and we have to consider where to have the Spring Festive Eve dinner. B: What have you got in mind? A: Since I’ve been busy, I haven’t seen mom for quite some time—she’s always been so kind to us. B: I know we went t my folks’ last year, but my mom’s been sick. She needs comfort. A: My parents also need company. If I don’t have the Spring Festive Eve dinner with them for two years running, they will be extremely disappointed. As a matter of fact, my mom is already blaming me for neglecting them. B: What can we do then? A: Let me think. Why not invite our parents here for the dinner? B: But they live so far away from us. It’s inconvenient for old people. A: Then we can invite four of them to a restaurant near them. B: Good, idea. On the next morning we can visit both our parents. A: And don’t forget to bring gifts. V. Let’s Talk Script If you want me to tell you why I remarried, that’s my story. Remarried is the last thing I’d consider for two years after my divorce. I had heard about the high rate of remarriage failure. More importantly, I wondered how remarrying would affect my 10-year-old son. My heart ached when I saw my son draw a picture of himself, my ex-wife and me holding hands, with sadness on our faces. Since my parents have married and divorce eight times altogether, I hope my son would not have to go through the same pain I had experienced. As a result, my primary focus after divorce was my relationship with my son John, not finding a wife. As time went by, my son gradually grew up, and he became of my loneliness and anxiety. One day he asked me to consider dating. The first timer he said this, I ignored him. The second time he brought it up, I reconsidered my reservations about dating. I began to date Maria. As our relationship developed over the following year, I was concerned about my son would actually respond to her. At first, John’s affection for Maria was lukewarm. For instance, he would hug her, but the act seemed mechanical. But after several times, he warmed up to her. Seeing that the time was ripe, I asked Maria to marry me. She accepted, so our family of two smoothly became a family of three. Thinking back, I believe my remarrying was the right choice
Some single-parents are still besitant about remarrying. Now that youve heard my story, I hope you wont hesitate and let golden opportunities slip through your fingers Changes in the Speaker's Reasons or Detailed Description Attitude to remarriage 1. High rate of remarriage failure 2. Remarriage would affect my son For two years after my divorce, He drew a picture of the three of us. remarriage was the last word I'd consider. 2 My parents married and divorcedeight times and I hope my son would have no 3 My primary focus was my son, not a wife ignored my son's suggestion that I He grew up and became conscious of my I reconsidered m reservation about dating The second time he brought the issue up. and began to date maria I was concerned about my son's respond At first his affection for her was to her lukewarm: his hug was mechanical; but several months later he warmed up to her asked Maria to marry me and she Seeing time was ripe. Our family of two became a family of i believe my remarrying was the right Debate SAMPLE A: On the whole I dont support remarriage. Too many remarriages have turned out to be unsuccessful and end in divorce B: If you say many remarriages have failed, that means other remarriages have survived, or even bloomed. We should not only look at the dark of the issue A: But there're too many factors contribute to the failure of a second marriage. For example, as you become older, you may find it increasingly difficult to adjust to a d ifferent pattern of life with a new mate. Once theres a conflict neither is willing
8 Some single-parents are still besitant about remarrying. Now that you’ve heard my story, I hope you won’t hesitate and let golden opportunities slip through your fingers. Changes in the Speaker’s Attitude to Remarriage Reasons or Detailed Description For two years after my divorce, remarriage was the last word I’d consider. 1. High rate of remarriage failure. 2. Remarriage would affect my son. ① He drew a picture of the three of us. ② My parents married and divorced eight times and I hope my son would have no such pain. ③ My primary focus was my son, not a wife. I ignored my son’s suggestion that I consider dating. He grew up and became conscious of my loneliness and anxiety. I reconsidered m reservation about dating and began to date Maria The second time he brought the issue up. I was concerned about my son’s respond to her. At first his affection for her was lukewarm: his hug was mechanical; but several months later he warmed up to her. I asked Maria to marry me and she accepted. Seeing time was ripe. Our family of two became a family of three. I believe my remarrying was the right choice. Debate SAMPLE A: On the whole I don’t support remarriage. Too many remarriages have turned out to be unsuccessful and end in divorce. B: If you say many remarriages have failed, that means other remarriages have survived, or even bloomed. We should not only look at the dark of the issue. A: But there’re too many factors contribute to the failure of a second marriage. For example, as you become older, you may find it increasingly difficult to adjust to a different pattern of life with a new mate. Once there’s a conflict neither is willing
to give in B: Therere conflicts everywhere, but you should not neglect that an adult psychological and physical needs. Without a companion, one may feel lonely anXIous A: In a new family the husband tends to compare his new wife's weak point with his ex-wifes strong point. And the wife does the same B: I wish you'd seen the film The Sound of Music. The governess Maria blended so smoothly into the Captains famil A: It is not easy for children to accept the new mother or father. It is simply impossible for them to forget their birth-mother's lov ing care and the happy moments in their child hood B: But how happy are the Captains seven children with their adopted mother Maria If the new mother shows genuine care for the kids, they will gradually warm to her. On the other hand, many children in a single-parent family are under psychological pressure and suffer from anxiety attack. So, the single life is not the right choice VI. Further Listening and Speaking Taskl: Early Marriage scI At the age of 12, Lisa has been married for three years to a young man she met just after finishing secondary school. He treated her well. She almost died during the birth of their first child, born a year after their marriage. The second child, born 18 months later, was also a girl. Lately she and her husband quarrel frequently. She wants to go to vocational school to learn skills to add to the family income but his mother insists she stay home and produce a son This example is by no means exceptional. Early marriage is common in many parts of the world. Early marriage leads to early motherhood. In some developing countries, 20 percent or over half of the women give birth to their first child before the age of 18. Expectations from parents, in-laws and society are to produce a child as soon as possible. Many young wives feel pressure to bear son. This typically results in early and frequent pregnancies In developing countries, more than half a million women die every year from causes related to pregnancy. There are four important reasons for these deaths. Birth are either too soon, too close, too many, or to late. Accord ing to statistics, it is young women who most die during pregnancy 1. At what age did Lisa give birth to her first child? 2. What does lisa want? 3. Why do women in some developing countries have babies early?
9 to give in. B: There’re conflicts everywhere, but you should not neglect that an adult has psychological and physical needs. Without a companion, one may feel lonely and anxious. A: In a new family the husband tends to compare his new wife’s weak point with his ex-wife’s strong point. And the wife does the same. B: I wish you’d seen the film The Sound of Music. The governess Maria blended so smoothly into the Captain’s family. A: It is not easy for children to accept the new mother or father. It is simply impossible for them to forget their birth-mother’s loving care and the happy moments in their childhood. B: But how happy are the Captain’s seven children with their adopted mother Maria! If the new mother shows genuine care for the kids, they will gradually warm to her. On the other hand, many children in a single-parent family are under psychological pressure and suffer from anxiety attack. So, the single life is not the right choice. VI. Further Listening and Speaking Task1: Early Marriage Script At the age of 12, Lisa has been married for three years to a young man she met just after finishing secondary school. He treated her well. She almost died during the birth of their first child, born a year after their marriage. The second child, born 18 months later, was also a girl. Lately she and her husband quarrel frequently. She wants to go to vocational school to learn skills to add to the family income, but his mother insists she stay home and produce a son. This example is by no means exceptional. Early marriage is common in many parts of the world. Early marriage leads to early motherhood. In some developing countries, 20 percent or over half of the women give birth to their first child before the age of 18.Expectations from parents, in-laws and society are to produce a child as soon as possible. Many young wives feel pressure to bear son. This typically results in early and frequent pregnancies. In developing countries, more than half a million women die every year from causes related to pregnancy. There are four important reasons for these deaths. Birth are either “too soon, too close, too many, or to late”. According to statistics, it is young women who most die during pregnancy. 1. At what age did Lisa give birth to her first child? 2. What does Lisa want? 3. Why do women in some developing countries have babies early?
4. What are the reasons women d ie from child birth? 5. What is the main idea of the passage? Keys: 1. B 2.D3.A4.D 5.C Task 2: Nuclear Family Living Patterns Script A nuclear family is typical in high-industrialized societies. Beginning in the early 20th century, the two-parent family known as the nuclear family was the predominant American family type. Generally children live with their parents until they go away to a college or university, or until they acquire their own jobs and move into their own apartment or home In the early mid-20th century, the family typically was the sole wage earner, and the mother was the children's principle care giver. Today, often both parents hold jobs Dual-earner families are the predominant type for famil ies with children in the United States. Increasingly, one of the parents has a non-standard shift; that is, a shift that does not start in the morning and end in later afternoon In these families one of the parents manages the children while the other works Prior to school, adequate day care of children is necessary for dual-earner famil ies. In recent years, many private companies and home-based day care centers have sprung up fulfill this need. Increasingly, a company's arrangement of day care as well as government assistance to parents reguiring day care is occurring. Task3: They are coming for Christmas Script A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Christmas and says, " I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mom and I are divorcing Forty-five years of misery is enough
10 4. What are the reasons women die from childbirth? 5. What is the main idea of the passage? Keys: 1.B 2.D3.A 4.D 5.C Task 2: Nuclear Family Living Patterns Script A nuclear family is typical in high-industrialized societies. Beginning in the early 20th century, the two-parent family known as the nuclear family was the predominant American family type. Generally children live with their parents until they go away to a college or university, or until they acquire their own jobs and move into their own apartment or home. In the early mid-20th century, the family typically was the sole wage earner, and the mother was the children’s principle care giver. Today, often both parents hold jobs. Dual-earner families are the predominant type for families with children in the United States. Increasingly, one of the parents has a non-standard shift; that is, a shift that does not start in the morning and end in later afternoon. In these families, one of the parents manages the children while the other works. Prior to school, adequate day care of children is necessary for dual-earner families. In recent years, many private companies and home-based day care centers have sprung up fulfill this need. Increasingly, a company’s arrangement of day care as well as government assistance to parents requiring day care is occurring. Task3: They are coming for Christmas, Script A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Christmas and says, “I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mom and I are divorcing, Forty-five years of misery is enough
